Status of SVS...

Grimster74

Just received an e-mail from Erik at SVS. My PB2-Plus was shipped out today fellas. It won't be long and I'll get to enjoy the SVS Experience. Can't wait. Wonder how long it will take to get from Ohio to Virginia. Will post pics once it gets in. Christmas in August, well I'm guessing it will be X-mas in September. I'll keep ya informed.

faster100

well it took only 3-4 days from there to Florida.. should be minimal days in transit.. good luck

Dr. Spec

Great news, Grim.

While you can certainly experiment, here's how I run mine:

AVR sub level -5
sub gain about 1/2 (maybe a smidge less); this will vary with room size.
phase 180 (works best for me; 0 gives a big dip at 80 Hz)
ports 3 open
SS filter 16 Hz (up this to 25 for reference level demos)
all speakers to small
4 dB hot for HT
flat for music

Remember the RS meter will read about 2 dB LOW on the sub test tone. So for HT calibration, 2-3 dB hot on the RS meter is really 4-5 dB hot in actuality.

Subs and real estate have three things in common: location, location, location.

And once you find the best spot, calibrate, calibrate, calibrate. Resist the urge to run the sub overly hot for HT or for music (especially music). With music, you shouldn't really even be able to tell the sub is running; it should be a seamless even-handed transition from the mains and should sound like a single 20-20K tower speaker. Unlike the 450, the SVS will dig much deeper and cleaner, so there will be no need to overcompensate for a lack of true low end with too much volume.

To a lesser extent, the same is true for HT. The SVS will have so much depth, power, impact, and clarity on HT, you will not have to run it extremely hot to have a very satisfying HT experience. Strong bass is great for HT, but it should still remain balanced and not be overwhelming.

It will be worth the wait; this is a WORLD CLASS subwoofer and stands up to subs many times its not inconsiderable $1,200 cost. Kris Deering over at Secrets of HT and Hi-Fi is currently wrapping up a face-off of the PB2+ against the Martin Logan Descent and the Wilson WatchDog - both cost FAR more the than PB2+ and are widely regarded as some of the best subs in the business. Hints dropped thus far is that the results were "very interesting" and to "stay tuned". I'll post it when I see it. Sounds like a spoiler in the works to me; doesn't surprise me when SVS is in the ring.

Doc

Please post your impressions!

tryrrthg

Congrats on the new sub Grim! once again I'm jealous!

Doc,

any chance you'll chime in on this thread over at the HTF? That Eric guy is at it again bashing the SVS over his ALMIGHTY Revel B15. I think I've read that you've had some auditions with the Revel. Eric said his B15 made the PB2+ look "very sad".

Just wondering your thoughts (sorry for the hijack...)

Grimster74

Check this out, just went to Baxblobals web site to check my tracking number. The sub was actually sent out yesterday. It left Richmond which is 50 miles south of were I live at 10:50 a.m this morning for Fredricksburg. I might just get it today. HOT DAMN....

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by tryrrthg

Doc,

any chance you'll chime in on this thread over at the HTF? That Eric guy is at it again bashing the SVS over his ALMIGHTY Revel B15. I think I've read that you've had some auditions with the Revel. Eric said his B15 made the PB2+ look "very sad".

Just wondering your thoughts (sorry for the hijack...)

Grim:

BAX Global is very fast; they will call you when the sub is in town so check messages and stand by. Mine was delivered in 20 HOURS door to door. Be ready to tip the guy a 10 spot and a 6 pack to wheel it into your room; it's worth it.

tryrrthg:

Like I said in the off topic forum under Grim's other thread, I'm wrapping up SVS oriented help to Club Polk members and then I'm pretty much out on the pro bono SVS support.

Over the last year, I've done far more than my share to support them; hundred and hundreds of hours spent on rock-solid well-written posts on Club Polk and HTF and only God knows how many hours specifically on my PB2+ review. It's paid off - SVS is on the map and on the move and becoming a well known entity and I hope my contributions helped them out and sold some subs because that was my intention and they certainly deserve it more than any other audio company I know of.

