Sub listenings...

MrNightly

Stopped by a local audio store this afternoon, and listened to a few different subs. I had never heard of Phase Tech but they had three of their subs in different rooms. Which, by the way where correctly calibrated and even padded on the walls. Quite a nice set up, actually. But I digress.

They had the HV-1200 12" Sub ($600) that actually had impressive clean bass. It didn't feel like it really HIT you, but I was rather impressed for the lower cost. Has anyone else ever listened to this sub?

Their HV-1000 10" Sub just plain sucked, very boomy, and rattly but then again, was only in the $300 range. Totally outta the question.

How does a Phase Tech 12" Compare to say the good ole loved and cherished SVS or HSU's? I actually liked it better than the Velodyne subs (HGS-12X and DLS-4000R) I listened to a while back. Now remember, I have had my eye on the PB12-Ultra/2 for quite awhile, but can't come close to affording it for another year of so probably. So currently, I'm running my RTi's with no sub for HT.

What do you guys think? Should I pick up a "Cheaper" sub either from Polk for the next year, then just sell it when I get the money for the one I want? And how does your experience with this Phase Tech stuff seem?

Oh, this store was also selling Mirage I believe, but the rep said that the Mirage was more of a musical sub, and not the best for HT.

What to do...

MrNightly

Maybe this should be in the sub forum...

mazersteven

MrNightly wrote:

Stopped by a local audio store this afternoon, and listened to a few different subs. I had never heard of Phase Tech but they had three of their subs in different rooms. Which, by the way where correctly calibrated and even padded on the walls. Quite a nice set up, actually. But I digress.

They had the HV-1200 12" Sub ($600) that actually had impressive clean bass. It didn't feel like it really HIT you, but I was rather impressed for the lower cost. Has anyone else ever listened to this sub?

Their HV-1000 10" Sub just plain sucked, very boomy, and rattly but then again, was only in the $300 range. Totally outta the question.

How does a Phase Tech 12" Compare to say the good ole loved and cherished SVS or HSU's? I actually liked it better than the Velodyne subs (HGS-12X and DLS-4000R) I listened to a while back. Now remember, I have had my eye on the PB12-Ultra/2 for quite awhile, but can't come close to affording it for another year of so probably. So currently, I'm running my RTi's with no sub for HT.

What do you guys think? Should I pick up a "Cheaper" sub either from Polk for the next year, then just sell it when I get the money for the one I want? And how does your experience with this Phase Tech stuff seem?

Oh, this store was also selling Mirage I believe, but the rep said that the Mirage was more of a musical sub, and not the best for HT.

What to do...

How big is your room that you need a SVS PB12 Ultra/2? The PB12 Plus/2 is plenty for a room 25x35 with openings. There really is no sense to look at any other sub when SVS covers all the price points. Just my Opinion

gyusher

I have used subs since the mid 70s. My first was the 3 piece JBL L-212 system where the two towers stopped at 80hz and the bass was covered by a 12 in powered (75wpc) sub.

Long story short over the years I have either owned or used or looked hard at just about all the consumer grade subs out there. Notable were JBL's B-380(15in) and B-460 (18in) powered by Adcom's 565 or a bridged 555. I have owned M&K's, Paradigm, Klipsch, DIY Danes plus others too numerous to name.

In 2002 I bought my first SVS, a passive 2039 on a lark. . . The price was right and because of the "Buzz" I had to check it out for myself. I was blown away by this black water heater sitting in my living room and wondered how their bigger subs sounded. . .

I sold that 2039 almost 2 years later for almost what I paid for it and bought their PB12+2, a dual 12 in box with a 900 watt amp. My room is not large at 14x18 and this guy just about destroyed my house. . . I loved every minute of it. . .

As is usual for me I sold the PB12+2 for exactly what I paid for it about a year later. I was in the process of rebuilding my HT system from the ground up and the opportunity presented itself and I let her go. . . Then I decided to give their new PB10isd a shot. I heard nothing but good about it. . .

Coming off a PB12+2 to a PB10isd leaves a big hole but that little 10 was the best 10in sub I have ever heard. . . I bought the little guy for temp use and sold it a few months later. . .

Now I have a PB12isd2. . . Same box as the Plus2 model but 2 standard drivers along with a 600 watt amp. I doubt that I sell this guy anytime soon. SVS has totally changed my thinking about subs. . . My wife would get mad at my ramblings about not getting my usual 30 or 40% discounts and often asked me to look around that I had other choices. . .

