SVS PC12-NSD vs PC12-Plus

falconcry72
falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
edited February 2014 in Speakers
I've been running a pair of PC12-NSDs in my HT system for almost a year now. They kick some major butt, but I am thinking about upgrading to the Pluses. I bought these new from SVS, so I am eligble for SVS's upgrade program... I can trade in the NSD's and get my full original purchase price credited towards the cost of the Pluses. After shipping etc, the move would cost about 900 bucks, and then the clock resets so I'll have another year to decide if I want to upgrade to the Ultras. I have 17 days to make the decision...

Based on specs alone, it seems that there is a much bigger performance jump between the NSDs and the Pluses than there is between the Pluses and the Ultras, so I'm thinking this could be a wise jump.

Anybody have experience with both models?
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Post edited by falconcry72 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2014
    I've owned the PB version of the NSD and the PC version of the Plus. The Plus is a nice step up in sound quality. You get the ability to tune the subwoofer using port plugs to your liking. However, output wise the Plus's aren't heads and heels over the NSD. You get slightly more amp power, a better driver, but it's still the same size 12". In the sub world considering the subs are relatively equal, the bigger the better. There are a lot of players in the ID world that I'm not as familiar with anymore and in all honesty, I can't tell you what's best value-wise.
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,329
    edited February 2014
    Funny, I was just on their website looking at the plus this morning.. I see myself pulling the trigger on it soon..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    aboroth00 wrote: »
    ...The Plus is a nice step up in sound quality. You get the ability to tune the subwoofer using port plugs to your liking. However, output wise the Plus's aren't heads and heels over the NSD....

    Yea, I don't really need a whole lot more output than what the NSDs provide, but I would certainly appreciate lower extension and generally better musicality in terms of tone and speed.

    Did you find the Plus driver to be more musical than the NSD driver?
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Funny, I was just on their website looking at the plus this morning.. I see myself pulling the trigger on it soon..

    Nice. I think the NSD offers incredible bang for the buck, but I am very tempted by the Plus. I'll probably cave and pull the trigger.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    edited February 2014
    My input even though I have no experience with the NSD models. I've had a 25-31PC+ for years and love it. When I first got it I tried plugging a port and running in 20hz mode and felt like it struggled. SVS offered a driver upgrade to the 12.3 model for cheap. BIG difference.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited February 2014
    $900 to swap them out. Maybe keep what you have and go Quads via DIY?

    2 x Stereo Integrity HT 18" = $324
    2 x DIY Sound Group 4 cu ft sealed flatpack = $240
    1 - Peavey IPR2 2000 = $350
    1 - MiniDSP Balanced =$125
    1 - UMIK-1 USB measurement mic = $75
    1 - R.E.W. software = free
    = $1114 + what else one might need.

    Data
    http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=driver&id=46
    http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=90

    One such build
    http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/sealed-subwoofer-build-projects/64052-stereo-integrity-ht-18d2-build.html
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited February 2014
    DIY is always going to be the best bang for the buck.

    When I think of the NSD, I think HT sub. It's a great bang for your buck sub and it was one of the subs that really got me started into HT subs. It can belt out SPL and keep chugging. However, for music, the Plus overall is a better sub. Much more musical, faster, and overall more coherent. It's a nice step up from the NSD. After all, the NSD is an entry level sub.
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rpf65
    rpf65 Posts: 2,127
    edited February 2014
    If you're happy with the subs you have, keep them. If you were considering the 13 ultra, that would probably be something to think about.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    ken brydson wrote: »
    My input even though I have no experience with the NSD models. I've had a 25-31PC+ for years and love it. When I first got it I tried plugging a port and running in 20hz mode and felt like it struggled. SVS offered a driver upgrade to the 12.3 model for cheap. BIG difference.

    Thanks for the input, Ken. One thing that is so attractive about SVS is their customer service/trade-up policy/bill of rights.

    Your experience is what makes me think that the Plus driver really is superior to the NSD driver.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    WLDock wrote: »
    $900 to swap them out. Maybe keep what you have and go Quads via DIY?

    2 x Stereo Integrity HT 18" = $324
    2 x DIY Sound Group 4 cu ft sealed flatpack = $240
    1 - Peavey IPR2 2000 = $350
    1 - MiniDSP Balanced =$125
    1 - UMIK-1 USB measurement mic = $75
    1 - R.E.W. software = free
    = $1114 + what else one might need.

    Data
    http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=driver&id=46
    http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=90

    One such build
    http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/sealed-subwoofer-build-projects/64052-stereo-integrity-ht-18d2-build.html

    Wish I had the time. I need a simpler solution.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    aboroth00 wrote: »
    ...for music, the Plus overall is a better sub. Much more musical, faster, and overall more coherent. It's a nice step up from the NSD...

    You may have just sold me, my friend... if it doesn't work out, I'm sending you a bill :)
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
    rpf65 wrote: »
    If you're happy with the subs you have, keep them. If you were considering the 13 ultra, that would probably be something to think about.

    See, I was thinking that there was a bigger difference in performance between the NSD and the Plus than between the Plus and the Ultra, reagrdless of the driver sizes... have you found that to not be true?
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited February 2014
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Yea, I don't really need a whole lot more output than what the NSDs provide, but I would certainly appreciate lower extension and generally better musicality in terms of tone and speed.
    Sounds like you really need to consider all options? Maybe dual sealed is what you are after? Maybe a not normally recommended mix of one Ultra and NSD? Or maybe some other brand? Two ULS-15's?
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter