Polk DSW Pro 600 vs. SVS PB12-NSB

Gulfstrings

... have nearly convinced myself to go with a 12 inch sub and have become interested in these two. Price points are similar - both with favorable comments/reviews by owners.

Opinions more than welcomed.

Dave

packetjones

Just my opinion but I think that the SVS would be a significantly better sub than the DSW. Polk makes good subs but are outclassed until you get into the micropro series. At that price point there are others as well. Out of those 2 i would strongly recommend the SVS.

kuntasensei

SVS all the way. The Polk won't even come close.

bopicasso

Is this really comparable? SVS
I have owned 2 polk subs, not a DSW but neither could hold a candle to the SVS I have now.

Gulfstrings

bopicasso wrote: »

Is this really comparable?

Actually, other than price, I'm not sure. The Polk sub specifications are published but I've not been able to find comparable data for the SVS.

Polk on the other hand, offers rather thin "build" info while SVS reads like a primer of how to build a sub in America.

Must confess I've always been a sucker for "price-per-pound logic," in which case SVS is the definite heavyweight.

I believe Polk's warranty is better by a couple years.

Hoping for plenty of feedback.

Thanks,

Dave

jawhog

I've always gone for smaller subs and personally I am really looking forward to giving the SB12-nsd a try. As far as small subs go, I think this could be the one to beat for a long time.

packetjones

I am looking at the SB12-nsd as well. For $650 it is not bad. I will keep an eye on it for sure.

tonyb

packetjones wrote: »

I am looking at the SB12-nsd as well. For $650 it is not bad. I will keep an eye on it for sure.

Thought I saw one on audiogon for 499. check it out.

kuntasensei

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Actually, other than price, I'm not sure. The Polk sub specifications are published but I've not been able to find comparable data for the SVS.

Polk DSW Pro 600:
250w
25Hz-125Hz +/-3dB
17-1/8" H x 16-1/2" W x 16-1/2" D
45 lbs.

SVS PB12-NSB:
325w
18Hz-200Hz +/-3dB
21" H x 18" W x 25" D
74 lbs.

If you want more in-depth specs, check out Ilkka's tests here.

There's no comparison. The SVS will manhandle that Polk.

Gulfstrings

kuntasensei - thanks much. Appreciate the feedback. Those are definitely some "manhandling" specs!

If I can determine (from more member info/other) that this SVS has got what it takes for music - over my twin PSW111s, that would be the tipping point.

Dave

packetjones

tonyb wrote: »

Thought I saw one on audiogon for 499. check it out.

I just looked and that is a PB12-nsd. They are releasing a new 12" sealed sub, the SB12-nsd. Here are the specs on it.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12nsdcfm

dorokusai

Polk did't make a good dedicated subwoofer until the DSW series was finally introduced. Is the DSW600 a better overall subwoofer than the SVS? Probably not as both are designed a bit differently, with different models and market in mind. Polk will sell 20x the amount SVS ever will and will likely continue that due to a good product. Most of the weight and design of the SVS is simply the driver, which is absolutely top notch, balls to the wall. The cabinet is nothing amazing from a build standpoint, at least to those that have actually built loudspeakers before.

Buy what you want and what makes the most sense for your application, bottom line, everytime. I don't care about what almost anyone has ever had to say in regards to product opinion but I read them anyways. Just file me as you see fit. Good luck.

bklynNupe

SVS subs all the way for the price!:D
And like Polk, you can get them on the phone and they will answer technical question in detail without every trying to "sell you."

Gulfstrings

Thanks for the input, all. Really hoping to get a feel for the SVS' performance when listening to music. Anyone had the experience?

Thanks,

Dave

bklynNupe

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Thanks for the input, all. Really hoping to get a feel for the SVS' performance when listening to music. Anyone had the experience?

Thanks,

Dave

Hi Dave, about 4 months ago called svs to inquire about their new line of sealed subs because I wanted a dedicated sub for music. I will most likely try one out when I'm ready but in the meantime, svs assisted me in rigging my current pb-12 to be shared independently between my ht and music rig. To my ears it does the job pretty well with my lsi9's and has always been outstanding for ht. Again, I would like to try out 2 of their smaller sealed subs. Far from being as experienced as many of this board, my ears are simply telling me that two are better than one.
however even for music, my 1 ported sub originally purchased for ht sounds great IMO.

rubin

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Thanks for the input, all. Really hoping to get a feel for the SVS' performance when listening to music. Anyone had the experience?

Thanks,

Dave

Ya, totally satisfied with my dual PC Ultra 13's.Best subs I've ever owned.

kuntasensei

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Thanks for the input, all. Really hoping to get a feel for the SVS' performance when listening to music. Anyone had the experience?

