SVS Subwoofer Choice!! Or something else??

Toolfan66

I am in the market for a subwoofer, I haven't owned anything but Polk sub's, so I have been looking at the SVS SB13, or PC13 Ultra. I will be using it 90% HT very seldom do I listen to music in my HT rig.

Should I just save a few bucks and go for the PB12 Plus? Or is there another sub I should consider?

Like I said I don't have any experience with any other sub's but my Polk's.

I own the DSW 500 and the DSW 600, the 500 gave out on me, and purchased a new amp from Polk, but since then my 600 gave out on me, and I don't want to fix it, I would like to go with a better subwoofer, and I have heard nothing but good things about SVS.

Thanks in advance..

aboroth00

I have been hearing very good things about Rythmik recently and almost pulled the trigger on some dual pairs but came to my senses. http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV15HP.html

It holds its own against the SVS and bests it in overall output. I haven't heard anything bad about it and all reviews are generally positive. However, I must say I have no direct experience with either model. It's cheaper than the Ultra by a good margin, but you don't get the chance to try it out in the comfort of your home without being responsible for the shipping charges.

If you can accommodate two subs, it'll probably be advantageous to get two over one.

danz1906

The SVS SB-13 Ultra is a Great sub for HT!!!

dbKiller

I have a PB12 Plus 2, its healthy. Sometimes after a good explosion scene I halfway expect to find drywall damage in the corner its in. This is my first real sub so I don't have much to compare it with, but never even used at over 3/4 power and it always surprises like its the first time I have ever heard it. Im an SVS fan now for sure.

VR3

Agreed, build one.

TC Sounds LMSR 12 with dual LMSR 12 PRs - shake and bake baby! Shake and bake!

txcoastal1

VR3 wrote: »

Agreed, build one.

TC Sounds LMSR 12 with dual LMSR 12 PRs - shake and bake baby! Shake and bake!

Or a pair of sealed TC sounds 12" LMSR's

The 18" TC sound at Skips last weekend was pretty sweet, and I'm not a bass head but makes you want some.

Inspector 24

HSU VTF-15h is favorably compared to all of those subs and regarded as possibly the best bang for the buck, While the PB-13 Ultra is absolutely a better sub, you can you can buy two VFT-15h's two for less than one SVS PB-13 ultra and get better, more even room response that multiple subs provides.

In other words Dual HSU > PB13 Ultra <> Rhythmic > Single HSU.

I love my dual subs, amazing at filling out the bottom end of my music and completely invisible unless I want to hear them. Awesome thump and rumble for movies, and turns the basement into a dance club when I want it. And multiple port configurations and Q settings allow one to tune the sound to your liking for whatever you listen to.

More than you ever wanted to know about the HSU, and great graphs to directly compare other subs:

http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=100

WLDock

DSkip wrote: »

Build one man! You've got the skills.

If you can put things together and have the time and willl...DIY is the way to go to get the most for the dollar! Yes, the Ultra sounds like a killer sub....but $1700 for one? $1750-$1950 for Dual Drive VTF-15H?

I just posted this in another thread:

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 - (Look how nice the big sealed sub compares to the ported PB-13 Ultra and VTF-15H)
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=driver&id=46
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=90

Motivational builds:
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/sealed-subwoofer-build-projects/64052-stereo-integrity-ht-18d2-build.html
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1481968/fusion-10-max-stereo-integrity-ht-18-d2-build-thread
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1463064/16-x-18s-in-a-1500ft-3-space-popalocks-sub-build
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/sealed-subwoofer-build-projects/67838-stereo-integrity-18-d2-curved-build.html
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1453468/stereo-integrity-18-d2-build-sealed
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1489523/si-18s-6-in-sono-tubes-build-is-done

kuntasensei

Though I love my older SVS rig dearly, the staff changes and change of direction there have me concerned. If I had my druthers right now, I'd check out a sub from Power Sound Audio - the company that one of SVS' founders spun off when he left. They seem to be more focused on killer bass on a budget than SVS is these days.

WLDock

Yeah, PSA seems to offer a better value on paper. never heard their sub though but would like to.

blehmbo

Consider Rythmik's offerings. I went from a DSW500 to a F15HP and have no regrets. It's really in a different league. If you want to go the DIY route they also offer custom install servo sub kits.

WLDock

mikeyb wrote: »

I just ordered an svs sb13 ultra.

Nice! Thats the one I think is sexy!

danz1906

mikeyb wrote: »

I just ordered an svs sb13 ultra.....I spent about a month trying to decide. My plan is to run 2 of these. I will let you know on Wednesday how just one will do. I am upgrading from dual dsw500's (which I have sold) I do have a micro pro as well... I can barley make it through work day without checking the tracking number at least 7 times.

Great Choice!

Mikey081057

Congrats Mikeyb and yes 2 subs are better for sure.

