(2) SVS PB12–NSD or (1) SVS PB13–Ultra?

Demiurge
Demiurge Posts: 10,874
edited March 2010 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
My subwoofer doesn't really cut it and is by far the weakest part of my setup. Considering I started with a Polk HTiB speaker setup in 2003 I have come a long way in slowly piecing my setup together. LSi9/7 and LSiFX still to come.

I'm going to move to SVS for my sub(s) in the not too distant future, but I'm having trouble figuring out what route to go. I have heard from a number of people that the SVS PB13-Ultra is a great sub, but admittedly it's a bit overkill. With a $1,699+ price tag I doesn't make sense to me to pay for so much more sub than I need. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I have noticed numerous folks running 2 subs in their setups. At $599 per sub, would (2) SVS PB12-NSD be a good move? I save $500 and have (2) subs.

Looking for some straightforward opinions. :)
Post edited by Demiurge on
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Comments

  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,759
    edited March 2010
    Personally I'd get a PB13 and call it a day but that's just me. I would suggest calling SVS with your question. Their CS is on par with Polk and they won't try to oversell you. Based on your room size, equipment, listening habits and budget they will recommend the best sub(s) for you. That's what I did and when I couldn't swing the sub they suggested they told me exactly what kind of performance I could expect from the sub I ended up buying.
    Good luck, you won't go wrong either way...
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2010
    One ultra 13 will dip alot lower than the entry level NSD subs. If you're open to other options I'd say two micropro 4000's are outstanding. I had a SVS PB plus/2 and like my 4000's alot better.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2010
    Also check out Epiks new Empire subs. You can get duals (4x15" drivers) for $1499 or a single for $799. They're sealed so they should be great for both music and HT.
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  • Huck344
    Huck344 Posts: 453
    edited March 2010
    If it were me, I would get the PB13 (the bigger the better). I have a PC Ultra which is smaller than the PB13 and it is overkill in my room (about 20 x 16), but I love house shaking bass while watching movies. How big is your room?
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited March 2010
    ken brydson wrote: »
    Personally I'd get a PB13 and call it a day but that's just me. I would suggest calling SVS with your question. Their CS is on par with Polk and they won't try to oversell you. Based on your room size, equipment, listening habits and budget they will recommend the best sub(s) for you. That's what I did and when I couldn't swing the sub they suggested they told me exactly what kind of performance I could expect from the sub I ended up buying.
    Good luck, you won't go wrong either way...

    +1 on their CS. Ed Mullen at SVS will steer you in the right direction, even if it means you don't spend as much money.

    The PB13 is a beast, but it may be total overkill for your room. If it were me, I'd split the difference and get a PC-12 Plus and add another one later if I found that I ever stressed it. I'm running a 20-39CS+ (from their original line of Plus models, though I upgrade the woofer to the dB12.3) and I've never had a problem with it even at ridiculous levels.
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • digitalvideo
    digitalvideo Posts: 983
    edited March 2010
    I have a SVS PB12-Ultra and it's plenty powerful enough for my 27x27 room with over 9 foot tall ceilings and it's right between the PB12 NSD and PB13. I'd get the PB12-Ultra if I were you.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited March 2010
    Thanks for the input guys. Gonna sit on this for a bit before I figure out what to do. It's clear I need to at least go up to the mid-level, though, based on the responses. :o
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited March 2010
    E-mail SVS with your room dimensions and normal listening levels, as well as what you're considering. They'll advise you accordingly and won't oversell you. They really are some of the best in the biz for customer service.
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited March 2010
    Thanks, I'll contact Dr. Spec at some point. :cool:
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2010
    Dual PB12s bro. Once you hear one you'll definitely end up wanting another just to feel the output.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited March 2010
    Can a Polkie ever get too_ much bass? I'm a bassoholic...
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited March 2010
    Polkie2009 wrote: »
    Can a Polkie ever get too_ much bass? I'm a bassoholic...

    If I had an isolated parcel out in the country, no. Alas, I only have the parcel in the country along with neighbors to the front, back, and both sides.

    So yeah, too much bass is possible. :p
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited March 2010
    Demiurge wrote: »
    Thanks, I'll contact Dr. Spec at some point. :cool:

    Heh... I always forget that's him. I just knew him from AVS under his real name, 'cause we did in-depth analysis of how horrible DVE's test tones are for subwoofers. I broke down the bitstream and did digital analysis... he was crazy enough to take a sub out to ground-plane test it with a pro SPL meter.
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,573
    edited March 2010
    If it was me all over again Dave, I'd still pull the trigger on the PB12-Plus. Get one first then if you still feel like your lacking (which I doubt very seriously) pull the trigger on the second PB12-Plus. As I've stated before, I can pull the air out of your lungs in my room if need be with my dual setup downstairs. Have I ever felt I cut myself short for not purchasing the Ultras, NEVER!!! I'm sure many people will argue but believe me when I say the Plus series is no joke either.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2010
    The Ultra-13 is the way to go!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • digitalvideo
    digitalvideo Posts: 983
    edited March 2010
    Why spend the money on two PB-12 Plus's when you can get one PB12 Ultra that would beat them both?
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2010
    ......
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  • mikedup2003
    mikedup2003 Posts: 42
    edited March 2010
    Similar situation here as you are in. I opted for the ultra!

    Hope to be in the Ultra club by thursday!
    Polk monitor 70's- front
    Polk cs2- center
    Polk monitor 30's- surround
    SVS PB-13 ULTRA- SUB :D
    Pioneer ELITE vsx-21- AV reciever
    Pannisonic G10 50" - Display
    PS3- Does everything :)
    Monoprice for all my wires
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2010
    So which is it Demi?
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited March 2010
    mikedup2003 wrote: »
    Similar situation here as you are in. I opted for the ultra!

    Hope to be in the Ultra club by thursday!

    Congrats!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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