SVS PC Ultra first impressions

Strong Bad
Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
edited February 2007 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
I finally got to test it out a little bit over the weekend. I won't go into how mean or house rumbling it is as we've all heard that many times.

I watched 2 movies over the weekend (at night) and had to keep the volume a little tame. This is where the PC Ultra surprised me. Even at low volume, this thing was still able to add another dimension that I figured it couldn't do. Here is this big beast of a sub (yeah, it's big!) throwing it's weight around in the subtlest of ways. At low volume, it's preseance is still there and you know it, but it's controlled and not to where anyone can complain. For Townhouse and Apartment dwellers, this is important.

It blended to perfection with my RT800i's (Thank you Justin, they're awesome), CS400 and FX500's. Wanna talk about really enjoying home theater surround action now...I finally have my system the way I want it.

Ok ok, just once i have to say it. At high volume, the SVS is simply a destructive force all it's own! The PC Ultra is worth every single penny I paid and then some.

John
No excuses!
Post edited by Strong Bad on
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Comments

  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2007
    Glad to hear you are liking the PCU, you'll enjoy it for many years. You'll be surprised what you hear comming from that sub the more you listen to it.

    I have two of them and will probably be looking at the new Ultra's to hit market here in the next couple months.

    Mike
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2007
    MikeC78 wrote:
    I have two of them and will probably be looking at the new Ultra's to hit market here in the next couple months.
    Mike
    Dibs on your old one(s). :)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2007
    McLoki wrote:
    Dibs on your old one(s). :)

    Michael

    Sold.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2007
    I bought our PC-Ultra when they were first introduced...without question,the best money I have ever layed out for our Home Theater.

    Had some folks over Sunday,gave them a little demo...basicly same responce as everyone else...speachless:D
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2007
    McLoki wrote:
    Dibs on your old one(s). :)

    Michael


    bastage !

    I have one and couldn`t agree more

    It constantly amazes me
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • opus
    opus Posts: 1,252
    edited February 2007
    McLoki wrote:
    Dibs on your old one(s). :)

    Michael


    Dibs on your cs.:)



    need any painting done?:D
    The Flea rig
    Hitachi 50VG825 LCD
    Rotel RSP 1066 (pre) :)-flea market
    B&K St-202 (mains)-flea market
    Carver M 200t (x2) (center and surrounds)-flea market
    Blu-Ray..PS3 (dvd player)
    Polk RTA-11t-flea market
    LsiC, Fxi30's
    Dual SVS PC-Utra's (1 port blocked) thanks MikeC78
    Behringer Feedback Destroyer    -flea market
    AudioAlchemy DDE v1.0 DAC-flea market
    Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CDP-flea market
    Signal Cable and Kimber Kable
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited February 2007
    Mike Reeter wrote:
    I bought our PC-Ultra when they were first introduced...without question,the best money I have ever layed out for our Home Theater.

    Had some folks over Sunday,gave them a little demo...basicly same responce as everyone else...speachless:D


    Just finished giving a demo to my Sister and Bro-in-law since he requested it as he is interested in putting together a surround system later this year. Before I kicked things on, he spoke blasphemy (Bose) and said he heard they were good and demoed a Bose system at Circuit City. I toured him through my system and explained why Bose is junk. Showed him all of my Polks (RT800i, CS400 & FX500) including cabinet structure and build, then went over driver technology (the basics). I then introduced THE BEAST (PC Ultra) and explained what it does.

    Now, on to the demo. I threw in Lord of the Rings FOTR, kicked in DTS and played from the start. When it got to Mt Doom erupting, it scared the sh** out of my sister. Bro-in-law just got that HOLY SH** look on his face. The whole room and floor were shaking violently. The low end just went through us! I then took him back in time just a bit to the original Star Wars. Played it from the start. When the Star Destroyer flew in, again, HOLY SH** look from him and a "You Gotta Be F***ing Kidding Me" from sister.

    I looked at him and asked, "So, did the Bose system sound anywhere near that?" He just shook his head no.

    Polk, you have a new customer onboard later this year. So does SVS. Told him to call me when he's ready to shop!

    BTW, that was the hardest I've pushed the SVS since I got it. I was speechless myself. OMG!!! Insane!

    John
    No excuses!
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2007
    Kinda makes ya wonder,how in the hell can some have two of these bad boys in their rig..."IF" I had the funds,I would be one of them:D
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited February 2007
    One day, I probably will. Like most everyone in the forum, I love to go way over the edge past the point of sanity. By the time I get to that point, the newer bigger ones will be out. Goodie goodie! :D

    Just one of these is seriously sickening though! I have 1 port plug in and OMG...right through ya! Better check that 1 filling I have. ;)

    John
    No excuses!
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2007
    Now go to the rooms at the other end of the house and pick up all the stuff that fell off of the walls and off of the shelves !!!

