Can somebody recommend the right sub for me?

[Bloodstriker]

I'm looking at upgrading my sub. The room is about 15' x 35'. My current sub is a 10", 65W sub (very puny!).

I would like the sub to be able to be fast and accurate for music, and able to rock the house down.

I've had recommendations for HSU and SVS subs, however, I have no idea which one is right. The budget is from $1000-$2000.

So far, I've been looking at the following:

SVS PB13 Ultra
Hsu VTF-3 HO
Totem Accoustic Thunder (only because that is the matching sub for my fronts)
Definitive Technology SuperCube Reference (recommend to me by an audio dealer)

Now... the question is, which is the best match for my room and system? I've been reading reviews, but I don't understand all the jargon.

..help....please...?

[MDS]

Most people are going to say SVS or HSU. Why don't you call SVS and ask what they would recommend? You don't necessarily have to go with an SVS but that would be a very good start for understanding the criteria for choosing a good sub.

A 15 x 35 room is rather large so if you want deep bass you will no doubt have to pay up for it.

[Bloodstriker]

Most people are going to say SVS or HSU. Why don't you call SVS and ask what they would recommend? You don't necessarily have to go with an SVS but that would be a very good start for understanding the criteria for choosing a good sub.

A 15 x 35 room is rather large so if you want deep bass you will no doubt have to pay up for it.

I'll definitely give them a call, but I'm a bit weary of biased information because I got burned before with the existing sub. The sales person at the hi-fi store told me that it should be more than enough for my room. ($500 bucks down the drain.)

[Matt34]

I'll definitely give them a call, but I'm a bit weary of biased information because I got burned before with the existing sub. The sales person at the hi-fi store told me that it should be more than enough for my room. ($500 bucks down the drain.)

Both HSU and SVS will give you honest recommendations accordingly. Internet direct companies survive on word of mouth and customer satisfaction.

Personally for that size of room I'd either go with dual HSU VTF3-HO or SVS PB-12+.

[tcarcio]

You can check out www.edesignaudio.com they have some great bang for your buck. I have the A5-300 and I love it. They also can custom build a sub to your specs if you need something special. For your size room I would look at the A7-600,it is right in your price range. And free shipping too, which is nice.

[mfabien]

I have the same size room and my SVS PB-12 ISD does a wonderful job. So, if you get a PB13 Ultra, you will be in dreamland...but still able to pinch yourself.

[mazersteven]

I've had recommendations for HSU and SVS subs, however, I have no idea which one is right. The budget is from $1000-$2000.

So far, I've been looking at the following:

SVS PB13 Ultra
Hsu VTF-3 HO
Totem Accoustic Thunder (only because that is the matching sub for my fronts)
Definitive Technology SuperCube Reference (recommend to me by an audio dealer)



Don't waste your time with the SuperCube. Definitive Tech make some fine speakers, and subs. But for the same money you can get better performance.

Totem? I have never heard anyone recommend their subs in the 2 1/2 years I have been on these forums.

The VTF-3 HO is the best Bang for the Buck sub at under $1000. This sub will perform very nice in your room. Just not the best looking sub.

SVS PB13 Ultra. From all the reviews, and reports from forum members. It seems the new designed Ultra's are awesome. This sub should be the best in performance out of the ones you have posted. If your willing to spend the money. This is the sub. IMO


Like the others have said contact SVS and ask their opinion. They might recommend a less expensive sub for your situation.

[GlocksRock]

for that budget, I would say either a svs pb or pc13 ultra, or even a pb12+/2. I have a 20-39 PC+ and it shakes the house, I can only imagine what the new ultras or the dual + 12's can do!

[mazersteven]

for that budget, I would say either a svs pb or pc13 ultra, or even a pb12+/2. I have a 20-39 PC+ and it shakes the house, I can only imagine what the new ultras or the dual + 12's can do!

It's all about the "HeadRoom". :D:D:D

[Ryan8886]

The VTF-3 HO is the best Bang for the Buck sub at under $1000. This sub will perform very nice in your room. Just not the best looking sub.

SVS PB13 Ultra. From all the reviews, and reports from forum members. It seems the new designed Ultra's are awesome. This sub should be the best in performance out of the ones you have posted. If your willing to spend the money. This is the sub. IMO


Like the others have said contact SVS and ask their opinion. They might recommend a less expensive sub for your situation.

