HSU Research
Encyclopedia
HSU Research is a consumer loudspeaker
manufacturer based in Anaheim, California
.
s. The founder, Dr. Poh Ser Hsu, received his Ph.D.
in civil engineering
from MIT. Dr. Hsu also holds a patent
for a high-speed switching semiconductor
.
down to 16 Hz. The next line of subwoofer
s, the VTF series, could be tuned for either bass
extension or output.
In 2003, a cheaper product line aimed at the mass market was created called the STF series. The patented Ventriloquist six-channel speaker system also came to market, garnering many rave reviews, including an Editor's Choice award from CNET
and making the cover of $ensible Sound magazine.
In 2006, Dr Hsu applied for patent
s on several new technologies, including the Turbocharger, mid-bass module (positional optimization of low frequency reproduction), and a way of bending a port tube so it will perform as well as a straight port. The VTF-3 HO was introduced this year, utilizing the Turbocharger and bent-port patent filing. Using a 12-inch woofer with XBL^2 linear-motor technology licenced from Adire Audio, the VTF-3 HO can achieve high levels of low-distortion bass reproduction.
In 2007, other implementations of patent-pending technologies came to fruition in the form of the MBM-12 (Mid-Bass Module), the VTF MK 3 line, and the HB-1 (Horn Bookshelf), HC-1 (Horn Center) horn-based loudspeakers. The HB-1 2-way loudspeaker uses a constant-directivity horn, which provides a uniform off-axis response, offering accurate imaging
and soundstage reproduction.
In 2008, a 15-inch subwoofer, the ULS-15 was introduced. The ULS-15 woofer features the XBL motor design from Acoustic Development International with linear large-signal Bl within +/- 20 mm. The ULS-15 also features robust 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity.
Hsu Research sells their products exclusively via their web site.
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. Non-electrical loudspeakers were developed as accessories to telephone systems, but electronic amplification by vacuum tube made loudspeakers more generally useful...
manufacturer based in Anaheim, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
About the company
Hsu Research Inc was created in 1991. Their initial focus was on subwooferSubwoofer
A subwoofer is a woofer, or a complete loudspeaker, which is dedicated to the reproduction of low-pitched audio frequencies known as the "bass". The typical frequency range for a subwoofer is about 20–200 Hz for consumer products, below 100 Hz for professional live sound, and below...
s. The founder, Dr. Poh Ser Hsu, received his Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in civil engineering
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
from MIT. Dr. Hsu also holds a patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
for a high-speed switching semiconductor
Semiconductor
A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity due to electron flow intermediate in magnitude between that of a conductor and an insulator. This means a conductivity roughly in the range of 103 to 10−8 siemens per centimeter...
.
Background
According to Hsu's website, the first product used sonotube (a product used to make forms for concrete), was seven feet tall, and produced bassLFE
The low-frequency effects channel is the name of an audio track specifically intended for deep, low-pitched sounds ranging from 3-120 Hz. This track is normally sent to a speaker that is specially designed for low-pitched sounds called the subwoofer...
down to 16 Hz. The next line of subwoofer
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is a woofer, or a complete loudspeaker, which is dedicated to the reproduction of low-pitched audio frequencies known as the "bass". The typical frequency range for a subwoofer is about 20–200 Hz for consumer products, below 100 Hz for professional live sound, and below...
s, the VTF series, could be tuned for either bass
LFE
The low-frequency effects channel is the name of an audio track specifically intended for deep, low-pitched sounds ranging from 3-120 Hz. This track is normally sent to a speaker that is specially designed for low-pitched sounds called the subwoofer...
extension or output.
In 2003, a cheaper product line aimed at the mass market was created called the STF series. The patented Ventriloquist six-channel speaker system also came to market, garnering many rave reviews, including an Editor's Choice award from CNET
CNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
and making the cover of $ensible Sound magazine.
In 2006, Dr Hsu applied for patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
s on several new technologies, including the Turbocharger, mid-bass module (positional optimization of low frequency reproduction), and a way of bending a port tube so it will perform as well as a straight port. The VTF-3 HO was introduced this year, utilizing the Turbocharger and bent-port patent filing. Using a 12-inch woofer with XBL^2 linear-motor technology licenced from Adire Audio, the VTF-3 HO can achieve high levels of low-distortion bass reproduction.
In 2007, other implementations of patent-pending technologies came to fruition in the form of the MBM-12 (Mid-Bass Module), the VTF MK 3 line, and the HB-1 (Horn Bookshelf), HC-1 (Horn Center) horn-based loudspeakers. The HB-1 2-way loudspeaker uses a constant-directivity horn, which provides a uniform off-axis response, offering accurate imaging
Stereo imaging
Stereo imaging is an audio jargon term used for the aspect of sound recording and reproduction concerning spatial locations of the sound source, both laterally and in depth. An image is 'good' if the performers can be effortlessly located; 'bad' if there is no hope of doing so...
and soundstage reproduction.
In 2008, a 15-inch subwoofer, the ULS-15 was introduced. The ULS-15 woofer features the XBL motor design from Acoustic Development International with linear large-signal Bl within +/- 20 mm. The ULS-15 also features robust 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity.
Hsu Research sells their products exclusively via their web site.
Products
- 1991 - HRSW10, HRSW12
- 1994 - 12V
- 1994 - 10V
- 1995 - HRSW12Va
- 1996 - HRSW210
- 1996 - TN-825
- 1998 - TN-1220HO, TN-1225HO
- 1999 - VTF-2
- 2002 - VTF-3
- 2003 - STF-1, STF-2, STF-3, VTF-2 MK 2, VTF-3 MK 2, VT-12
- 2006 - VTF-3 HO
- 2007 - VTF-1, VTF-2 MK 3, VTF-3 MK 3, MBM-12, HB-1, HC-1
- 2008 - ULS-15
- 2010 - VTF-15H
External links
- VT-12 speaker system receives Editor's Choice award from CNET
- Dr. Hsu, Special Guest forum thread on AVS Forum
- Dr. Hsu video interview by Dr. John Johnson of Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
- Dr. Hsu interview by 1388.com of Singapore
- Dr. Hsu interview by GoodSound!
- Outlaw Audio - Dr. Hsu was consulted to design Outlaw Audio subwoofers
- Dr. Hsu was the featured guest for the July 2008 Boston Audio Society Meeting