Martin Logan Abyss vs SVS PB12-Plus/2

harold280z

Ok friends it's time for another sub this one is for my basement system. This set up is apx 3 yrs old. Pictures in system showcase.
Wharfedale Diamond 8.4 Fronts
Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 Sides & Rear
Wharfedale Sub Power Cube 12A
Sony STR 5000ES
Sony DVD NC555ES 5 Disc
Pioneer Elite 910HD
Monster Power HTS 3600
Wharfedale Diamond 8 Center

My Wharfedale Power Cube is weak, needs to be replaced. My basement is apx 15'ft wide 20'ft deep. I really use this system for TV & Movies 90% of the time.

In my bedroom system I just got a Martin Logan Dynamo and I must admit I really like this sub....very tight bass for a small room. I'd say that's why I'm looking at the Abyss, 12' sub sealed box 300 watts and under 800.

The sound of the sub for me has to be tight not boom. The SVS has more power 900 watts dual 12.3 woofers, its a big sub.

Just looking for some input.

Schwingding

Rated amplifier power is no way to shop for an amplifier. Output and frequency response is. A sub should complement your mains - what do they extend down to? Some subs don't really go "sub", for example the Velodyne minivee extends down to only 28Hz. My mains aren't far off that.

FYI, no Martin Logan shows up on the Craigsub ranking list.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768150

beardog03

Schwing ....dual SVS`s ?
your a sic man...!!

Schwingding

No sicker than Wingnut!

beardog03

we are all pretty sic around here !!

beardog03

I have never heard the ML, but I hear they are great w/ music

harold280z

Schwingding wrote:

Rated amplifier power is no way to shop for an amplifier. Output and frequency response is. A sub should complement your mains - what do they extend down to? Some subs don't really go "sub", for example the Velodyne minivee extends down to only 28Hz. My mains aren't far off that.

FYI, no Martin Logan shows up on the Craigsub ranking list.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768150

I've taken a look at that list! Man nice very nice subs! The Frequency respone of my wharfedales are for the 8.4 towers 30-20k @6 ohms the 8.2's(4) 45-20k @ 6 ohms (hope I'm looking at the right numbers for you) The speakers sound great for the price, just need to get the right sub without going too big. Need tight bass not the boom. Your system I bet sounds great.

Schwingding

What we need is to know the cubic feet of the room in which the subs will be operating. Also, is the floor concrete, wood, or other? Basement or higher floor? Open to other areas? Do you mainly use the room for HT or for music (or both)?

What is your budget? Do you have a size limitation (wife acceptance factor) to deal with?

harold280z

Schwingding wrote:

What we need is to know the cubic feet of the room in which the subs will be operating. Also, is the floor concrete, wood, or other? Basement or higher floor? Open to other areas? Do you mainly use the room for HT or for music (or both)?

What is your budget? Do you have a size limitation (wife acceptance factor) to deal with?

I use the basement of both music & DVD's & TV 90% TV & movies! room apx 15'ft wide 20 'ft deep wood floors. 2 openings (see pictures in system showcase) I really would like to keep this sub under 800 if I could:D Wife no girlfriend yes!

SLOCOOKN

Harold,

Have you looked into the VMPS Larger...It is somthing I am considering at this time. I just sold my Velodyne....

MillerLiteScott

Those new JL Audio subs are looking pretty strong. To much coin for me though. I am quite satisfied as I stand.

harold280z

SLOCOOKN wrote:

Harold,

Have you looked into the VMPS Larger...It is somthing I am considering at this time. I just sold my Velodyne....

Just took a look....not powered.........hummmm? Run some more wire inside my walls.....no way! I'm thinking that the SVS will just overpower the basement....also will the ML be strong enough? I looked at the Velodyne just a little to much boom for me, still want to keep it tight. Thanks for the input!

Schwingding

Hmm. we really need 3 dimension in order to determine cubic feet. Assuming you have 8 foot ceilings thats 3000 cubic feet. That is approaching a lot of space to need a sub for. I had a PB12+ that could not keep up in my room of 3500 cu. ft. with an opening to another room.

Since you have mentioned you don't want a sub to sound "boomy" or overpower a room, I'm guessing that you are used to hearing subs that have not been properly calibrated for their listening area. A sub properly calibrated will not, regardless of its potential, overpower a room. Rather, it will have extra headroom - something very desirable for a subwoofer. Too big of a sub - possible but with your budget and room size, doubtful you'll find it. Also, "boomy" bass comes from, among other things, poor placement in a room and poor room treatment. You can get boomy bass from the best of subs in the worst of rooms.

My greatest recommendation would be to call the folks at SVS - just go to their website and get the number, or Hsu. Ask for Erik at SVS, give him your constraints and concerns, and take his suggestions. Worst thing is you'll wind up with a sub you return - doubtful, best thing is you'll have a KICK BUTT SVS!! MillerLiteScott just bought a new SVS cylinder and I'm pretty sure he loves his, too.

harold280z

Schwingding wrote:

Hmm. we really need 3 dimension in order to determine cubic feet. Assuming you have 8 foot ceilings thats 3000 cubic feet. That is approaching a lot of space to need a sub for. I had a PB12+ that could not keep up in my room of 3500 cu. ft. with an opening to another room.

