2. home-theater
  3. 135041-97977

JL Audio e112 or HSU ULS MK2

Hello everyone,
Trying to decide between dual JL E112s or dual HSU research ULS mk2. Price difference is big but what about performance? Does any have any direct experience with HSU subs? I’ve heard great things about HSU but never heard one in person.

I do 75% movies 25% music.
Thanks in advance.
danimaz
danimaz OP
60 posts
 
@mattmiller I demoed the e110 and it did not have enough fire power for my room. Didnt go deep enough. 
erik_squires
16,353 posts
 
In my humble opinion, the sound quality of a good Hsu is equal or better than a JL Audio.

Where JL Audio shines is in their automated room correction, which that particular unit does not have. 

Best,

Erik 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I don't know that the JL Audio subs are really worth $3500 over the Hsu.  Like Eric said, the E112 does not have room correction, so if you wanted JL Audio, I'd recommend looking at used Fathom (F112).

You could also look into the SVS 4000 subs:

https://www.svsound.com/pages/4000-series

They have a DSP/EQ built in that can be controlled from iPhone/Android.  It's not an automatic room correction, but it's better than nothing.  For the money, I think you will get a lot deeper bass and a lot more slam than either the JL Audio or Hsu, especially if you get the ported PB-4000.  It does take more space, as it is a 13-1/2" sub with a bigger cabinet.

erik_squires
16,353 posts
 
Another issue with JL honestly is reliability. There are way too many people on Audiogon asking about service. My Hsu has never had a problem. 

Best,

E
yakbob
478 posts
 
@danimaz, I have a pair of the mk1 HSU ULS-15. They have been running flawlessly in my system for years. My usage is skewed more on the music side, but they have no problem handling deep movie frequencies. I have my pair eq'd using an SVS AS-EQ1. This Sub eq was only on the market a couple of years. If you can locate one of these in the used market it should not cost any more than $300-400 and total cost would come in lower than the JL pair with higher reliability. Like Erik, I've read of a decent amount of JL amp problems post warranty period.

The ULS is deep, tuneful, and a pair will load even large rooms with plenty of bass. The finishing (mine are rosewood) is top notch. I would recommend one (or two) to anyone.
More to discover