Dr Hsu's Craft: Engineering High-Fidelity Bass for 30+ Years
Built By Audiophiles, For Audiophiles
I'd always loved high quality deep bass, but couldn't find what I wanted, even in high-end speaker systems. Motivated to build my own subwoofers that even budget sound enthusiasts could enjoy, I built my first subwoofer while studying at MIT in the '80s. I care a lot about my craft and it's my mission to share the gift of breathtaking sound with all of you!
We do this in 3 ways:
- True Subwoofers
- Speakers
- FREE Guides like the one bellow that help you choose and set up your system (even if you don't purchase from us)
Dr. Hsu
P.S. This is one of the first subwoofers I made out of recycled cardboard. I called it the a sono-tube and it was seven feet tall, taller than me. :)
Best Upgrade Pick - Wirecutter 2023
For home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles, the Hsu Research VTF-2 MK5 12-inch subwoofer is the stuff of dreams. In our tests, on average theVTF-2 MK5 played 50% louder across the entire measurement range than our top pick, and our panelists were impressed with its ability to shake their listening chairs. Multiple tuning modes allow you to optimize this subwoofer’s sound to suit your taste.
- Wirecutter
Our Subwoofers
We hope this comparison guide can help you choose between our subs. For more support, you can:
- Email us at sales@hsuresearch.com
- Message us in the live chat
- Read our in-depth buying guide by filling out the form above
Wirecutter Upgrade Pick. Most affordable with uncompromised sound
VTF-2 MK5 Subwoofer
Introducing the VTF-2 MK5, the epitome of affordability and value in the renowned HSU lineup. This subwoofer is designed to cater to budget-conscious enthusiasts without compromising on quality or performance.
- Most affordable and budget-friendly subwoofer
- One of the smallest subwoofers so it works well in tighter spaces, yet doesn’t compromise on quality
- Better performance below 20 Hz frequency than the ULS-15 MK2
- Plays lower in extension over the ULS-15 MK2
- Variable tuning provides more flexibility and allows customers to choose lower bass or higher output capabilities - it’s like having three subwoofers in one!
- Regular price
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$689.00 - Regular price
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$689.00 - Sale price
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$689.00
Customer favorite and best seller
VTF-3 MK5 HP Subwoofer
The new VTF-3 MK5 HP sets a new standard for high-end performance at an affordable price point. It’s earned its reputation as one of the best value ported 15" subwoofers on the market.
- Customer favorite and best seller
- Smaller enclosure than the VTF-15H MK2 (4” less depth) and lighter, but nearly identical in performance for the majority of audio material
- Plays significantly louder and cleaner in the deeper bass over the ULS-15 MK2 for just a small increase in price.
- Output is equivalent to two VTF-2 MK5’s across the board at frequencies above 25 Hz
- Most inexpensive ported 15” subwoofer in our offerings (of 2)
- Identical performance to the VTF-15H MK2 from 25 Hz on up
- Considered one of the best value ported 15” subwoofers
- For those who are worried about the size, it’s been designed to remain shorter than typical sofas so it can double as an end-table.
- Offered in a smooth satin black painted finish
- Regular price
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$999.00 - Regular price
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$999.00 - Sale price
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$999.00
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Popular for musicians and recording engineers, smallest size
ULS-15 MK2 Subwoofer
Introducing the ULS-15 MK2, the renowned musician's companion subwoofer that has garnered immense popularity in music recording studios and various other contexts.
- Well-known for being a musician’s companion subwoofer
- Most popular subwoofer for music and cinematic recording studios
- Smallest subwoofer in the HSU lineup
- At its price point, the ULS is the best performer of the industry’s sealed subwoofers
- Better performance from 25 Hz on up over the VTF-2 Mk5 (like having two VTF-2 Mk5’s put together when it comes to mid-bass slam/punch)
- Mid-bass performance is fairly similar to VTF-3 Mk5 HP and VTF-15H MK2
- Most affordable 15” HSU subwoofer
- Balanced XLR inputs to protect their signal from noise caused by RF interference, RMI, etc for common usage in high-end audio and professional audio (studio, live sound environments)
- Packs a lot of performance despite the smaller enclosure
- Smooth satin black painted finish
- Note: Magnetic Grille has been discontinued. New orders will receive peg grille.
- Regular price
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$939.00 - Regular price
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$989.00 - Sale price
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$939.00
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Best performer, most output capability
VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
Status Update: Discontinued. The VTF-15H MK2 has been replaced by the new VTF-TN1. Please click here for more information.
The VTF-15H MK2 is our flagship and highest-performing subwoofer designed for the ultimate home theater experience. With its exceptional capabilities, the VTF-15H MK2 stands as the pinnacle of performance in the HSU lineup.
- Most popular subwoofer for home theater
- Highest performing subwoofer that excels in output capability, especially in the deeper bass
- Larger enclosure than the VTF-3 MK5 HP, so more efficient in the deeper bass
- Larger ports at a lower tuning than the VTF-3 MK5 HP, so it not only plays louder and cleaner with sub 20 Hz bass (less port noise), but also plays lower
- Plays significantly louder and cleaner than the VTF-2 MK5 across the board (like having two of the VTF-2 MK5’s put together) without distortion.
- Plays significantly louder and cleaner than the ULS-15 MK2 in the deeper bass (like having two ULS-15 MK2’s put together) without distortion.
- Balanced XLR inputs to protect their signal from noise caused by RF interference, RMI, etc for common usage in high-end audio and professional audio (studio, live sound environments)
- Offered in a smooth satin black painted finish or a real-wood veneer rosenut finish
- For those who are worried about the size, it’s been designed to remain shorter than typical sofas so it can double as an end-table.
- Regular price
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$1,249.00 - Regular price
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$1,249.00 - Sale price
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$1,249.00