Ditto what mazersteven said. I would recommend contacting both companies for their advice. Hsu subs generally get the edge for musicality while the SVS's get it for H/T applications. However, I use use my 25-31PCi about 50/50 and find it more than adequate for music. That is a large space you're working with so you should definately see what they have to say.

[ParadigmDawg]

Dont be weary of what SVS will tell you; they are very honest and when I spoke with them, Ron actually told me I should keep the Servo-15 (I had it for a trial period and was checking my options)

You bet the sales person at the hi-fi store told you that the 65 watts sub would work; he was trying to sale it to you. Not that watts mean alot but just for reference my sub has a peak of 4,000 watts.

I'll definitely give them a call, but I'm a bit weary of biased information because I got burned before with the existing sub. The sales person at the hi-fi store told me that it should be more than enough for my room. ($500 bucks down the drain.)

[audioaddict]

I would recommend looking at the Velodyne SPL-r line as well for that price range. I have the 1200r and it pressurizes my 15x20 listening area and attached room very nicely, and they make a 15 as well. They utilize a servo feedback loop making them very accurate and musical similar to their digital drive series. The built in room equalization tool is also very nice, it makes placement a little less of an issue. Personally, I would have loved a HSU VTF-3, but there was the WAF. She said keep it small even if it costs more. The fact that the cherry finish matched the other speakers was a bonus.

[Bloodstriker]

I called SVS and the person on the phone seemed quite knowledgeable. He recommended the PB12-Plus or Plus/2 for my room size and listening levels. He also recommended that I call back after I properly calibrate my levels with an SPL to make sure that his recommendation is still valid.

Seems like all the talk about SVS' great service is true!

Now I am along the lines of thinking that the PB-13 Ultra might be overkill. Under what situations would I ever need to utilize that beheemoth? (The reason that I am asking is because it's only a few hundred more than the Plus and about the same as the Plus 2.) If I can hear a significant difference between the two when watching movies, I'd be tempted to jump the gun and go for the larger.

[Bloodstriker]

Oh, one more thing - would a box or cylinder be better? I have never heard a cylinder in person before, but it looks like it might be able to save a bunch of floorspace.

[mazersteven]

Now I am along the lines of thinking that the PB-13 Ultra might be overkill.

What did you say? Are you out of your cotton picking mind? Did you just have a brain fart?

OVERKILL?

There is no such thing as OverKill. Only HEADROOM.

Just for making that statement you don't deserve a SVS subwoofer.


Only Kidding LOL :D:D:D

[mazersteven]

Oh, one more thing - would a box or cylinder be better? I have never heard a cylinder in person before, but it looks like it might be able to save a bunch of floorspace.

That is all you get is a smaller footprint. They will preform very close to one another.

Only thing is Cylinder subs are for Girlie Men who can't handle the Bohemoth box sub.

[Bloodstriker]

LOL! Nice reply.. haha

The only thing is that the HT will never be leaving this room, so......If I can never use it's full potential...

[mazersteven]

LOL! Nice reply.. haha

The only thing is that the HT will never be leaving this room, so......If I can never use it's full potential...

Well for the difference in cost I would recommend the Plus/2 so you have full confidence you'll never use it's full potential. JMO :D

[emorphien]

Totem? I have never heard anyone recommend their subs in the 2 1/2 years I have been on these forums.

Me neither. I'm sure they're nice subs for small room music listening but I doubt I'd choose them for much else. Even then there are probably better choices in that category. For what you're talking about the SVS and HSU will have much more oomph.

[Bloodstriker]

Well for the difference in cost I would recommend the Plus/2 so you have full confidence you'll never use it's full potential. JMO :D

Sorry, I don't understand. You mean the Plus/2 is too big? Or?

[mazersteven]

Sorry, I don't understand. You mean the Plus/2 is too big? Or?

The difference in cost vs. the PB12-Plus. Meaning for $350 more you will most likely never have to worry about bottoming out. You will have headroom to spare. And you also purchase bragging rights. :D

[Bloodstriker]

Quick question:

PB12-Plus/2 Powered Box Sub 12", Dual Plus Woofers / Black
$1599.00

PB13-Ultra Powered Box Sub, Ultra-13 Woofer
$1549.00

What is the diffence between the two? (i.e. is one better for certain things than the other?)

[mazersteven]

Quick question:

PB12-Plus/2 Powered Box Sub 12", Dual Plus Woofers / Black
$1599.00

PB13-Ultra Powered Box Sub, Ultra-13 Woofer
$1549.00

What is the diffence between the two? (i.e. is one better for certain things than the other?)