She was wrong I had no other choices. . . Fortunately SVS is easy to deal with because even if they weren't I would still buy their subs. . . To me they are that good. .

heiney9

I used to sell the Phase Tech line of speakers many years ago. Back then they were an entry level speaker. Certainly adequate by todays standards, back then they were up against (in our store) KEF, Mirage, Polk, ADS, M & K among a couple others I can't remember, they were handily bested by all.

I'm not sure how Phase Tech is these days, if they are the same company or have been bought out. But I somehow doubt they have radically changed, so I would guess the SVS or HSU would certainly be a better choice. Final choice should be made by your ears.

H9

EricBurg

Mr Nightly,
I see you are in the Kansas City area! I live in KC,MO, up by Liberty.

I currently own a SVS pb10-isd and would put it up against just about any sub I have heard in any store in the kc area. The only sub that I actually prefered was the martin logan depth sub, however, it costs just under $2k. For under $500 you aren't going to get any better. I've heard the arguement that these subs aren't "musical", but that all depends in your setup. I think it sounds fine with music. However, it really shines in its HT use. The lows aren't just loud booms, you can actually feel the air moving.

If you want a cheap polk sub, I have a free one in my attic that I got with my RTi10's...

Eric

dorokusai

There's a few more KC area maniacs Eric....HBomb and Polk Thug come to mind.

MrNightly

EricBurg wrote:

Mr Nightly,
I see you are in the Kansas City area! I live in KC,MO, up by Liberty.

I currently own a SVS pb10-isd and would put it up against just about any sub I have heard in any store in the kc area. The only sub that I actually prefered was the martin logan depth sub, however, it costs just under $2k. For under $500 you aren't going to get any better. I've heard the arguement that these subs aren't "musical", but that all depends in your setup. I think it sounds fine with music. However, it really shines in its HT use. The lows aren't just loud booms, you can actually feel the air moving.

If you want a cheap polk sub, I have a free one in my attic that I got with my RTi10's...

Eric

Sub in the ATTIC!?! Isn't that against HT rules?

I would be very interested in hearing your little SVS. Have you compared it to say, another bigger brother SVS?

I am in Shawnee. Not too terribly far from Liberty.

Let me know

EricBurg

The pb10-isd is the only sv sub i've heard. I kept reading rave reviews on all the boards and wrote to the company about which sub would work in my application and based on their reccomendation and the level of comfort I got from their prompt and thorough responses, I pulled the trigger. I've had the sub for about a year and couldn't be happier. I have given some thought at either buying a second 10 or upgrading to a 12, but honestly, I think it might be overkill. My HT room is 13x24 and the bass fills the area very nicely. It did take some experimenting to place it properly. I had to adjust some seating as well, so no one was sitting in any big nulls. My guess is that the larger sv subs will sound just as good and smooth, with a little more "guts" and slightly lower extension. Larger cone area will usually displace more air.

I've never heard anyone have any regrets with sv, hsu or outlaw subs. I was kind of nervous taking the plunge without first hearing one, but I'm now sold that these companies can deliver the best bang for the money.

Eric

gyusher

Their (SVS) larger subs do go lower and are cleaner (tighter??) on the bottom.

The 10in is somewhat punchy but for anywhere near that pricepoint you can't beat it.

I had the 2039 passive driven by Adcom GFA565, The PB12+2 then the PB10isd and now the PB12isd2.

I liked the +2 for sheer output and tight bass while the 10 would go almost as low you do loose some defination on the bottom.

Now I have the 600 watt PB12ISD2 and of them all I like it best. In my room it is not as punchy as the +2 or the 10. . . It is just there when you need it. . .very good at not calling attention to itself, very smooth deep bass. Very pleasant actually, not in your face but there when you need it.. .

I wanted to go Ultra this year but after buying everything else I couldnt afford it. Of all that I have owned the +2 is first then the ISD2 almost equal but for different reasons then the 2039 and last the little 10. . .Kinda like they market them I guess.

I blew away a lot of friends with that little guy. . . A great sub. . .

dorokusai

The PB/Ultra-2, why are they constantly changing the damn model numbers, hits harder and cleaner than my previous PB12-ISD. It was very noticeable. SVS is outstanding.