Leading EDM festival loudspeaker designer HSD Sound Systems upgrades flagship subwoofers with Celestion TSQ drivers

HSD Sound Systems, a name synonymous with high-impact, custom-built professional audio, is embarking on a new chapter, integrating cutting-edge Celestion TSQ Series drivers into some of its most acclaimed loudspeakers. With this strategic move, HSD has upgraded its flagship Sherman subwoofer with the Celestion TSQ2460 24-inch low-frequency loudspeaker, its versatile Tomahawk subwoofer with the 21-inch TSQ2145, and the DJ18 DJ Monitor with the 18-inch TSQ1845. Seeking more than just sonic improvements, HSD’s founder, Bob Trinanes, reveals that the TSQ Series’ rugged durability was a crucial deciding factor in his decision.

Originally founded by Trinanes in 2014 as Hennessey Sound Designs, HSD Sound Systems emerged from a lifelong passion for sound and speaker building. 

Inspired by an unforgettable sound system experience in Las Vegas, he built a custom rig for his own nightclub, which quickly garnered attention. 

"People began calling, asking who built it, and that’s how Hennessey Sound Design started – almost by accident," explained Trinanes. Today, HSD Sound Systems is a household name on the EDM festival circuit, providing loudspeakers for the One Vibe Festival, Resonance, Electric Forest, Miami Music Week and many others.

Based in Fall River, Massachusetts, HSD prides itself on its unique, fully in-house manufacturing process. "We do everything in-house: assembly, paint, and shipping. We are one of the few companies that handle all these processes internally," Trinanes stated, which is further supported by the company's description of handling research and development, woodworking, finishing, driver integration, and polyurea coating in-house. 

This end-to-end control ensures meticulous quality standards and enables rapid iteration. HSD systems are renowned for their "sonic clarity, physical resilience, and ease of deployment in demanding environments.”

HSD’s long-standing appreciation for Celestion has deepened with the introduction of the TSQ line. "We've used Celestion in the past in our more economical subs, but we always wanted something from them with more powerful capabilities," Trinanes noted. 

"When Celestion released their new heavy-hitter TSQ line, we were among the first in the country to test them. We found these new Celestion drivers handle power well, sound phenomenal, and are very musical."

This rigorous testing has led to a pivotal partnership with Celestion drivers now incorporated into four different HSD models. Most notably, the Celestion TSQ2460 LF driver has revived the colossal Sherman subwoofer, which had stopped production due to unreliable drivers from another manufacturer. The TSQ2460 was chosen for its unwavering performance and durability, redefining the benchmark for loudspeaker longevity.

The Sherman, HSD’s largest horn-loaded subwoofer, is engineered for extreme low-frequency reproduction and unmatched output, delivering the equivalent of two HSD BattleAxes, their second largest subwoofer. This 440-pound behemoth, measuring 30″ x 48″ x 72″, boasts a formidable low corner of 29 hertz.

"While the Sherman was initially designed around a different 24-inch driver, the previous driver was fragile, and we experienced failures during torture tests,” Trinanes recounted. 

"After testing five different 24-inch drivers in this box, the Celestion TSQ2460 was the unanimous winner. It immediately stood out for its sound quality and exceptional durability, handling abuse and power much better. Now that the TSQ2460 is widely available, the Sherman is back in production. In fact, we have already locked in our first sale for new TSQ-loaded Sherman subs during a customer demo last week.”

The 21-inch Celestion TSQ2145 is now integral to HSD’s Tomahawk model, a compact and scalable subwoofer, designed to provide a highly sensitive, truck-pack-friendly solution for touring and installations. Its integration of a 21-inch Celestion TSQ2145 driver from the TSQ line enhances its efficient power handling and robust performance.

Similarly, HSD’s DJ18 Subwoofer Monitor, designed for stage and DJ booth monitoring, now benefits from Celestion’s18-inch TSQ1845 driver, ensuring precise and reliable low-frequency output. While not in Celestion’s TSQ series, Trinanes added that he also “chose the Celestion FTX1225 for our REF12 high-performance powered point source to provide the exceptional clarity we were striving for with that loudspeaker.”

"Celestion definitely has an edge, offering great value for the money," Trinanes affirms. Beyond competitive pricing, HSD values Celestion's proven reliability. 

"We always knew Celestion had the capability to build rugged products for our market. We have a saying: 'Can it survive a week at Burning Man?' and Celestion's new TSQ line meets this standard." He concludes by commending Celestion's collaborative approach: "Celestion is one of the easiest companies to work with, and I value their flexibility in accommodating our specific specifications for different needs."

With the integration of Celestion's TSQ drivers, HSD Sound Systems continues to push the boundaries of professional audio, delivering systems that “not only move air but move people.”