Sub Help: Monolith vs HSU

[Gk26.88]

Hello Guys, I am new here.
Looking for dual sub around $1000 mark.
Looking Molith12THX and HSU vtf2mk5.
Need some suggestions which one to go.
My room size is 15x13.

 

[Todd Anderson]

First off, welcome! Glad you joined the site!

I think some keywords in your post: "around $1000." Since you're hovering around that price point, I'd strongly urge you to make sure that budget can float between $1K and $1,500. Even if that means saving for a few months more. Always good to keep your options open!

Both the Monolith and VTF2 are rock-solid choices. If $1k is your definitive goal, it would be hard to suggest looking any further than the VTF2. If you want to spend more for slightly more robust output, that Monolith is about as good as it gets when considering two for around $1.5K.

The Monolith is going to carry a heavier/more inert cabinet. I'm not sure how the exterior vinyl coverings compare. As I noted in my review of the Monolith 12", it's best if the speaker is placed and left... and out of the way of heavy traffic. It's covering is definitely suitable. But, I don't think it's as durable as a veneer finish.

 

[Gk26.88]

Thanks for your reply
Yes I can afford little more than $1000.
But I have read some good reviews of both subs, so was struck in between which one to go.
I am looking for long term use. I use it for mostly movies.
So I need help from audio professionals like you.

 

[Todd Anderson]

If you like controlled bass that hits super hard at high volume levels, I think I'd probably go Monolith. You can watch me unbox one, here: https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/monoprice-monolith-12-thx-ultra-subwoofer-unboxing.1864/

It's got some heftiness to it! Like I said before, my only knock on the sub is its exterior. But, Monoprice can't give these things away. They have to make sacrifices to keep price in check. All that said, it's not like the exterior a deal breaker. You just have to be more careful with it.

All that said, the HSU will give you really good bang/buck. And it will also rattle your teeth. Build-wise, it's cabinet isn't quite as inert.
Dr. Hsu knows what he's doing... the model you're considering is its 5th iteration. And they found ways to drop the price will making it perform better.

I guess the next step up would be SVS or Power Sound Audio. But, both are going to have you digging deeper in your wallet.

I'd be more concerned if your overall budget for 2 is less. You're lucky to have two fantastic options at your disposal!

 

[Gk26.88]

I appreciate your details response.
Thanks once again will go with dual Monolith 12”.

 

[Grayson Dere]

I appreciate your details response.
Thanks once again will go with dual Monolith 12”.

You're in for many years of movie enjoyment...especially going with 2 Monoliths! Be sure your home's foundation is ready for this : )

 

[Todd Anderson]

Don’t be a stranger @Gk26.88!

When you get them delivered we need some pics! :-). And of course, talk shop about where to place them in your room.

 

[Gk26.88]

Sure thing

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

So where does the tracking number say they are now?

 

[Todd Anderson]

They're on sale via Amazon!

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

Woot! Woot!

 

[Gk26.88]

I ordered oh July 22 still waiting on them.. have to see, some times monoprice website keeps them for $640 open boxes 2 day shipping with 30 day return and full warranty. Instead of waiting for amazon delivery if that pops up can buy there..

 

[Todd Anderson]

Verrrry cool. You’re in for a treat. That Monolith 12 is entry into GREAT bass. And two of them?!?

You’re going to rock the living daylights out of your 15x13 room with effortless playback capable of handling serious dynamics.

Make sure you have a copy of Interstellar on hand!

 

[Michael Scott]

oh jeez. TWO Mono 12s in a 15x13 room? oh yeah, you'll have headroom for days. Enjoy.

 

[Gk26.88]

oh jeez. TWO Mono 12s in a 15x13 room? oh yeah, you'll have headroom for days. Enjoy.

I hope it would not break my floor

 

[Michael Scott]

as long as you calibrate it a subwoofer won't play above what you set it at. just give you lots of headroom and the extra smoothing response of a second sub. you did well

 

[Coy Ramsey]

Interested in this post, very similar needs. I am considering 2 subs in new house, room 14x14x9 size but open on half wall to larger volume. Wired for 5.1.2 (w/2 sub connections). Hsu, Monoprice, Rythmik, SVS on top of list. We are an older couple, 75% HT and not bass heads or loudness advocates, so thinking 2 subs in the $600-$700 range each. Left to my own limited knowledge I'd probably select Rythmik LV12 (I think that is the model) to get the servo feature. Any comments on my options ?

 

[Michael Scott]

are you on a slab floor? wood floor? suspended floor (e.g., 2nd story room etc)

size requirements?

 

[Coy Ramsey]

wood over concrete, 2 walls are windowed, ceiling and 1.5 wall are drywall, open 0.5 wall. Rug on floor, slat blinds on windows, expect the room to be "lively" and at 14x14x9 not the best for bass. MLP near back wall and about 10' from L/C/R. Sub plugs (2) along window left side wall, one to the side of MLP and one beside left front speaker. Yeah, a challenge.

 

[Michael Scott]

not horrible. you can find a really good spot in the room and go with one big one, or get two smaller ones to fill in nodes. for a room that size you can go with (for duals like you wanted, we can talk about a big single depending)

2x SVS PB-1000
2x Monolith 12's (waaaaay more output than the SVS PB-1000s)
2x Rythmik Lv12r's (halfway in between the Monolith and the PB-1000's for output and quality IMO)

if you can stretch your budget you move to the SVS-PB 2000 or SVS-PC 2000 (the PC is the cylinder sub, which is a huge space saver, but otherwise sonically about identical to the PB-2000)

sealed is ok with two in the room, but going mostly home theater AND being on a slab, ported will get you more bang for your buck output and midbass wise.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Don't worry about overkill with 2.. you don't have to be a bass-head to appreciate smooth and even output.. It's all about calibrating the subs and leaving headroom for total ease of operation.

Coy, they Rythmik option is a good one. When you're talking about operation in a 14x14 room... and having TWO... I think it's pretty much guaranteed that you're going to have good performance with any of the subs you're talking about.

 

[Michael Scott]

Don't worry about overkill with 2.. you don't have to be a bass-head to appreciate smooth and even output.. It's all about calibrating the subs and leaving headroom for total ease of operation.

Coy, they Rythmik option is a good one. When you're talking about operation in a 14x14 room... and having TWO... I think it's pretty much guaranteed that you're going to have good performance with any of the subs you're talking about.

What Todd said. a 14x14x9 is barely bedroom sized (on the medium side of bedroom sizes) and really is NOT hard to pressurize. If you're not bass freaks and running it super hot, even one 12 inch sub will do fine. But with two you'll have headroom to spare

 

[Coy Ramsey]

Thanks guys, good input. FYI, Dr Hsu recommended that the open wall into the adjoining space would allow the sub to "see" a much larger volume and therefore to place the sub(s) in the corner(s) facing the open space and upgrade to the 2-mk5 Hsu variable port sub(s) (model # is my guess). As Michael noted, "headroom to spare". I now have several good choices and probably can't screw it up.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Yes, that's essentially what happens. And you definitely want to buy as much headroom as you can. Smooth effortless bass – all of the time – is way better than bass that can perform at limits with occasionally tripping into distress.

When you get powerful subs, tho, you really need to take time and effort to dial them in... which will keep them tamed and inline with your system (transparent!)

 

[Sonnie Parker]

@Gk26.88 ... did you ever get your Monolith subs?