SVS cylinder or box?

jim_r · October 2003

Hello,

I have a set of Polk RT speakers (RTi70, CSi40, RT35). I have read in this forum and others that the SVS subwoofers match well with Polk speakers. I was thinking of getting the 25-31 PC+, which is a cylindrical sub. However, I have noticed that lately on this forum most people have been talking about and recommending the SVS box subs. Why is that? Is there a difference in sound or is it just an aesthetics and WAF issue?

Thanks,
Jim R.

Dr. Spec · October 2003

Originally posted by jim_r
Hello,

Is there a difference in sound or is it just an aesthetics and WAF issue?

Thanks,
Jim R.

No sound difference, just aesthetics and WAF, really.

The PB1-ISD is identical in sound to the 25-31 PCi and/or 20-39 PCi.

The PB1-Plus is identical in sound to a 25-31 PC+ and/or 20-39PC+

But dual co-located 25-31 PC+ will outgun a PB2+ below about 28 Hz due to their larger combined port area. So dual cylinders still outperform the PB2 series, but not by much.

Ceruleance · October 2003

I've checked out all the specs and it seems like the PB2 line is just a better value than the two cylinder subs you would need to match it's performance. If you don't need as much sub as the PB2 (like in a smaller room) then get a single cylinder sub. If you are looking into double cylinder subs though, I think a PB2 makes more sense from a value standpoint.

Dr. Spec · October 2003

Originally posted by Ceruleance
I've checked out all the specs and it seems like the PB2 line is just a better value than the two cylinder subs you would need to match it's performance. If you don't need as much sub as the PB2 (like in a smaller room) then get a single cylinder sub. If you are looking into double cylinder subs though, I think a PB2 makes more sense from a value standpoint.

You are correct; the PB2-ISD and the PB2-Plus are pretty amazing values when you consider the price of dual cylinders.

Where the disparity between duals and a PB2 becomes the most noticeable is below about 25 Hz. That's where air flow and port area becomes the most critical.

Nevertheless, Tom V claims a $899 PB2-ISD tuned to 20 Hz (that's with a port plugged) will still outgun a $825 20-39PC+ above 20 Hz by 2-3 dB. Tune it to 25 Hz (all ports open) and it walks away by 4-5 dB above 25 Hz. Very impressive.

Still, the 20-39 really shines when trolling and the subjective bass quality of the 20-39 in the 17-20 Hz region is just outstanding.

I find the subjective sound quality of the PB2 to be the best with all ports open and it will not troll as deep as the 20-39 in this tune.

The PB2-Plus and PB2-Ultra are simply more of the same. Add (above the ISD) another 3 dB for the Plus and another 2 dB for the Ultra.

Unless you want 120 dB at the seat, the PB2-ISD is a screaming deal for $900. It gives away very little to the PB2-Plus in real world performance.

Doc

jim_r · October 2003

Thanks for the information guys! I'm not really a big fan of subwoofers. The only reason that I am getting one is to protect my RTi70's, since my Rotel will send them the .1 LFE if I don't have a sub. So, I think I am going to stick with the 25-31 PC+. The equivalent of two subs in the PB2 would be overkill for me and the PB2 is a bit heavy. I would also like something a little better than one of the PCi subs. So the PC+ should be a good choice for me. Hope to work it into next month's budget. Thanks again!

Dr. Spec · October 2003

Originally posted by jim_r
I'm not really a big fan of subwoofers.

......I think I am going to stick with the 25-31 PC+.

That opinion will change very quickly after you get the SVS.

If you don't play super SUPER loud, I recommend the 20-39PC+ over the 25-31PC+ as the best combination of output and extension.

gplracer · October 2003

Dr. Spec,

How do my dual 20-39cs+ with a samson s1000 compare with the newer models? Thanks!!!