    :D
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited February 2007
    Purchased my two PCUs when they were first introduced. They are mainly used for two channel listening. All the two channel components have been upgraded since I purchased the PCUs. I did not had any thoughts of upgrading these until the recent announcements of the new Ultra series...

    HT is also amazing when I decide to partake.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2007
    jm1 wrote:
    Purchased my two PCUs when they were first introduced. They are mainly used for two channel listening. All the two channel components have been upgraded since I purchased the PCUs. I did not had any thoughts of upgrading these until the recent announcements of the new Ultra series...

    HT is also amazing when I decide to partake.

    That's one of the extra benefits of a PCU...they are also a very "musical" sub,blending seemlessly into the music,,,just as they do in a DVD playback.
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  • Schwingding
    Schwingding Posts: 363
    edited February 2007
    Imagine how the new Ultra will be! If the real world reviews are as good as promised, I'll probably trade up to dual Ultras, too. Might be a couple PB12 +/2s for sale, she really would leave me if I had 4 big SVS subs in the house.
    HT/music rig
    Panasonic PX60U 50" plasma
    Yamaha 5990 AVR
    Onix SP3 tube amp
    bunch of Outlaw 2200 monoblocks
    DUAL SVS PB12+/2 subs :eek:
    Denon 3910 DVD/SACD/DVD-A
    DirecTV HR10-250 DVR
    Onix Strata Mini mains
    Mirage OM10 surrounds
    Polk CSi5 center
    Polk SC80 rear surrounds
    Samsung BDP1000 blu-ray player

    Bedroom rig
    Jolida SJ302a tube amp
    Denon 2910 universal player
    Onix Ref 1 monitors
    Velodyne minivee
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  • mwaarna
    mwaarna Posts: 280
    edited February 2007
    Schwingding wrote:
    Imagine how the new Ultra will be! If the real world reviews are as good as promised, I'll probably trade up to dual Ultras, too. Might be a couple PB12 +/2s for sale, she really would leave me if I had 4 big SVS subs in the house.


    How big is your room to warrant Dual PB12 +/2's?

    I just received my first PB12 +/2 last friday and i dont see how any one would need more than 1.

    My room is about 13x26x8 with a long hallway, and an open kitchen.

    My way to impress people is to pop in finding Nemo.. and put on the scene where darla taps the tank.

    The First go, i leave the sub off.
    then switch it on and watch the expressions turn into 'omfg what the **** was that' face... its priceless...
    Click here To see My system
    Polk LSI15,LSiC, LsiFX, SVS PB-12 Plus/2, Blue Jean Cables,Onkyo Pro PR-SC885P, Earthquake Cin
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2007
    mwaarna wrote:
    How big is your room to warrant Dual PB12 +/2's?

    I just received my first PB12 +/2 last friday and i dont see how any one would need more than 1.

    Different strokes for different folks. Some people warrant why you would need a single +/2? I have dual PCU's and my room measures about the same as yours, I'm still looking for more.:)

    Mike
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,573
    edited February 2007
    mwaarna wrote:
    How big is your room to warrant Dual PB12 +/2's?

    I just received my first PB12 +/2 last friday and i dont see how any one would need more than 1.

    The same size as yours and easy, some of us are just plain insane.:D
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Schwingding
    Schwingding Posts: 363
    edited February 2007
    mwaarna wrote:
    How big is your room to warrant Dual PB12 +/2's?
    My room is about 3500 cu. ft
    But I wound up with duals through a process of trial and error on the way to sending back a PB12+ that was definitely too small for that room. The decision to go with duals isn't all about cubic feet. Duals can even out room mode issues, for one. With my subs placed in different locations, I can trim the gains to get an even LFE distribution throughout the listening area. With a single sub you only have so much you can do in that area. Dual subs also work less hard to produce the same decibel level in a room - each driver need travel less far in order to fill the room with sound, so the transient response can be quicker, and the ports will probably never approach the "chuff" limit. Room construction can also play a big factor - its way harder to energize a room with a carpet over concrete floor than a wooden floor, for example. The same sub will have a much harder job in the concrete room. My duals can actually energize the entire concrete floor in my basement! It really does feel like an earthquake.

    Plus, its really cool.
    HT/music rig
    Panasonic PX60U 50" plasma
    Yamaha 5990 AVR
    Onix SP3 tube amp
    bunch of Outlaw 2200 monoblocks
    DUAL SVS PB12+/2 subs :eek:
    Denon 3910 DVD/SACD/DVD-A
    DirecTV HR10-250 DVR
    Onix Strata Mini mains
    Mirage OM10 surrounds
    Polk CSi5 center
    Polk SC80 rear surrounds
    Samsung BDP1000 blu-ray player

    Bedroom rig
    Jolida SJ302a tube amp
    Denon 2910 universal player
    Onix Ref 1 monitors
    Velodyne minivee
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited February 2007
    Congrats on the SVS. I love to hear how your demo blew the Bose away.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited February 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote:
    Congrats on the SVS. I love to hear how your demo blew the Bose away.