My knowledge of SVS products is no longer unique; there are dozens if not hundreds of wannabe's who fancy themselves as unofficial SVS company spokesman who have - for better or for worse - stepped up and started answering the seemingly endless and repititious stream of SVS oriented questions over at HTF, SPOT, AVS, Klipsch, etc. Some of them know what they are saying/doing, others come off as not so informed and actually spread misinformation that SVS needs to correct later on. Such is the double edged sword of internet forums, I guess.

I haven't posted over at HTF in weeks, and despite this my PB2+ review thread has taken on a life of its own and is 9 pages long and about 16,000 hits. ****, there is even a guy over there who misread one of Ron Stimpson's posts to that thread and actually thinks I am the Head Of Marketing for SVS (only in my dreams).

Anyway, to answer your question in my usual long winded fashion, I know about that Eric guy. He is a Revel troll who in all likelihood lied about demoing a PB2+ - like his "buddy" would buy a $1,200 sub and not tell him about it? Yeah right. And like he really carted his Revel over and had a side-by-side demo (with an audience no less), and the Revel crushed the PB2+? Yeah right again. This is what I mean about forum posters. Do you think Revel is comfortable with this guy representing them? Geez, if I worked for Revel, I'd be sick right about now - some company spokesman. He needs to get over the fact that he paid too much for his Revel B15 and get a life.

I have heard the B15; actually spent many hours with one at a local salon. It is a very impressive sub - clean, deep, powerful - with a nice list of features, and well built and well finished. It also costs about $3,000 plus tax. It might almost be worth it - but the $1,200 PB2+ holds its own against the B15 (if not outperforms it outright), albeit with a comparatively pedestrian exterior, and the $2,000 PB2 Ultra definitely outperforms it and sports a comparable gorgeous wood finish exterior available in 5 different finishes.

Doc

kberg

Originally posted by Dr. Spec
AVR sub level -5
sub gain about 1/2 (maybe a smidge less); this will vary with room size.
phase 180 (works best for me; 0 gives a big dip at 80 Hz)
ports 3 open
SS filter 16 Hz (up this to 25 for reference level demos)

Hey Doc, how can I best measure whether my phase (currently at 0) might be better off at 180?

Also, as room size increases, would one expect the gain to be a bit less than for a smaller rooms? Currently, my gain is set to about 1/3 up.

Finally, I didn't receive a port plug with the sub, and one is currently in transit from SVS. If I don't typically play at near reference level voulume, would 2 ports open and SS filter to 16 Hz be the way to go, or even 3 ports open but SS filter at 16 Hz? Right now I'm at 3 ports open and set to 20 Hz. Room is on a carpeted slab and measures about 20x14x8.5.

Grimster74

Just received a phone call from the Baxglobal delivery guy, the SVS will be here at 2 p.m. Its being delivered here at work so I will be inbound for home not long after I load it in the truck. Will try and post some pics and some first impressions tonight after I get it hooked up.

Dr. Spec

Good news Grim. After you pick your jaw off the floor, let us know what you think.

Kev:

For the 20-39PC+, the stock tune is the best. The 16 Hz tune with a port plugged loses way too much power and impact at the marginal benefit of slightly more output below 17 Hz (big deal).

The 3 ports and 16 Hz tune will also allow a bit more extension without losing output but has more potential for bottoming a single driver. The 3/16 would probably be safe at all but the most extreme playback levels, but the 20-39 deeps so deep as it is, I really don't see the need. The only reason I run the PB2+ in the 3/16 tune is to get the big power and extension comparable to the stock tune of the 20-39 all at the same time.

To determine whether 180 or 0 works best for you, run a 1/12 octave FR sweep at the crossover point and see which setting gives you the smoothest transition. I'm betting 180 will work best, but try it and see. Run just the mains and the sub, not all the surround channels. Do a forum search for the hotlink (I don't have it here at work), and burn it to a CD and run the sweep at about 80 dB. The sweep goes from 10-100 Hz, so it should cover the xo region.

Doc

tryrrthg

Thanks for the info Doc! I'm sure the revel is great but for $3000 I'd put my money on a B4!