Since you have mentioned you don't want a sub to sound "boomy" or overpower a room, I'm guessing that you are used to hearing subs that have not been properly calibrated for their listening area. A sub properly calibrated will not, regardless of its potential, overpower a room. Rather, it will have extra headroom - something very desirable for a subwoofer. Too big of a sub - possible but with your budget and room size, doubtful you'll find it. Also, "boomy" bass comes from, among other things, poor placement in a room and poor room treatment. You can get boomy bass from the best of subs in the worst of rooms.

My greatest recommendation would be to call the folks at SVS - just go to their website and get the number, or Hsu. Ask for Erik at SVS, give him your constraints and concerns, and take his suggestions. Worst thing is you'll wind up with a sub you return - doubtful, best thing is you'll have a KICK BUTT SVS!! MillerLiteScott just bought a new SVS cylinder and I'm pretty sure he loves his, too.

Thanks for your advice! I'll give SVS a call tomorrow. You're right on the room size apx 3000 cubic feet.

harold280z

Ok SVS PB12-Plus-2 that's the sub for me! Ordered it today! Can't wait to get this home! I'll let you know how this fits in to my system, Thanks all for the input!

doggie750

You are now part of us......"THE SVS breed" congratulation...........BUWAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAA.................
Please NOTE: There are guidelines on how to set your SVS......heads up for you........:D

harold280z

doggie750 wrote:

You are now part of us......"THE SVS breed" congratulation...........BUWAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAA.................
Please NOTE: There are guidelines on how to set your SVS......heads up for you........:D[/QUOTE

Thanks! Did you say guidelines..............you mean you don't just plug it in and turn it up......lol Hummm more rules......lol

millerman 3732

I don't know if you've ever sees a Pb12-plus/2 but if you haven't just wait till you see that thing IT'S HUGH! What finsh did you get?

wingnut4772

Schwingding wrote:

No sicker than Wingnut!

I am sick. Evidently it's contagious.:D

MillerLiteScott

wingnut4772 wrote:

I am sick. Evidently it's contagious.:D

Cough HAAAAAACHEEEEEEEEEEEW

harold280z

millerman 3732 wrote:

I don't know if you've ever sees a Pb12-plus/2 but if you haven't just wait till you see that thing IT'S HUGH! What finsh did you get?

I got the black one. It is a big sub! But big= super tight bass, right!:D

Schwingding

Harold, you will not be disappointed. Congrats on a great purchase. Make sure you tip the delivery guy as that thing is one heavy ****.

Schwingding

wingnut4772 wrote:

I am sick. Evidently it's contagious.:D

Hey, BTW, your user account is disabled on the site that hosts your "My home theater" link.

harold280z

Schwingding wrote:

Harold, you will not be disappointed. Congrats on a great purchase. Make sure you tip the delivery guy as that thing is one heavy ****.

Just wanted to say THANKS your advise really made a differance. Can't wait to get this sub. Hope to have it soon I'll post some pictures. About set up anything special to look at?

wingnut4772

Schwingding wrote:

Hey, BTW, your user account is disabled on the site that hosts your "My home theater" link.

Thanks. I fixed it.

Schwingding

harold280z wrote:

Just wanted to say THANKS your advise really made a differance. Can't wait to get this sub. Hope to have it soon I'll post some pictures. About set up anything special to look at?

You're welcome. The same sort of advice from others here led me to my purchases, too. As for setup, if you follow the advice in the SVS manual you will be pleased. If you don't follow their advice, you won't know what you're missing. You will definitely need a SPL meter, so if you don't have one, visit Radio Shack before your sub arrives.

harold280z

Schwingding wrote:

You're welcome. The same sort of advice from others here led me to my purchases, too. As for setup, if you follow the advice in the SVS manual you will be pleased. If you don't follow their advice, you won't know what you're missing. You will definitely need a SPL meter, so if you don't have one, visit Radio Shack before your sub arrives.

Got the SPL Digital Meter from Radio Shack:D I'm ready now!

Grimster74

Harold, you will not be disappointed with your purchase. I loved my first SVS purchase so much I know own three SVS's, dual PB12-Plus/2's and a single PB12-ISD.

harold280z

Just got my shipping notice from SV Sounds! Wow I can't wait to hear my new sub! I hope to have some pictures of the sub ASAP

Strong Bad

My PC-Ultra arrives Monday.

Monday night should yield news reports of tremors or quite possibly earthquakes in the Baltimore area.

Nice to be joining the Sub Madness.


John

Dr. Spec

Strong Bad wrote:

My PC-Ultra arrives Monday.

Monday night should yield news reports of tremors or quite possibly earthquakes in the Baltimore area.

Nice to be joining the Sub Madness.


John

John - It was great taking your order and catching up on old times with a long-time Polkie. Once things settle down for me, I hope to be spending more time at my old stomping grounds - and still one of the best forums around - Club Polk. :^)

Ed Mullen
SVS