tldr; Versatile 12" ported sub with port tuning options. Great extension for the size. Budget champion for medium rooms.
Check pricesScores based on sentiment analysis of topic-related comments
Best praise vs top criticism for HSU VTF-2 MK5
“This sub continues to sleep on Hsu Research and I don't know why. They are a 30 year old company and are pioneers in the space of direct to consumer home theater subwoofers and speakers. They are also known for offering great value. If I was shopping for a new sub right now, the VTF-TN1 would be at the top of my list. My current theater has 2 VTF-2's which are more than enough for my 14x18 room. In my living room if have a 17 year old Hsu sub that they don't even make anymore. It gets used every day and still looks and sounds like it did when it was new. I've compared similar Hsu and SVS models back to back in the same room with identical equipment... And I won't bash other brands but I will say that all of you SVS fans have no idea what you're missing out on. ”
“Rear surrounds only make sense if you can get sufficient space behind you to make it work. You don't have that. Stick with 5.1. And since you are still in the planning stage, you have choices. One of those choices should be to avoid in ceiling surrounds. With your current layout, do this. First, get the sectional off the wall. Move it forward about 3 ft. Seating too close to the wall causes reflected sound off the back wall and can make the center harder to understand. It can also make the bass boomy. This also had the advantage of getting you closer to the TV. You'd probably end up 8-9 ft away which would be a good distance for something around 85 inches for a screen. Then you can place the surrounds to the side and slightly behind. Wall Mount some bookshelves. One on the side wall to the right of the chair closer to the corner and one on the back wall right at the entry way. But only if you can find mounts that let you swivel to point at the seating. You might have to use stands. Also replace that small, sealed sub with a more capable ported sub. Maybe an RSL Speedwoofer 12s. HSU VTF-2. SVS PB-1000. Alternatively, rotate everything ninety degrees clockwise. Put the TV on the short wall. Seating then goes whatever distance from the TV is appropriate for the size. (Try to be no more than 1.3 to 1.5 times the diagonal size from the TV.) Side surrounds can be on wall or in wall. You then have space behind you to add rear surrounds, too. Either way, since you're still building, you might consider locating four ceiling speakers for Atmos. And consider stepping up to the 3800. You should be able to find it online for what you're paying for the 2800 at Best Buy. Also plan on some sound absorption to take echoes. Asking those lines, your plan looks like hard wood floors. Would you consider carpet?”
144 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026