Anyone here familiar with DefTech 15TL sub? (1 Viewer)

[Robert Lovejoy]

Some Audio-aware friends of mine, hearing I was in the market for a sub, mentioned Definitve Technology as a manufacturer worth considering. A local store has the Powerfield 15TL in stock for $599.

I had been thinking of a Dharman or a Hsu VTF-2, but the advantage of the DefTech is that I can pick it up and bring it home.

It sounded good in the store but I did not get the option to bring in some familiar albums. One can't experiment with placement in a showroom either. So I was wondering if anyone here might be familiar with it and hopefully provide some insight.

Thanks!

 

[Nick P]

I had been using a pair of those and was quite happy. In my room it was very strong 30hz and up. However, when I could no longer ignore the SVS hype I bought a pair of 20-39CS subs with the Samson 700. It was no contest. The SVS combo stomped all over them and the SVS retails for less than the Def Tech. I have since replaced the CS subs with CS+s.

 

[Brian OK]

Robert,

I have owned the PF15TL Def Tech sub for about a year and a half and have been very pleased with the performance.

Being a 325w, 15" sub, this unit can definately go low. Musical it is not, real tight it is not. But for an HT sub, this unit can keep up with any soundtrack. It has never left me wanting.

I currently have it in my dedicated basement HT room and it seems to be almost too much for my space-- 12'9" x 21'3" x 7'1" . I have the room set up with bass traps , etc, and this has helped alot.

Bottom line, this is a damn good sub for the $599 you have been quoted. I actually have mine set on a 3" custom -cut granite slab and this has helped quite a bit in the bass "tightness". I also have it plugged into a duplex with my amp - the duplex outlet being on a dedicated circuit. This helps too as this amp like a lot of clean power.

This sub is not a forum "favorite", but don't let that sway you in your search for a thumpin' sub.

Good Luck,

BOK

 

[Samson]

I had the PF15 TL plus with the 500 watt amp for about six months and I was impressed with its home theater capabilities. But if you're going to listen to a lot of music I suggest that you look elsewhere. This sub is slow and not very musical. I also owned an NHT SW2Pi and it's one of the most musical subs that I've ever had the pleasure of owning but lacked the 'slam' that we crave for home theater. I now own an SVS 20-39 CS and it's great for both home theater and music.

 

[Robert Lovejoy]

I now have an opportunity to pick up a Hsu TN-1225 with a 250 watt amp for the same price as the DefTech. These subs are cylindical as are the SVSs, and have gotten excellent reviews for performance. Anyone familiar with them here?

 

[Steve Stogel]

You should get plenty of opinions on the Hsu, but let me see if I can hit a few that people will tell you. It is also sonotube (like SVS...actually been around a lot longer than SVS). It is about 12" wide, though, where the SVS subs are 16" wide (this is for the extra volume - you get almost 80% more volume with 16" tubing given the same height). The other difference is the Hsu driver is mounted on the top and the port at the bottom, whereas the SVS has the port on top and the driver on the bottom (makes them a bit less top-heavy).

If size is important, Hsu is a very good option. If it is not (and the SVS's footprint is still only 16" wide), then the SVS, IMO, is a better choice. The extra volume of the SVS allows it to give a flat response without EQing. So you can push an SVS with just about any amp you can find (people are even using a KLH stereo receiver they sell at Best Buy for $80). The Hsu's have to be pushed with their amps (if you go with the Hsu, make sure you're getting the Hsu 250W amp); otherwise, they roll off at about 40Hz, if memory serves.

So you could get a CS sub from SVS for a little over $400 (I picked up a used 25-31CS for $250) and then mate it with just about any amp you have lying around or buy an inexpensive amp from some place like partsexpress to push it. Now is a great time to get a used CS sub since many are upgrading to the CS+ series. Shoot, if you want to splurge, pick up a 25-31CS+ for about 600 (it's 550 plus shipping) and a cheap plate amp, and you'll get waaaay more performance than one TN-1225).

Anyway, long post short, I'd say start shopping for a deal on a used SVS (or two) and find a cheap way to power it. Good luck.

Steve

 

[Scott Simonian]

Im selling my PF15TL sub for $350. You want it? Thats half price man and its in "like new" order.

 

[Robert Lovejoy]

Hi Scott,

From what I've been able to discern, I'm going to hold off on the DefTechs and try for an SVS or at least the Hsu cylander. But thanks for the offer!

 

[MichaelW]

Another young jedi succumbs to the dark side...