Thanks,

Dave

I'm running the SVS 20-39CS+ with the db12.3 driver upgrade in it with a full complement of Polk speakers in 9.1. I think it sounds great with music, especially for a ported sub. I'm very interested in seeing what people think of their new sealed designs though.

The Polk would probably be fairly comparable in the music department. Where the SVS is going to far outshine it is with the LFE in surround tracks. There's really nothing like having a sub that trolls down below 25Hz with some authority. While the Polk is chugging out loose sloppy low end, the SVS will stay clean and tight, giving you that brutal room-pressurizing bass like you feel in the theater.

bopicasso

Love my SVS and it is only the bottom of the lineup. But if I had any more bass the neighbors would complain.

Gulfstrings

bklynNupe wrote: »

Hi Dave, about 4 months ago called svs to inquire about their new line of sealed subs because I wanted a dedicated sub for music.

Nupe - This is a great point! Never thought about the sealed subs being better with music but it makes sense.

Are you looking at the SB13 or the SB12?

danz1906

Go for the SVS, they make great subs for a good price!

bklynNupe

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Nupe - This is a great point! Never thought about the sealed subs being better with music but it makes sense.

Are you looking at the SB13 or the SB12?

I will most likely go with the sb12 pending customer reviews. My current pb12 was a steal for the price! I'm hoping the satisfaction will be the same for the sb12.

Gulfstrings

bklynNupe wrote: »

I will most likely go with the sb12 pending customer reviews. My current pb12 was a steal for the price! I'm hoping the satisfaction will be the same for the sb12.

Good looking sub. Will you do this in the next six weeks or so?

Dave

BWilberg266

Not to throw a wrench in the discussion, but for $550 eD's A5s-350 can be had. It is a sealed box with a 500 watt amp and a 12" driver. It goes down to 19hz so there will be no lacking in extension but with the sealed design you will still have a very musical sub.

As far as high quality build they have some very solid vertical internal bracing that makes for a sock solid finished box. I would definitely suggest checking them out before you make any final decisions.

bklynNupe

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Good looking sub. Will you do this in the next six weeks or so?

Dave

I’m honestly not in a rush to tweak this part of my system. My next set of upgrades will likely be cables, cords and a real power conditioner. My current SVS is actually fine for now; I have other things in my sound-chain bother me more as a priority.

kevhed72

Well, another way to look at it. You can pick up the DSW600 from Polk Direct for around 350ish....mine arrived brand-new with zero flaws for a refurb. product. I am looking at picking up a 2nd for a more balanced, low- end effect in a pretty large room. Just another idea...

kuntasensei

BWilberg266 wrote: »

Not to throw a wrench in the discussion, but for $550 eD's A5s-350 can be had. It is a sealed box with a 500 watt amp and a 12" driver. It goes down to 19hz so there will be no lacking in extension but with the sealed design you will still have a very musical sub.

As far as high quality build they have some very solid vertical internal bracing that makes for a sock solid finished box. I would definitely suggest checking them out before you make any final decisions.

Agree 100%. As much as I love my SVS, eD's subs are also a good alternative for getting quality subwoofage on a budget. You simply won't be happy with the Polk. Or rather, you would probably be happy until the unfortunate day that you hear a SVS, HSU or eD sub sound off some 20Hz notes into the pit of your stomach, at which point you'll be filled with buyer's remorse.

bopicasso

My friend just went through this, he couldnt justify splurging on the sub and ended up with a polk to save money and match the rest of his speakers. He came over my house and asked to hear my svs and instantly said that he wishes he would of bought one.. But sometimes you have to learn the hard way.
I did. lol

leroyjr1

kuntasensei wrote: »

Agree 100%. As much as I love my SVS, eD's subs are also a good alternative for getting quality subwoofage on a budget. You simply won't be happy with the Polk. Or rather, you would probably be happy until the unfortunate day that you hear a SVS, HSU or eD sub sound off some 20Hz notes into the pit of your stomach, at which point you'll be filled with buyer's remorse.

I have to disagree. Last year I bought a mp4k and had it all year until I ran across a svs pb12 plus/2. Long story short I'm running dual mp4k's and love it better than the svs I had.

The mp4k is much more musical and controlled. Love it for movies also.

kuntasensei

leroyjr1 wrote: »

I have to disagree. Last year I bought a mp4k and had it all year until I ran across a svs pb12 plus/2. Long story short I'm running dual mp4k's and love it better than the svs I had.

The mp4k is much more musical and controlled. Love it for movies also.

You do realize we're talking about subs in the $600 range, right?

leroyjr1

kuntasensei wrote: »

You do realize we're talking about subs in the $600 range, right?

That's how much I paid for mine. $600.

kuntasensei

leroyjr1 wrote: »

That's how much I paid for mine. $600 each.

For the micropro 4000? Jeez, you got a deal.