Kberg here are some test tones that go up by 1hz at a time. just download them and burn to a CD.

Test Tones

kberg

Thanks Doc and tryrrthg. Problem - I don't think my DVD player will play burned CD's. I have store bought CD's and they play fine, but I seem to recall the last time I tried to play a burned CD I just received an "Insert Disc" message from my player, as if it doesn't recognize the disc - am I off track here or does this make any sense?

tryrrthg

Most DVD players *should* player burnt CD's I haven't come across too many players that don't. just make sure you're burning an audio CD and not a data CD. Also, make sure the CD you use is a CDR and not a CDRW.

kberg

Yeah, it was a burned CDR, not CDRW, but I'll download the sweep and try it again.

faster100

no i old dvd player wouldnt play burned cd's either, actually only the players from the last year or so are guaranteed to play cdr's for the most part, my RCA dvd was only 3 or so years old and would not play them, The new cheapo pioneer i have for now plays anything

kberg

Well, it just may be that my player (older than 1 year) just doesn't play burned CD's.

Didn't mean to hijack your thread Grimster. Congrats on your SVS! Again, give us some feedback after you've played around with it a bit.

Grimster74

Okay fellas, I'll make this short and sweet until tomorrow morning whwn I can give a better review. First off, I'm in thw PWC now, from 15' away on "C" weighted, and fast responce I watch the meter go to 110db. I have not finished cal. yet so hopefully I'll get a better reading later on. Second off, I've already caught hell from the wife. Was running the ring drop and when the ring hit the ground, it wasn't the only thing, pictures were flying and nick nacks were right behind them. This sub is so damn impressive I'm still at a loss of words. Well until tomorrow, Later.

fireshoes

Originally posted by Grimster74
Was running the ring drop and when the ring hit the ground, it wasn't the only thing, pictures were flying and nick nacks were right behind them. This sub is so damn impressive I'm still at a loss of words.

That's what we like to hear! Have fun!

malikarshad

Hey I received my pb2+ today too. Look we are the lucky guys. Check my pics in the other posting.
Congrats by the way to you.
This sub is awesome. I'm starting it to luv from the day one.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Grimster74
This sub is so damn impressive I'm still at a loss of words.

OK Grim - I know its hard to talk with your jaw on the floor, at least TRY. I hate to say I told ya so, but I TOLD YA.

Doc - PWC Charter Member

Grimster74

Okay fellas, just updated my system showcase. Been trying to post some pics on the forum but it just keeps telling me the files are two large. Can anyone help me out here.

Dr. Spec

In your photo manager, reduce the file size and save under an alternate name and keep trying until Club Polk accepts it. It might take a 25-50% reduction, but we'll still be able to see them.

Doc

Dr. Spec

BTW, you posted to the wrong thread over at AVS. You might want to ask David Bott to move it to the official SVS support thread. Bott rules with an iron fist over there. Lives in my hometown, actually.

Doc

Grimster74

Damum, i was wondering why I didn't see it. Not sure how to get in touch with him, not even sure where I posted it. Again, DAMUM...

Dr. Spec

OK, impressions please. I'm bored and I really want to read about how much you love your new PB2+ and how it compares to the dual 450's. BTW, love that broken light fixture.......that PB2+ can move some air!

Grimster74

I'll be leaving work today at 1 p.m. so look for my full impression of the SVS vs. the Polks sometime this afternoon.

kberg

Originally posted by Grimster74
Second off, I've already caught hell from the wife. Was running the ring drop and when the ring hit the ground, it wasn't the only thing, pictures were flying and nick nacks were right behind them.

Ever notice how easy it is to hear your wife, even over your SVS sub? :eek:

Grimster74

Okay, here we go. Now this is not going to be as extensive as Dr. Spec impressions, but I will do my best. First off, here is how the PB2-Plus is setup. Running it all 3 ports open, SS Filter is set at 25Hz, crossover is disabled. The gain on the plat amp is slightly under the half way mark. Receiver is set per Dr. Spec setup to 75db with sub set at -5.0.