Has anyone checked these out?

http://www.aperionaudio.com/bravus-ii-12d-powered-subwoofer

They get VG reviews, and some have said blow the REL 528SE away at like 1/3 the price

Tornado Red

I'm running the DSW 550 and 660 for now and I'm pleased, but down the road I'd like to upgrade with a couple from ideas here (Rhythmik and SVS come to mind)....also I'm hearing good things and may look at this:

PSB Subseries 500

txcoastal1

Tornado Red wrote: »

I'm running the DSW 550 and 660 for now and I'm pleased, but down the road I'd like to upgrade with a couple from ideas here (Rhythmik and SVS come to mind)....also I'm hearing good things and may look at this:

PSB Subseries 500

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648960392-psb_subseries_500_subwoofer

falconcry72

Don't count out the SVS PC12-NSD... huge performance for the price... especially if the lower price allows you to run duals.

dual NSDs > single Plus; dual Pluses > single Ultra.

I say get dual NSDs and see what you think; they are true performers and will knock the socks off your DSWs... I should know, I used to run a 600. If you're not 100% satisfied with the NSDs, you have 12 months to upgrade to dual Pluses or anything else.

Inspector 24

Here's a great thread that helped me settle on the HSU and eventually a 2nd.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1307657/how-the-svs-pb13-ultra-compares-to-hsu-vtf-15h/0_100

If you want ultimate output then the SVS PB-13 Ultra is the droid you are looking for.

After reading more than a few comparisons suggest the HSU had more finesse, more liveliness for music I was sold.

Ultimately, any sub you're looking at is going to kick the pants of any Polk Sub. I had three PSW505's and just one VTF-15h put them all to shame.

Tornado Red

txcoastal1 wrote: »

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648960392-psb_subseries_500_subwoofer

Wonderful. Thanks for that. Now my wallet is starting to quiver....

falconcry72

Inspector 24 wrote: »

Here's a great thread that helped me settle on the HSU and eventually a 2nd.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1307657/how-the-svs-pb13-ultra-compares-to-hsu-vtf-15h/0_100

If you want ultimate output then the SVS PB-13 Ultra is the droid you are looking for.

After reading more than a few comparisons suggest the HSU had more finesse, more liveliness for music I was sold.

Ultimately, any sub you're looking at is going to kick the pants of any Polk Sub. I had three PSW505's and just one VTF-15h put them all to shame.

So I take it you're digging the VTF-15h? Did you consider the ULS-15?

WLDock

Epik has several very well speced 12", 15", 18" drivers at crazy low prices $75-$99. Would make for a very cheap diy build.http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/blog/

I doubt they will last long...

Toolfan66

Thanks for all the feedback guys, really gives me something to think about...

dkg999

I'm not sure why you want a sealed box sub for HT? I have the SVS SB12+ in my 2 ch rig, great sub, however either of my other SVS ported subs are much better for HT.

I am surprised no one mentioned some of the best sub's out there ..... the Paradigm Servo line. Expensive new, however there are usually pretty good deals on demo and used.

txcoastal1

Tornado Red wrote: »

Wonderful. Thanks for that. Now my wallet is starting to quiver....

There's another add in Canuck for a pair at $1600....thats the one that made my wallet quiver

WLDock

dkg999 wrote: »

I'm not sure why you want a sealed box sub for HT? I have the SVS SB12+ in my 2 ch rig, great sub, however either of my other SVS ported subs are much better for HT.

On no doubt ported is great for HT. However, depending on room size, taste, driver, etc. one might opt for a large driver in a sealed enclosure. With the right driver, high output clean, tight, and low bass is possible.

here is a graph of the SI HT18 (BLUE) vs. the PB-13 Ultra 15Hz tune(PURPLE)


SI HT 18 (BLUE) vs. HSU VTF-15H (PURPLE)


With some shaping of the low end the sealed sub should do just fine with good power behind it. Add a second in most modest sized rooms with some decent room gain, I would think that they would shake the foundation more than enough for most out there.

WLDock

Not yet. Need to get the garage and basement organiztion project done first. However, I plan to order the enclosure next week. I was going to pick up a Dayton SA1000 amp that I had a line on for $200 but now I'm not so sure. I might get a used Samson S1000 or SX1800 pro amp and mod the fans. This way, if I decide to add a second one I will already have the power. I just don't have the space for a second sub right now.

Inspector 24

falconcry72 wrote: »

So I take it you're digging the VTF-15h? Did you consider the ULS-15?

Considering the VTF is the better dual use (movies/music) subwoofer, and has more output, good for my 5,000+cuft room, it was easy to decide. And I liked the thought and now practical application of being able to 'tune' it to my preferences.

And yes, I freaking love them. I'm guessing I would have to spend a lot of money on an upgrade to get a big improvement. And/or get a better room.

Inspector 24

Good info on the ULS vs VTF:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1366339/uls-15-vs-vtf-15h
http://forum.hsuresearch.com/showthread.php?t=95433

^^^Dr HSU himself recommends the VTF for larger room dual purpose use. But prefers the ULS for music.

WLDock

Yeah, I read the same thing about the two subs. There are some out there that love the ULS but don't like the VTF? Go figure.

Anyway, my room is medium sized and the system is 50/50 dual. I have always liked the quality of a sealed or infinite baffle sub. Using a modern large stroke, high BL 15-18" driver, some seriously large and clean bass can be had. Its just amazing when done right.