LiquidSound · October 2003

Ok, I'm sick of it, what in the hell does WAF mean? Wife and family? Clue me in please.

fgr41 · October 2003

I am not sure but I always thought it was Wife Anger Factor

faster100 · October 2003

wife approval factor

fgr41 · October 2003

approval / anger same thing

LiquidSound · October 2003

If your wife doesn't approve, get a new one. If someone doesn't get the idea of home theater then they shouldn't be able constrict it. If your wife thinks a sub is big and ugly, remind her how much bigger it is than her ****.

faster100 · October 2003

I take it your not married..

My wife loves the whole HT thing.. guess im lucky, however she didnt care for the cylinder SVS, so we got the box

what ever she says right? LOL

LiquidSound · October 2003

If I were married, they would understand the concept of home theater. If she can't comprehend my outreaches of interest and passion, the she isn't what I'm looking for.

My girlfriend really likes the cylinder SVS's. They go along with the aesthetic appeal in systems for both of us. I hate hearing all the "well my wife won't let my me put my speakers up unless I have beanie babies on top"

My girlfriend calls them "goofy ****"...heh. I'm just lucky.

Airplay355 · October 2003

theres a good way to get yourself sleeping on the couch

LiquidSound · October 2003

I truly don't understand 'happy marraiges' where it's a give and take situation in personal passions. "I won't do this part of what I love if you won't do this part of what you love." 36 dogs, I get..polka dots on the house, yes..serial killing as a hobby, I understand.. It's a **** theater..you're SUPPOSED to have equipment in order for it to work properly. No matter the size.
Relax.
Take off the flowery ninja costume and step away from the wallpaper. Put down the beanie babies and breathe.

Airplay355 · October 2003

im only 16...so i dont have to worry about what you are talking about, my HT is in my bedroom.

too bad my girlfriend doesnt like loud music or loud movies, oh well i dont live with her haahaa

LiquidSound · October 2003

My girlfriend doesn't like loud, but she does like clear. Polk helps me there.

greyking · October 2003

I am laughing my **** off. I like the part about the flowery Ninja costume and the wallpaper. My opinion is if your woman can't deal with it, then kick her out and just pay for a hot **** escort when you want a woman. I mean either way you gotta pay. At least you can tell the escort to leave when you are tired of dealing with all her feminine side effects. You know, when they show you those commercials on TV about all the great things a new prescription drug can do for you, then they rattle off a whole list of side effects. Women are the same way. "Your woman will make you feel great and you will not be depressed anymore. Common side effects include constant nagging, bitching, complaining, having to hide your new polk speakers, mood swings, and you might have to choose the box sub instead of the cylinder sub."
I feel sorry for men who have to ask permission to buy something that they want.

paymontana · October 2003

Check out my post in speakers "wife gone." She will **** a little about the price at first but after she hears the sound . She will get over it ! I believe she is a closet audiophyle. She wants the HT but she thinks we can't afford it so she let's me be the bad guy. I can do that.

Dr. Spec · October 2003

Originally posted by gplracer
Dr. Spec,

How do my dual 20-39cs+ with a samson s1000 compare with the newer models? Thanks!!!

If they are co-located, they still beat all newcomers except the B4+, dual Ultra's, dual SS', and possibly the PB2-Ultra.

danger boy · October 2003

Originally posted by fgr41
I am not sure but I always thought it was Wife Anger Factor

Waaaaaaaaaa!

how true is that?

danger boy · October 2003

I just got a SVS 20-39PCi. the sucker is bigger than I thougth it would be. my findings so far.. only in how it looks are that it's big and tougher to blend into the room. The 39" tall 2039PCi is not able to hide as a coffee or end table like my other smaller sub was able to.

The nice thing about the cylinder subs is that they are pretty lightweight. I can easily lift and move it around the room without even breaking a sweat or my lower back. As some of you might know... large box subs can get pretty heavy.

