SVS PC Ultra

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,647
edited March 2004 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
We turned this thing up today, got it about as loud as it can go clean...

It takes getting used to what you're hearing, but the bass is adnormally accurate, quick, forceful, and full. It totally controls the entire den at my Dad's house. My Dad's den opens up to a hallway, the kitchen, and 2 dining rooms. It controls every bit of that room with clean, accurate bass. I havn't heard a thing like it! Totally awesome. Can't wait to get me a SVS...

BTW, it looks awesome too. Nothing ugly about them cylinders. The fabric looks great.
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
Post edited by VR3 on
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited March 2004
    pics man,
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    I'll upload em this weekend, I took pics when we got it hooked up but I left the camera at my Dad's house.......
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited March 2004
    Is it safe to say your Dad feels it is an improvement in every way over the M&K?
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2004
    What's the over/under on days until this speaker explodes?

    This will be a great test of the SVS/TC sounds build quality...
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited March 2004
    Days ???

    It made it through HOUR #1 ... that's a good sign ...
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    Yall are all crack heads.....

    Doc......

    The SVS is like wearing M&K's as headphones and blaring them. The clean impact is amazing from what I heard.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited March 2004
    Don't sweat it trey, It's called sub woofer envey.. :D

    just don't blow it up, OK? ;)
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    Yall are all crack heads.....


    Well, just thinking that you room is huge and if you are driving the 1.2 TL's to 100+ dB that you will try to drive the SVS to 135+ (Full gain on the amp and processer?)...
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,761
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by jdhdiggs
    Well, just thinking that you room is huge and if you are driving the 1.2 TL's to 100+ dB that you will try to drive the SVS to 135+ (Full gain on the amp and processer?)...

    And he starts the thread with..........

    "We turned this thing up today, got it about as loud as it can go clean..."
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited March 2004
    ergo we found where it wasn't clean ?!
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2004
    *CLACK* *CLACK* *CLACK*
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited March 2004
    Well, I got your opinion, but what about your Dad's?

    He's been the die-hard M&K supporter all along and he's the one who shelled out the $1200.

    You indicated he was a very tough sell and had major doubts all along that the SVS could run with the M&K, much less exceed it.

    What are his honest impressions vs. the M&K after 2 days of ownership?
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    Doc,
    My Dad has made the M&K the official *TV* subwoofer. How about them apples? He basically is saying he could probally match the SVS's output, cleanness, low end with about 20-30 of his subs. basically. he is seriously pleased, and will be a die-hard SVS custmer for a long time I am sure. Only beef he had was the wait....

    He is extremely pleased, and we thank you for your time in answering questions, opinions, everything. Doc you have introduced us to BASS.

    Everyone,
    Ron at SVS RECOMENDED in OUR SIZE ROOM to turn it up to 12 oclock....so we did. Now leave me alone.

    PS: My Dad is now a SVS worshiper, forget fan....

    He shows mega thanks, Doc if you could just see the mile wide smile we had listening to music with that thing........

    Everyone out there for a sub, ALL THE HYPE you hear about THESE subs, are NOT hype, it is fact. The TRASH SVS talks is because they CAN talk the trash because they're not lieing to you. If you dont believe me, buy one. From the 550 dollar PCi 25-31, to the B4. I am sure they all shake the place. Amazing stuff, thank you Doc again!

    I am almost there to my SVS....dang you Doc. You make me poor! :p
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited March 2004
    Yup!!! Thanks Doc for the help, he not only showed us the road but helped us on the path as well, :)


    I love this Pb2 even more then the fabulous Pb1, like Eric said ... its basically 2 Pb1's with more adjustment.. TRUE
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited March 2004
    Sid,I'm glad to hear your dad has received his Ultra,I've had one ordered since 2/15,no ship date yet...I'm trying my very best to be patient,but every day seems like a week...would'nt be quite soo bad,but I sold our Polk sub and we have been "sub-less" for 3 weeks now!!!
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by Mike Reeter
    but I sold our Polk sub and we have been "sub-less" for 3 weeks now!!!

    I feel ya, I sold our svs pb1 and was subless for i think a few weeks, orderd my Pb2-isd and order to delivery was 7 days.. couldnt be happier, But i understand the Ultra's have a longer wait on them, being newer and all also... hang in there..
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    Yes, the Ultra was expected for about 500 preorders, and they received......what? 3,000+?

    LoL!

    They build them in batches, they don't over-stock on parts, they build, test, ship

    Dont worry, they'll get it out to ya!

    PS: The above is to my understanding, I might be wrong
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited March 2004
    Don't want to come off like a "whiner" I'm tickled shitless that the SVS's are reaching their new homes...I know ours will show up soon...I'm sure there has been a LOT of tax returns heading toward Ohio this year...
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited March 2004
    Cool - I'm really glad yor Dad is totally satisfied and thrilled.

    All kidding aside, I take equipment recommendations seriously, especially in this price range. I'm not looking for thanks - just for happy owners to pass the good word.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    Doc, if someone asks us what subwoofer to buy in SVS's price range, their name will be mentioned. If they dont have a computer, we will supply them one to order off of!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited March 2004
    It takes getting used to what you're hearing, but the bass is adnormally accurate, quick, forceful, and full. It totally controls the entire den at my Dad's house. My Dad's den opens up to a hallway, the kitchen, and 2 dining rooms. It controls every bit of that room with clean, accurate bass. I havn't heard a thing like it! Totally awesome. Can't wait to get me a SVS...

    That's a very good description there Sid. My thoughts exactly with mine as well. Musical as well and can stop on a dime like a corvette, gently purr at idle, and get up and go when she has to. Have you guys tried some different room positions? It makes some substantial differences in my experience with it in just over a week now.
    All kidding aside, I take equipment recommendations seriously, especially in this price range. I'm not looking for thanks - just for happy owners to pass the good word.

