Velodyne HGS-10

[Olivertmc]

Hi all:

I have the opportunity to purchase a Velodyne HGS-10 at a fraction of its retail price. However, size is not really an issue in my listening room so I was hoping for some advice on whether this is a good purchase. I am looking at subs in the $500 range (e.g. Hsu, SVS), and wondering how the Velodyne compares. Thanks!

- Olivertmc

[bargainseeker]

Hi all:

I have the opportunity to purchase a Velodyne HGS-10 at a fraction of its retail price. However, size is not really an issue in my listening room so I was hoping for some advice on whether this is a good purchase. I am looking at subs in the $500 range (e.g. Hsu, SVS), and wondering how the Velodyne compares. Thanks!

- OlivertmcThe Velodyne HGS-10 seems like a great deal, but based on these reviews (http://www.audioreview.com/pscSpeakers/Subwoofers/Velodyne%20Acoustics,HGS-10/PRD_120757_2741crx.aspx), I would stay away from it due to reliability and customer support issues. It's not a great deal if it doesn't work.

I would recommend instead the SVS PB10-ISD (http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm). It's maximum output and distortion measurements are similar to those of the HGS-10, it goes a few Hz lower in the bass, and SVS reliability and customer support are top notch. There are reviews of the SVS PB10 here (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/svs-pb10-subwoofer-10-2004.html) and here (http://www.audioreview.com/Subwoofers/SVS/PRD_326151_2741crx.aspx).

[Olivertmc]

The Velodyne HGS-10 seems like a great deal, but based on these reviews (http://www.audioreview.com/pscSpeakers/Subwoofers/Velodyne%20Acoustics,HGS-10/PRD_120757_2741crx.aspx), I would stay away from it due to reliability and customer support issues. It's not a great deal if it doesn't work.

I would recommend instead the SVS PB10-ISD (http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm). It's maximum output and distortion measurements are similar to those of the HGS-10, it goes a few Hz lower in the bass, and SVS reliability and customer support are top notch. There are reviews of the SVS PB10 here (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/svs-pb10-subwoofer-10-2004.html) and here (http://www.audioreview.com/Subwoofers/SVS/PRD_326151_2741crx.aspx).


Bargainseeker:

I took your advice and ordered the SVS. I was on the fence between that and the Velodyne. Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how it all works out.

- Olivertmc

[bargainseeker]

Bargainseeker:

I took your advice and ordered the SVS. I was on the fence between that and the Velodyne. Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how it all works out.

- OlivertmcI think you made the safe choice. Based on the reviews I read, I was getting ready to recommend that you go with the HGS-10, if only for the greater WAF. Then I saw reports on reliability. It sounds like Velodyne has some serious reliability issues with the amplifier module in this subwoofer.

[Olivertmc]

I noticed those reviews as well, but at that price I wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. However, I think the SVS is the safest bet - the reviews are great, and I've heard only good things about the company. My other option was the hsu vtf-2, are you aware of any major differences between the that and the SVS?

[bargainseeker]

I noticed those reviews as well, but at that price I wasn't sure if it was worth the risk. However, I think the SVS is the safest bet - the reviews are great, and I've heard only good things about the company. My other option was the hsu vtf-2, are you aware of any major differences between the that and the SVS?I have a high opinion of Hsu Research as a company and I know many people who are very happy with their Hsu subwoofers. That being said, I believe that the SVS PB10 offers technical advances that set a new standard in the under $500 subwoofer market. In my opinion, the PB10 will go lower with lower distortion and better transient response than the VTF-2.

[Olivertmc]

Bargainseeker:

Received the SVS on Friday and I am AMAZED at the difference in sound quality (as compared to my Energy S8.2). For music, the bass lines are low and clear - a good test was the bassline to "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" from the Allman Bros. Live at the Fillmore East. I listened to it twice in one sitting. Thanks so much for the recommendation.

- Olivertmc

[bargainseeker]

Bargainseeker:

Received the SVS on Friday and I am AMAZED at the difference in sound quality (as compared to my Energy S8.2). For music, the bass lines are low and clear - a good test was the bassline to "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" from the Allman Bros. Live at the Fillmore East. I listened to it twice in one sitting. Thanks so much for the recommendation.

- OlivertmcYou're welcome. I am so glad that it worked out so well for you.