    Very easily I might add.

    Another thing to note though is how much he loved the sound of the Polks. He said the fullness and much larger, clearer detailed sound is exactely what he wants and what the Bose system clearly lacks. I showed him all of the speakers with covers off and explained the driver materials used in the Polks VS Bose.

    I'm loving the hell out of my system!
    No excuses!
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2007
    Strong Bad wrote:
    Very easily I might add.

    Another thing to note though is how much he loved the sound of the Polks. He said the fullness and much larger, clearer detailed sound is exactely what he wants and what the Bose system clearly lacks. I showed him all of the speakers with covers off and explained the driver materials used in the Polks VS Bose.

    I'm loving the hell out of my system!

    :D Ohhh man, I bet you made him feel like crap! I'm sure he doesn't feel very good on spending all that dough on some inferior speakers.:eek:
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited February 2007
    MikeC78 wrote:
    :D Ohhh man, I bet you made him feel like crap! I'm sure he doesn't feel very good on spending all that dough on some inferior speakers.:eek:

    Nope, he only demoed the Bose system, didn't buy. I saved his audio life! He's totally sold on Polk/SVS.
    No excuses!
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2007
    Strong Bad wrote:
    Nope, he only demoed the Bose system, didn't buy. I saved his audio life! He's totally sold on Polk/SVS.

    Nice, you are a good man!:)
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited February 2007
    Strong Bad wrote:
    Nope, he only demoed the Bose system, didn't buy. I saved his audio life! He's totally sold on Polk/SVS.
    You are going to heaven.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited February 2007
    Strong Bad wrote:
    Nope, he only demoed the Bose system, didn't buy. I saved his audio life! He's totally sold on Polk/SVS.
    LSi's and external amps, SVS, your sister is going to love you when she hears the budget...unless you steer him on the flea market. :D

    Well, then again, if he was going to shell out money for Bose, they might be in a financial situation where they care much.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited February 2007
    BTW, that was the hardest I've pushed the SVS since I got it. I was speechless myself. OMG!!! Insane!

    John

    John, does the thing thump you in the chest during movies? I think this is my next move, before new rears. :D
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,644
    edited February 2007
    Congrats John!

    The Ultra is a beast, my Dad is using his in a 35x25x10-12 area... no problems what so ever. Solid down to 20hz.

    Im probally the only person the earth that thinks he needs dual + or Ultra subs in a 10.5x10.5x8 bedroom.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,573
    edited February 2007
    Hey John, I'm not sure if you mentioned it anywhere but exactly which model Ultra did you purchase?
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited February 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote:
    You are going to heaven.

    My job on earth is complete. Good bye everyone! :D

    Grimster, it's the PC-Ultra (their best cylinder).

    I have 1 of the port plugs in. I noticed some chest thumping parts to movies, but the real joy is feeling it rumble through the floor and up into your body. In the Star Wars DVD (A New Hope), when the Star Destroyer flies in at the opening, OH YEAH! Then, about 3 seconds before the Stromtroopers blow the door open, there is this MASSIVE lowend surge that can really test the structure of a home!

    I tell ya, I love my home theater! Polk and SVS...a match made in heaven!


    John
    No excuses!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited February 2007
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:

    Im probally the only person the earth that thinks he needs dual + or Ultra subs in a 10.5x10.5x8 bedroom.

    At the levels you listen to, I think you need four ultras! Or make that four PB12Ultra/2 subs!
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited February 2007
    Strong Bad wrote:
    My job on earth is complete. Good bye everyone! :D

    Grimster, it's the PC-Ultra (their best cylinder).

    I have 1 of the port plugs in. I noticed some chest thumping parts to movies, but the real joy is feeling it rumble through the floor and up into your body. In the Star Wars DVD (A New Hope), when the Star Destroyer flies in at the opening, OH YEAH! Then, about 3 seconds before the Stromtroopers blow the door open, there is this MASSIVE lowend surge that can really test the structure of a home!

    I tell ya, I love my home theater! Polk and SVS...a match made in heaven!


    John
    Congtats John!!!

    I love horror movies, especially with an SVS. Take the new The Grudge 2 movie. It is a totally different experience than the average person will get out of it. Thier is so much LFE my house becomes part of the movie. Its insane. It makes a scrary movie, creepy as hell.
    Have Fun!!!
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