Non tech review of SVS PB12-NSD Powered Box Sub

gfong

Well, what can I say other than, "Why didn't I get this sub when they first came out!" Wow!
Ah, it gives me a reason to "re-feel" some of those classic LFE movies again!

This review is non technical and more of a seat of your pants review! lol literaly!

I have been looking for a new sub for a while and have posted a few thoughts on the board and got some really helpful replies, so first off thanks!

I was heading to the Eagles concert in Toronto and that gave me an excuse to check out the Canadian distributer of SVS subs, Sonicboom Audio. They mainly do mail order warehousing so I was unsure what to expect when I got there. They did not have any subs hooked up for me to listen to, but they do have a 45 day demo period for returns so I was good to go.

I hummed and hawed a bit, asked some questions and they made me a really good cup of coffee. (better then Tim Horton's)
The guys explained all about the SVS subs and why they were great subs. I was sold so I took the plunge!
It was a tossup between the cylinder and the traditional box sub. As the title states I ended up purchasing the PB12-NSD box sub.

Sonicboom threw in a nice sub cable and an svs shirt, so I was a happy camper to say the least! Heck, I have not even heard the sub yet or been to the concert!

Loaded it into the car and went to the Eagles concert.

Once home, I proceeded to set it up. I ran the new cable and then proceeded to calibrate the system using the Sony Digital Cinema Audio Calibration in my receiver.

First movie I put in was Titan AE. The ice field scene! So what happened next.... Being 48 years old I thought that I have had a few good to okay subs with some of the systems I have owned over the years! Was I mistaken! No booming, no distortion, just hard hitting bass that made the room and me feel the movie! As the bass started it grew and grew and I could not feel it stopping. I had a grin from ear to ear!

Next up was Master and Commander! Again, no booming or hollow sounding shots! Bang, crack, crack, wood splintering, shots firing all over and the bass hitting lower than I had ever heard in my home system. The whole place shook and you could feel it digging deep.
I tried a few more movies, Transformers, Dark Knight, and District 9. It handled them all, I was extremely pleased with my new purchase!

Next up was SACD music! I put in Dire Straits Brothers in Arms, The Police Live, Genesis Duke, Elton John Captain Fantastic and James Taylor Hourglass.
Right from the opening note on Brothers in Arms through to James Taylor awesome voice the SVS PB12 kept up and belted out the bass like I had not heard from my system before. Very tight and not flat or booming or lagging behind!

So those are my thoughts on my new sub! I forgot to add that the Sonicboom guys stated to me, that they would not be seeing me again unless it was to purchase another SVS sub from them, as they were confident that I would not be returning it because I did not like it within the 45 day period!

They were 100% correct!
I cannot believe that this is considered SVS's entry level 12 inch sub! Wow, I cannot imagine what thier plus and ultra versions sound like!

Few pics. Gotta show the masters at work first! Last pic is to show the size in relation to a PSW 11 sub.

Thanks for reading! Greg Fonger (gfong)

Comments....

packetjones

Thanks for the great review. I am currently looking to get a new sub and the svs 12 nsd is on my short list of subs. I have heard of noing but good things and am looking forward to getting a new sub soon.

danz1906

Congrats!

PSOVLSK

gfong wrote: »

I cannot believe that this is considered SVS's entry level 12 inch sub! Wow, I cannot imagine what thier plus and ultra versions sound like!

I have the Plus/2 and I can't imagine anything being better...although I know they're out there.

Your excitement reminds me of how I felt when I first got mine. I was buying every "bass-heavy" movie I could find to test it out. What fun!!!

Congrats.

dpowell

Thanks for the review! They really do make amazing subs.

gfong

Thanks for the comments.

I have to agree that they do make great subs. The positive reviews from people speak for themselves.

Ern Dog

I still have yet to hear an SVS.

Can I stop by and give it a listen?

kuntasensei

Still running a SVS 20-39CS+. I've upgraded the driver since I got it, but I have never felt like I needed more subwoofer. I once ran The Haunting DTS on it at window-pressurizing levels... and it didn't break a sweat. They make a great product and their customer service is fantastic.

gfong

Ern Dog wrote: »

I still have yet to hear an SVS.

Can I stop by and give it a listen?

lol, You may be able to hear it driving by the place!

I could probably recite to you the LFE channel to the movie Transformers now!.....just ask my neighbours! :eek:

Todd Lee

gfong wrote: »

Ah, it gives me a reason to "re-feel" some of those classic LFE movies again!.....

.....I had a grin from ear to ear!....

My sentiments exactly! I left the office for a few hours to meet the UPS guy when I got mine. I quickly hooked it up and gave it a 2 minute work out before heading back to work. In those 2 minutes I actually giggled, that's right, giggled. I couldn't help it.

bsturgeon89

But what I want to know is.......

How was the concert?

gfong

bsturgeon89 wrote: »

But what I want to know is.......

How was the concert?

Concert was outstanding!:D They played all their hits and fan favourites. They still sound great when they harmonize. Joe Walsh was his crazy zaney self and the rest of the band played on! To me these guys are timeless.

Set List:

Seven Bridges Road
How Long
Take It To The Limit
Hotel California
Peaceful Easy Feeling
I Can't Tell You Why
Witchy Woman
Lyin' Eyes
One Of These Nights
Walk Away
The Boys Of Summer
In The City
The Long Run
Band Intros
Life's Been Good
Dirty Laundry
Funk #49
Heartache Tonight
Life In The Fast Lane

Encore:
Take It Easy
Rocky Mountain Way
Desperado


I also tried the sub out on the DVD The Eagles Farewell 1 Tour Live From Melbourne! It sounds fantastic!

ibewbrother

Congrats on the new sub...I know I love mine. Try the opening scene in Quantum of Solace...that's my favorite demo scene at the moment....