Possible SVS SBS-01 upgrade

ivansfo

Because of a new baby and new job recently, I've had very little time lately to enjoy my Polk HT system and check out what's going on. Well...today I just found out SVS is shipping their SBS-01 speaker system. After reading the reviews, I have the upgrade itch again!

My current humble system consist of:

R50 (Fronts)
R20 (Rears)
Csi30 (Center)
SVS PB10-ISD
Onkyo 701

I'm pretty satisfied with my current Polk system but I know there could always be better. I like something with a little better midrange and highs without being overly bright like I felt about the RTi series. And I don't want to spend lots of money either so this little upgrade is attractive to me.

Think this upgrade is worth it for me? Anyone here actually hear these little speakers? What do you think of them compared to R50s? And before making a final decision I will likely wait to see what SVS mid-tower offering will be.

Thanks,

Ivan

Ron Temple

Ivan,

I can get you a listen with a friend of mine in SJ. He has the SBS-01s in a 5.1 mode. I thought they sounded great in his room...funny he liked my R50s in mine. They are a very flat accurate speaker, no sibulance, great for vocals. PM me if you want me to arrange an audition.

ivansfo

PM sent. Thanks.

Ivan

Shizelbs

They are clearly better, the SVS that is. Not by a very wide margin, in my opinion, but they are better. You already have the best part of the 5.1 SVS system, which is the sub. I think its a pretty lateral upgrade. I think you would be better off waiting for a larger leap to better speakers overall.

Schris22

Shizelbs wrote:

They are clearly better, the SVS that is. Not by a very wide margin, in my opinion, but they are better. You already have the best part of the 5.1 SVS system, which is the sub. I think its a pretty lateral upgrade. I think you would be better off waiting for a larger leap to better speakers overall.

I agree. Was thinking the same thing when I was reading your original post.

I have an r series setup and my next jump is going to be in the 500 ish - 700 area for just a pair of fronts and upgrade as I go. At that range I was satisfied with the sound. R50's are serious contendors for their price range and I think you should go higher than the SVS's.

Though also keep in mind I"ve never heard them, just off of what I've been reading. Want to make a big enough jump to make it worth it.


Chris

Shizelbs

When I think upgrade, I want the upgrade to be unmistakably better. I just don't think you would get that impression with going to the SVS speakers.

ivansfo

Okay, you all have help me rationalize that this upgrade is just not a big enough leap. My five R series speakers cost me under $400 so if I upgrade, I would only want to spent no more than $800 for five new speakers. I tried going to the RTi line once but I just didn't like the sound of them. That's too bad because they were priced within my range (used or Ebay) and and they look great too.

I'm just looking for an incremental upgrade which will give me better midrange and highs for movie watching. This is the area where I feel the R series is lacking a little. A few months ago I listened to a set of Vienna Accoustics at Magnolia and was impressed with the sound. With SVS's reputation, I thought maybe these new speakers could give me what I want without spending $2k.

So for now I'll stick with what I have now and see what SVS unveils with MTS series. The wife will be happy to know that I'm not going to try another upgrade ........YET!

Thanks,

Ivan

StopherJJ1980

never heard the SVS system but they have gotten very solid reviews. I know what you mean about the R series lacking the mid and highs, and for me the RTi's were a HUGE improvement. I'd say get the RTi's from a dealer with a good return policy and give them a couple weeks. Let em grow on you. Sometimes different seems bad even when it is way better. The RTi's just have SOO much more detail and clarity. But if its not youre thing then hey, you gotta find something you like