Paradigm Servo 15 vs svsPB12-Ultra

thuchien

at my local store have a demo Paradigm Servo 15 for $1000. But i want your input about what is better sub for movie?

thanks

AzN_plyR

movies...... I haven't heard those subs, but when it comes to SVS, and HT, SVS almost always come out on top to comparable subs.

Dr. Spec

Is the Servo-15 a V1 or a V2?

disneyjoe7

OK, Dr. Spec

What's your take V1 / V2 and why? I believe I have the older version so I think I own the V1.

thuchien

it is v1.
v2 still $2200
i am also consider ML grotto. Both around $1000

Dr. Spec

The V1 has a very flat FR and excellent bandwidth linearity from the THD-limited output standpoint, but it caps out at a fairly moderate volume.

The V2 (and also its dressy equivalent the Signature) has a less-flat FR, and worse BW linearity, but more output capability at the deepest frequencies, and MUCH more output capability in the mid/upper bass regions.

AVTalk tested both subs outdoors at 2 meters ground plane, if you want to see the results.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=13367&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=13932&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

They also tested the PC-Ultra which will perform very similarly to the PB12-Ultra you are considering.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=13375&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

The Ultra will outperform the V1 with respect to clean/uncompresed output across the pass band, averaging about 101-103 dB from 25-50 Hz (where all the big DVD bass lives), and hitting 98 dB at 20 Hz. This compared to the V1 which averages 95-96 dB from 25-50 Hz and hits 93 dB at 20 Hz.

A 6 dB differential represents a 100% increase in acoustic output, so it would take dual V1 to reach the average output levels of the Ultra from 20-50 Hz. Subjectively the Ultra in the 20 Hz tune will have more slam and output than the V1 for HT applications.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=13375&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

In the 16 Hz tune, the Ultra will still have more output than the V1, but the difference will not be as great - about 3-4 dB (50% more output) across the board, and it will also play deeper than the V1 in this tune, extending to about 13-14 Hz in-room.

While you didn't mention it, the PB12-Plus with the new 12.3 woofer is a better performance value than the Ultra and will provide very similar performance for less $$.

The Ultra is slated for a redesign to reestablish its dominance over the Plus line since the 12.3 woofer has damn near closed what used to be a fairly wide gap between the original/older Plus (dB12, dB12.1, dB12.2 woofers) and Ultra line.

Personally I'd opt for the PB12-Plus and not look back - the performance difference between it and the Ultra won't amount to much in-room and the Plus will actually be more linear in the upper bass regions, because the 12.3 woofer has a flatter FR than the current TV12.