    I hear ya Doc. Believe me the word is being passed around by me down here. Some of my close friends and neighbors have seen / heard my PB1+ and left extremely impressed after some of my chicken andouille gumbo and LOTR viewing session. My PB1+ can hit 110 db at -15 to -20 db off of reference on some scenes. Plenty loud for me, just as musical as the Hsu (if not better due to better extension and weight), with more oompht and punch for HT as well. Pretty much everything I was looking for:)
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    There is only one place to place the sub, and that is directly behind the left main.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited March 2004
    I wish i knew more people with higher end subs to get to try and hear what others actually sound like, im biased to have only tried/owned polks and SVs, I couldnt beleive a sub could get much better than SVS< then again i thought my polk 404 was good enough and i proclaimed so until my First SVS, so go figure
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited March 2004
    Sean,

    Just like houses and mains its all about location, location, location with subs as well. I have a huge (20 db) room gain close to one corner in my living room and the bass is overemphasized by both subs in this location. In other spots, I have a strong null in the 50 hz region and some bass drums sound a little thin here on both subs. I'm still struggling with room location and optimizing peaks / nulls and I'm not quite there yet. I may have to get one of those Behringer DSP1124s to help me out if I'm being really picky and REALLY want as flat as a response as possible but +/- 5 db seems to be acceptable for me.

    At lower volumes (less than 90 - 95 db; what I would consider approaching LOUD for me in music) I find nothing objectionable in either sub when placed in a location with the flattest response. At louder volumes or in HT the SVS runs away from the smaller STF-2 due to the sheer volume of my room at over 3,000 cubic feet.

    Without measuring one's room response and knowing what is going on with different room modes one can often draw inaccurate conclusions about performance. This can be done by ear as well and like I said sure enough a strong room null was encountered in a position where I felt the 40 - 60 hz bass sounded a little thin.

    I have no problems recommending either sub based on a user's needs, goals, and budget.
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  • dave shepard
    dave shepard Posts: 1,334
    edited March 2004
    Yaaaa mannnn!!!! Looks like some of you boys have gotten what all the talk and bosting has been all about!! The one thing that has never been exagerrated is the shear power and performance of the SVS in any series. I have taken Doc's advice on quite a few things and he would never recomend something without doing everything he could to help resolve any and all issues, he (I know personaly) takes his recomendations as seriousily if not more so then the one selling it. That to me says alot about the man. As for the ones on the waiting list...... Stay there!!! When you get it you will quickly forget about how long it took, I promess. For the ones that still have doughts.... How can so many be so wrong.

    Congrats guys and enjoy!!!!

    Dave
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    MSN Conversation with Dad.....

    N(AD)COM) says:
    How do you think it compares to the X-1 in bass?
    Eddie says:
    white hunter black heart
    N(AD)COM) says:
    on par
    N(AD)COM) says:
    ?
    Eddie says:
    no way the x1 can compare to the 1.2 and the ultra
    N(AD)COM) says:
    i agree
    Eddie says:
    1.2 and the x1 are bout even
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited March 2004
    We put the sub in one place for a prayer...lol

    It slams.....literally, we could probally set it 10 foot in the air with no floor underneath it and it would still slam.....sheez, a POWERHOUSE

    me like, cant wait till I retire this old M&K to my friend!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited March 2004
    Sean:

    I also owned and (extensively tested/measured) an STF-2 for a week. I was considering it for an upstairs HT rig that the kids use.

    No objections on music - sounded "very" good at reasonably loud volumes (say bass peaks of 90-95 dB) on nearly all popular source material, and gets down to 27-28 Hz pretty well.

    It can't do full justice to some of the deepest music recordings I have, though - it falls on its face with Renholder's "Now I Know" from the Underworld soundtrack, which has very strong 23 Hz bass throughout. And the SoundHound organ CD was predictably a disaster.

    Its real shortcomings were on HT, where the LFE channel is automatically boosted 10 dB and you get 100-105 dB bass peaks at the same master volume level that gave you 90-95 on music.

    The 10" 8mm xMax woofer simply can't move enough air at that moderate playback level (probably -15 RL) without significant compression or soft bottoming. Also, HT has tons of stuff in the 20-25 Hz region, where the STF-2 really stumbles in both output and THD.

    When I was measuring THD, I was using 105 dB at the seat as representative of the maximum SPL bass peak I could expect for HT at -15RL. THD hovered between 10-12% at that volume in the >25 Hz region.

    At 20 Hz, though, the STF-2 couldn't even hope to deliver 105 dB at the seat and doubled really badly at that test volume. I had to reduce the power input a factor of 10 and went for 95 dB at 20 Hz. Even at 95 dB @ 20 Hz, harmonics were easily audible, and THD measured a staggering 23%.

    Bottom line - the STF-2 holds its own on most popular music in smaller rooms, but it cannot deliver the goods on music with bass in the 25 Hz and below region. And it definitely is not suitable for HT applications at all, struggling and distorting badly with the high amplitude and low frequencies so common to this format.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited March 2004
    Bought it with my own $$ at CompUSA and then returned it and ate the restock fee. At least I had a chance to see what the Hsu product was all about.

    I'm trying to convince a friend to buy a PB1-ISD and an STF-3 for another comparo. The $600 class is very hot and I know for a fact the 12" Hsu is like 3X the woofer the 10" unit is.

    I'm sure the STF-3 will be more to my liking and I really want to see how it stacks up against the PB1-ISD. Easy when it's not your money! He can keep the one he likes best and return or sell the other. I'm sure both will be good performers, so there really aren't any "losers" IMO.
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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