SVS subwoofer discussion

Mikey081057

My current HT setup (see signature) incorporates 2 polk MP3K subs... I've tweaked and effed with them and I am just not satisfied and have concluded that these are the weak points in my system... AMP, Pre Pro, BDP, TV... all work fine. Except the subs... They seem to be fine at most levels but when the **** starts blowing up they seem to bottom out. now I have checked and tweaked but really the only thing I can do is lower the volume... but I only have them at like 50% levels x'dover at like 60HZ. I've been through the Audessy setup many times and that leaves them with the volume set to high.

net net my question is would i be better off with 2 SVS SB2000's or a single SB13 Ultra or Single PB 13 Ultra... I prefer sealed subs and would like some feedback from some fellow polkies.

EndersShadow

For sealed subs I would DIY it yourself to save some money. @Conradicles 18" sub build x 2 and a pro amp like a crown XLS 1500 or XLS 2000 and your set.

And your likely in for LESS than the SVS Ultra....

ken brydson

I'm a huge SVS fan. My advise is to call them or use their online Merlin (IIRC) tool. Let them know your system, room size, listening habit's etc and they'll recommend the best sub for your application. They won't try and oversell you either. Best part is their generous 45 day trial period and free shipping both ways. Nothing to lose IMO...

gce

What Ken said!^^^^ I called SVS and I told them what I wanted in a sub, room size and they hooked me up with a great sub!

Mikey081057

I checked the SVS configurator it says SB13 ultra or PB13 Ultra

PSOVLSK

Agree with Ken as well.

You'll be smiling regardless of what you decide to do.

mikeyb128

Mikey081057 wrote: »

I checked the SVS configurator it says SB13 ultra or PB13 Ultra

I've had both sealed and ported versions of the ultra. They are both excellent subs. I've also had the MP3K. I would say get the nicest sub you can afford. That way down the road you can buy another one. Then you have 2 bad **** subs, and you won't be left wondering what if...

Also the ported ultra does an excellent job with music. Tight and controlled. I know a lot of folks say sealed is better for music, but from my experience in owning both, the ported does a dam good job, you also have the versatility to tune it, and even seal it.

To compare the sealed vs ported. One ported ultra easily equaled 2 sealed ones. The sealed are nice for size/placement options, but the ported walks all over them.

WLDock

SVS is not a bad choice and two subs are always better than one if you take the time to set them up right.

Also, as Ender / Dan stated...DIY can net a ton of performance for much less. Here is one of many examples.....I just ran across a sale for one side of a DIY 12" dual stacked Dayton Ultimax sub setup. The guy said it blew away his $2K SVS Ultra:

http://reno.craigslist.org/ele/4968588301.html

Pretty cool dual duals.


Also, there are many DIY 15", 18", 20", 22" options...

rpf65

May want to look at power sound audio also. That s3000i looks like it could be a contender

ken brydson

Some nice deals currently in their outlet store...

http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials

Mikey081057

So thanks to all who contributed advice on subs... I am sure I could build a nice kit model, but if I add up the time i would miss work it would cost me more... Working lots of hours these days and don't want to wait for my project to end.

I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.

now the worst part... WAITING... it should be delivered sometime next week and I don't get home till the weekends... so i'll see it around the end of next week.

The guys at SVS were great to deal with.

This rabbit hole is getting DEEP! but I am sure i will get years of great use out of this bad boy!

Conradicles

Congrats that is a sweet sub for sure!!!

EndersShadow

Mikey081057 wrote: »

So thanks to all who contributed advice on subs... I am sure I could build a nice kit model, but if I add up the time i would miss work it would cost me more... Working lots of hours these days and don't want to wait for my project to end.

I can understand that one.

SVS, PSA, Outlaw subs are great values for what they offer!

I'm sure you will be happy!

gce

Congrats, I'm sure you'll love that bad boy.

Mikey081057

Very Stoked to experience the extreme lfe from this BMF!!!

mikeyb128

You are in for a treat! I did notice when I got mine the bass increased over time as the driver broke in. The rubber surround was super stiff when new.

PSOVLSK

Congrats. You're gonna love it!

WLDock

Mikey081057 wrote: »

I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.

That badboy will for sure make its presence known. Now you have a sealed, one port, two port tune options. I'm surprised you went for a single sub after running duals?

Mikey081057

WLDock wrote: »

Mikey081057 wrote: »

I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.

That badboy will for sure make its presence known. Now you have a sealed, one port, two port tune options. I'm surprised you went for a single sub after running duals?

I think this will out duel the duals in my setup.

WLDock

Absolutly it will have a ton of output...might even outpeak the polks! That sub is an absolute beast! It really does not get any better from a single retail sub unless you spend more!

However, duals is not just about output but better dealing with the room modes. I have yet to have the opp to play with two subs myself...well sort of. I first ran my RT3000P with only one of the subs working. Then with the second one running things improved. Then adding the single LFE sub only made things better for movie effects. if i had a room like yours I would have to for sure try a sub upfront on one side of the room and another in back of the couch( for tactile impact) on the other side....just to see what it does. I know Dr HSU swears by this....I had the pleasue of meeting him at Axpona...there room was sounding good playing concert blu-rays.

Mikey081057

WLDock wrote: »

Absolutly it will have a ton of output...might even outpeak the polks! That sub is an absolute beast! It really does not get any better from a single retail sub unless you spend more!

However, duals is not just about output but better dealing with the room modes. I have yet to have the opp to play with two subs myself...well sort of. I first ran my RT3000P with only one of the subs working. Then with the second one running things improved. Then adding the single LFE sub only made things better for movie effects. if i had a room like yours I would have to for sure try a sub upfront on one side of the room and another in back of the couch( for tactile impact) on the other side....just to see what it does. I know Dr HSU swears by this....I had the pleasue of meeting him at Axpona...there room was sounding good playing concert blu-rays.

Well I will have plenty of subs to experiment with...:)

mikeyb128

I tried one ultra up front and one behind my couch, the tactile sensation was great! But I had trouble blending that beast in with the rest of the system, a sub that big close to the couch doesn't just disappear behind you. I ended up with both up front with the mains. The gain isn't set that close to zero and is shakes the couch, you can feel it in your pant legs and shirt!

dpowell

Good choice on the PB13 Ultra. You won't regret it. Utilize SVS customer support to help you get it dialed in if needed. You may find as I did that the sub seems almost too polite at first compared to what you are used to. The 13 Ultra is such a major step up in refinement, clarity and detail that you may find you think you should be hearing something in the SVS that was just distortion in your current subs. About the best way I can describe it is that the PB13 disappears/blends beautifully into music but will show up to pound out LFE when called upon.

Mikey081057

Should be here in a few days... Unfortunately I won't be here when it gets here. I am travelling most weekdays and don't get home till Friday nights.

I am sooooooo looking forward to setting that bad mother effer up...