The cylinder subs from SVS are just as good as the box subs from SVS. And yes they blend extremely well with i70's/800i's. Mmmmmm!

faster100 · October 2003

Originally posted by LiquidSound
If I were married, they would understand the concept of home theater. If she can't comprehend my outreaches of interest and passion, the she isn't what I'm looking for.

My girlfriend really likes the cylinder SVS's. They go along with the aesthetic appeal in systems for both of us. I hate hearing all the "well my wife won't let my me put my speakers up unless I have beanie babies on top"

My girlfriend calls them "goofy ****"...heh. I'm just lucky.

I could be wrong, But i think this is directed somewhat or totally towards me, Liquid... I really dont appreciate your sarcasm! i can have anything i want.. But in a marriage its give and take and although the cylinder would have been " OK" Myself and my wife decided on the box.. I thought the tube looked like **** actually.. Not sound wise but looks.. I feel for your future wife with an attitude like yours.. And being um the only one on the board that has posted pictures of my gear and speakers with beanie babies on them, again.. im sure your comments were towards me.. I say she lets me have what i want if she has her beanies on the stuff just to shut people up Like Russman and others who make dumb **** comments about Dolls and beanies being in my pics.. don't like it don't **** look.. I love my wife and she can have what ever she wants where she wants.. and i have my gear.. Unfortunatly we have a HT/living room/family room all in the same place.. so it has to "work" for everyone.. you seem to get uptight and make "dumb" comments to people and it just doesnt always seem appropriate.. But i guess your "lucky" to act like this and no one say anything about it!!

Ok i know this will turn into a HOS candidate, But eff it i'm tired of the stupid comments..

For the record, Everyone shut up about the beanie and dolls.. Its alittle played out.. I know i know it wasnt meant towards me :rolleyes: what ever!!!!!!!!

RuSsMaN · October 2003

How did MY name end up in this post by the 23rd reply?

Faster, I think it was a *general* statement, not directed towards you.

****' beanie babies....pfffft - not on my shift. Goofy ****, THAT is funny - I'll raise a glass to the goofy **** tonight, and thank the lord I ain't married to one!

Cheers,
The Anti-Beanie

greyking · October 2003

I collect action figures and antique toys.

fgr41 · October 2003

Hey we all do what we do, to each his own. If you want to paint flowers on the grill covers that is your choice. Everyone has their own style and you can always find someone that doesn't like something.

Don't let it get to you and don't knock what someone has, put simply be polite.

RuSsMaN · October 2003

/derail/

Grey, I've got some vintage Matchox 50's-70's (reg wheel/ superfast/ king size) I'm looking to un-**** on the cheap. Interested? - pm or email me.

/end derail/

faster100 · October 2003

Originally posted by RuSsMaN
How did MY name end up in this post by the 23rd reply?

Faster, I think it was a *general* statement, not directed towards you.

****' beanie babies....pfffft - not on my shift. Goofy ****, THAT is funny - I'll raise a glass to the goofy **** tonight, and thank the lord I ain't married to one!

Cheers,
The Anti-Beanie

Russman, no offense meant towards you.. it was a point i was trying to make.

here we go again, with "it was a general statment" No it wasnt.. he got mad because i said, "you must not be married" It wasnt meant to down him, hence the smiley.. everyone knows we have beanies on my speakers.. So it wasnt generally speaking.. and to make comments about goofy ****, he's just being a dick..

But im not gonna ruin my night becuase of him.. he just doesnt have a clue, and what woman does he think he'll marry that is only all into his audio and if not she aint worth it? Their is more then audio in life.. My family and wife come first.. But what ever..

LiquidSound · October 2003

Look guys! It's the Swiss Alps again!!

Lighten up man, I didn't mean it as a personal attack. Sorry you took it that way. I'm not mad about anything.
For reference, other women in the world try to frilly up manly things around the house. It WAS a general statement about frillification. Take it as you will. No harm intended.

DonCB · October 2003

Who cares if you have beenies on/behind/beside your speakers... at least you have the speakers...

Don

SVS cylinder or box?

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