The PB12-Plus/2 is only $1599 in Gloss Piano Black. $1299 in other finishes.

It is a down firing, double driver sub.

The PB13-Ultra is a front firing design. Single driver. (Really no benefit to either one down firing or front firing). That is $1300, and $1599 for Gloss Piano Black.

From what I have read the PB13's amp has more feature then the Plus/2.

http://www.svsound.com/products/subs/pb13ultra_pcultra/ultra_comparo_topside_compressed2.JPG

[Bloodstriker]

Hmmm.....

So I'm guessing that the 13" has more oomph then the dual 12"?

[mazersteven]

Hmmm.....

So I'm guessing that the 13" has more oomph then the dual 12"?

From all the reviews, and statements made from SVS. I would say, yes it does.

[Ryan8886]

That is all you get is a smaller footprint. They will preform very close to one another.

Only thing is Cylinder subs are for Girlie Men who can't handle the Bohemoth box sub.

The cylinder and box perform very close to each other. As mazer states, you get a reduced footprint; however you also get slightly cheaper shipping (they're lighter) and a cool conversation piece. Say what you will about cylinder owners, but at least we can spell! BTW mazer...it's spelled: B-e-h-e-m-o-t-h :rolleyes: :D

[mazersteven]

Say what you will about cylinder owners, but at least we can spell! BTW mazer...it's spelled: B-e-h-e-m-o-t-h :rolleyes: :D

A Wise Guy.

http://users.adelphia.net/~getjeffrey/Private/Moe_Curly.jpg

[Davemcc]

Quick question:

PB12-Plus/2 Powered Box Sub 12", Dual Plus Woofers / Black
$1599.00

PB13-Ultra Powered Box Sub, Ultra-13 Woofer
$1549.00

What is the diffence between the two? (i.e. is one better for certain things than the other?)

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. You're going straight for the big artillery. One thing is for sure, you will never again complain of not having bass.

Personally, I'd go with the Ultra. From my understanding, it is constructed with better materials to achieve its performance, whereas the Plus/2 relies on doubling up the drivers (admittedly very good drivers to begin with). It seems to me a quality over quantity issue. From everything I've seen, the Ultra is the top dog at this price point, especially in the Canadian market.

[GlocksRock]

Assuming that the PB Ultra 13 will have close to the same output as the Plus/2, I would save a bit of money and go for the new Ultra, it will probably be a bit smaller, you will get a nicer amp with more options, and the new ultra is suppossed to have better sound quality. Not that the Plus drivers are lacking sound quality in the least, but better is still better right?

[mazersteven]

One of the feature I'd like to know more about on the Ultra is it's (dedicated "sealed" mode).

Seems to me this would be a perfect sub for music and movies.

[GlocksRock]

I would think you would be giving up some of the low end in sealed mode, but the bass would probably be tighter sounding... personally I would just leave it at the stock tune, or at most plug just one of the ports.

[Warpdrv]

One of the feature I'd like to know more about on the Ultra is it's (dedicated "sealed" mode).

Seems to me this would be a perfect sub for music and movies.


I wouldn't count on using that feature at all... you will lose a bunch of headroom, and its a ported sub.... Not a sealed sub... They claim you can seal it, but the data is out so far about performance in that mode so far... Or at least I would be using it...

If your spending that kind of money on a sub... get the ultra...
I have a plus/2 and a Plus in the same room, and they are great.... tons of bass, House Shaking to say the least... I was considering getting Dual Ultra 13's, but I am going to try my hand at DIY... with some really high quality drivers...
The New Ultra is stated to have roughly the same amount of output as the Plus/2 but sound quality is much better... Plus/2 may have a little more output above 30hz, but the Ultra 13 with have much better performance in the less then 30hz range and with subsonics...

SVS makes a phenomenal product... Fit and Finish are top notch.. as well as customer service...

Good luck on your choice.....

[GlocksRock]

Here is a pic of the current plus driver next to the new ultra driver, I think the pic speaks for itself... I know what I would choose.

http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/ces2007/SVS%20Woofs.jpg

[Bloodstriker]

Hhahaa I just realized that I'll probably wind up with an Ultra 13 because of you guys. AND now I have to make sure that my CD racks are secured in place, because I'm afraid that is baby is gonna shake them down!