Okay, like I said once before. First impressions of this BEAST were, HOLY !@#$ and I'm gonna need more beer. Once setup, I was off and running. At first, I forgot to calibrate this monster. So once I got it hooked up I just placed the gain control to roughly were I had it set on the dual PSW 450's. Needless to say, it did not take long to figure out I just went from little league to the major league.

My all time favorite R&B group, The Isley Brothers, took on a whole new meaning. The bass was no longer boomy and drawn out. Know it was, dead on accurate, cleaner, tighter and a hell of alot louder. Took a while to get used to because I just wasn't used to bass being that accurate and clean so at first it just did not sound right. Now, oh, its growing on me.

Okay, LOTR, TFOTR, the all mighty Ring Drop. Yesterday when I first got the sub it had not been properly setup and at 18' away (I measured it this time) with the RS SPL Meter, "C" weighted, Fast response, set at 100db, I pegged to meter at 15 clicks under reference level. Today after setting up the sub properly, same spot with the same setting except 110db and 6.5 clicks under reference, I smacked a nasty 113db. Just hope like hell I'm reading this meter properly, the meter read +3 on the meter.

So I guess overall, the SVS vs the DUAL PSW 450's. The Polks just don't stand a chance. The wife came down to listen today as I was doing some demos for my neighbor and the first thing that came out of her mouth was, "you spent all that money and it doesn't sound any different", UNTIL, the ring drop. She looked at me then and said, "you'll be death in a week". She said she'd had never felt the air pressure in the room change like that before, said it made her feel like she was gasping to breath. DAMUM, gotta love that.

So, if I had to do it all over again, would I? Oh HELL YES. Thanks Dr. Spec and everyone on the forum whom pushed me in the SVS direction.

fireshoes

Sounds like awesome fun!

goingganzo

i would recomen a weekley check of bass levels. as the sub breaks in it will play louder at the same volume. i know my velo did and so did my av15. i bet you could put the sub in the middle of the room and still get great bass. my sub is very flat beacues it is in the middle of the wall and not corner loaded si i got less room gain and a flaiter responce. but at the sacrifice of outout. but hey i think i have enough output.


also the guys at svs are great when i order my amp and stuff they gave me a good deal and even ansered my email that nite when i sent it to them at 11 oclock.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Grimster74
First impressions of this BEAST were, HOLY !@#$ and I'm gonna need more beer.

Needless to say, it did not take long to figure out I just went from little league to the major league.

The Isley Brothers, took on a whole new meaning. The bass was no longer boomy and drawn out. Know it was, dead on accurate, cleaner, tighter and a hell of alot louder. Took a while to get used to because I just wasn't used to bass being that accurate and clean so at first it just did not sound right.

Today after setting up the sub properly, same spot with the same setting except 110db and 6.5 clicks under reference, I smacked a nasty 113db.

So I guess overall, the SVS vs the DUAL PSW 450's. The Polks just don't stand a chance.

She said she'd had never felt the air pressure in the room change like that before, said it made her feel like she was gasping to breath.

I just love this paraphrasing stuff.........

1) First impressions elicit shocked curses and increased consumption of alcohol.

2) Music is now cleaner, tighter and dead on accurate. So much so that it takes a while to get used to.

3) The Ring Drop measures a 113 dB (118 actual) at 18 feet! Causes so much pressure change it takes the wif's breath away.

4) The old subs never stood a snowball's chance in hell.

That pretty much sums up (again) the SVS experience. WTG Grim - glad you are loving it and it completely exceeded your expectations. I don't recommend $1,200 subs lightly.

I can help you with the phase issue; I'll send you a burned CD if you don't have the ability and we'll figure out whether 0 or 180 is best.

Also, get thee to Amazon and order the new Digital Video Essentials for only $20 (!!) and use it to re calibrate and really fine tune the audio and video.

Doc

kberg

Originally posted by Dr. Spec
I can help you with the phase issue; I'll send you a burned CD if you don't have the ability and we'll figure out whether 0 or 180 is best.
Doc

Doc, I could use some assistance here, too. But, I'm not sure how to do it since my DVD player doesn't play burned CD's. Suggestions?