SVS subwoofer discussion

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My current HT setup (see signature) incorporates 2 polk MP3K subs... I've tweaked and effed with them and I am just not satisfied and have concluded that these are the weak points in my system... AMP, Pre Pro, BDP, TV... all work fine. Except the subs... They seem to be fine at most levels but when the **** starts blowing up they seem to bottom out. now I have checked and tweaked but really the only thing I can do is lower the volume... but I only have them at like 50% levels x'dover at like 60HZ. I've been through the Audessy setup many times and that leaves them with the volume set to high.

net net my question is would i be better off with 2 SVS SB2000's or a single SB13 Ultra or Single PB 13 Ultra... I prefer sealed subs and would like some feedback from some fellow polkies.
My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |

Comments

  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,531
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    For sealed subs I would DIY it yourself to save some money. @Conradicles 18" sub build x 2 and a pro amp like a crown XLS 1500 or XLS 2000 and your set.

    And your likely in for LESS than the SVS Ultra....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,649
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    I'm a huge SVS fan. My advise is to call them or use their online Merlin (IIRC) tool. Let them know your system, room size, listening habit's etc and they'll recommend the best sub for your application. They won't try and oversell you either. Best part is their generous 45 day trial period and free shipping both ways. Nothing to lose IMO...
  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
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    What Ken said!^^^^ I called SVS and I told them what I wanted in a sub, room size and they hooked me up with a great sub!
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
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    I checked the SVS configurator it says SB13 ultra or PB13 Ultra
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,056
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    Agree with Ken as well.

    You'll be smiling regardless of what you decide to do.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
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    I checked the SVS configurator it says SB13 ultra or PB13 Ultra

    I've had both sealed and ported versions of the ultra. They are both excellent subs. I've also had the MP3K. I would say get the nicest sub you can afford. That way down the road you can buy another one. Then you have 2 bad **** subs, and you won't be left wondering what if...

    Also the ported ultra does an excellent job with music. Tight and controlled. I know a lot of folks say sealed is better for music, but from my experience in owning both, the ported does a dam good job, you also have the versatility to tune it, and even seal it.

    To compare the sealed vs ported. One ported ultra easily equaled 2 sealed ones. The sealed are nice for size/placement options, but the ported walks all over them.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
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    SVS is not a bad choice and two subs are always better than one if you take the time to set them up right.

    Also, as Ender / Dan stated...DIY can net a ton of performance for much less. Here is one of many examples.....I just ran across a sale for one side of a DIY 12" dual stacked Dayton Ultimax sub setup. The guy said it blew away his $2K SVS Ultra:

    http://reno.craigslist.org/ele/4968588301.html

    Pretty cool dual duals.
    01515_l8X8zdUJhs4_600x450.jpg

    Also, there are many DIY 15", 18", 20", 22" options...
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • rpf65
    rpf65 Posts: 2,127
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    May want to look at power sound audio also. That s3000i looks like it could be a contender
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,649
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    Some nice deals currently in their outlet store...

    http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
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    So thanks to all who contributed advice on subs... I am sure I could build a nice kit model, but if I add up the time i would miss work it would cost me more... Working lots of hours these days and don't want to wait for my project to end.

    I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.

    now the worst part... WAITING... it should be delivered sometime next week and I don't get home till the weekends... so i'll see it around the end of next week.

    The guys at SVS were great to deal with.

    This rabbit hole is getting DEEP! but I am sure i will get years of great use out of this bad boy!


    :)

    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,041
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    Congrats that is a sweet sub for sure!!!
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,531
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    So thanks to all who contributed advice on subs... I am sure I could build a nice kit model, but if I add up the time i would miss work it would cost me more... Working lots of hours these days and don't want to wait for my project to end.

    I can understand that one.

    SVS, PSA, Outlaw subs are great values for what they offer!

    I'm sure you will be happy!

    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
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    Congrats, I'm sure you'll love that bad boy. B)
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    Options
    Very Stoked to experience the extreme lfe from this BMF!!!
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
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    You are in for a treat! I did notice when I got mine the bass increased over time as the driver broke in. The rubber surround was super stiff when new.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,056
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    Congrats. You're gonna love it!
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
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    I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.
    That badboy will for sure make its presence known. Now you have a sealed, one port, two port tune options. I'm surprised you went for a single sub after running duals?



    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
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    WLDock wrote: »
    I placed the order with SVS today for the PB-13 Utra. I am sure this will solve all my subwoofer issues.
    That badboy will for sure make its presence known. Now you have a sealed, one port, two port tune options. I'm surprised you went for a single sub after running duals?

    I think this will out duel the duals in my setup.

    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited June 2015
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    Absolutly it will have a ton of output...might even outpeak the polks! That sub is an absolute beast! It really does not get any better from a single retail sub unless you spend more!

    However, duals is not just about output but better dealing with the room modes. I have yet to have the opp to play with two subs myself...well sort of. I first ran my RT3000P with only one of the subs working. Then with the second one running things improved. Then adding the single LFE sub only made things better for movie effects. if i had a room like yours I would have to for sure try a sub upfront on one side of the room and another in back of the couch( for tactile impact) on the other side....just to see what it does. I know Dr HSU swears by this....I had the pleasue of meeting him at Axpona...there room was sounding good playing concert blu-rays.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    Options
    WLDock wrote: »
    Absolutly it will have a ton of output...might even outpeak the polks! That sub is an absolute beast! It really does not get any better from a single retail sub unless you spend more!

    However, duals is not just about output but better dealing with the room modes. I have yet to have the opp to play with two subs myself...well sort of. I first ran my RT3000P with only one of the subs working. Then with the second one running things improved. Then adding the single LFE sub only made things better for movie effects. if i had a room like yours I would have to for sure try a sub upfront on one side of the room and another in back of the couch( for tactile impact) on the other side....just to see what it does. I know Dr HSU swears by this....I had the pleasue of meeting him at Axpona...there room was sounding good playing concert blu-rays.


    Well I will have plenty of subs to experiment with...:)



    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
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    I tried one ultra up front and one behind my couch, the tactile sensation was great! But I had trouble blending that beast in with the rest of the system, a sub that big close to the couch doesn't just disappear behind you. I ended up with both up front with the mains. The gain isn't set that close to zero and is shakes the couch, you can feel it in your pant legs and shirt!
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,054
    Options
    Good choice on the PB13 Ultra. You won't regret it. Utilize SVS customer support to help you get it dialed in if needed. You may find as I did that the sub seems almost too polite at first compared to what you are used to. The 13 Ultra is such a major step up in refinement, clarity and detail that you may find you think you should be hearing something in the SVS that was just distortion in your current subs. About the best way I can describe it is that the PB13 disappears/blends beautifully into music but will show up to pound out LFE when called upon.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, ADCOM GFA 7807 + 5400, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    Options
    Should be here in a few days... Unfortunately I won't be here when it gets here. I am travelling most weekdays and don't get home till Friday nights.

    I am sooooooo looking forward to setting that bad mother effer up...
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |