Contest: Be the First to Audition the New SVS SB13-Ultra Series Sealed Box Subwoofer!

[admin]

Be the First to audition the New SVS SB13-Ultra Series Sealed Box Subwoofer! Audition It and You Could Win It! This fall, SVS will release its newest addition to its Sealed Box Subwoofer Line and Audioholics members have the chance to be the first people in the world to audition it. Plus, the member with the most comprehensive perspective on the new sub [as voted by the community] will win the first production unit to keep! Sign up and tell us why you should be selected as one of the three Auditioners. If selected by the Audioholics staff, SVS will ship you their new subwoofer to spend two weeks testing and auditioning it and writing up a detailed report of your findings.


Discuss "Contest: Be the First to Audition the New SVS SB13-Ultra Series Sealed Box Subwoofer!" here. Read the article.

[gene]

Specifications

• This is an unreleased product… What we can tell you is that it sits at the top of SVS's Sealed Box subwoofer line and will be called the SB13-Ultra.
• The members auditioning it and chronicling their experiences will be receiving it at the same time as our professional reviewers and before it’s even unveiled to the public!
• That means we can't even show you a photo yet, those won't be taken until just a few days before these samples ship out.

Program & Contest Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a registered Audioholics forum member
• You must reside in the Continental US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
• You must respond (thoroughly) to all of the questions in the thread below
• Please see our standard contest rules for more details

The Rating Process

• SVS will simultaneously ship all three members an SB13 Ultra subwoofer to audition and test
• Members will have 2 weeks to listen, test and write their audition perspective
• Members will submit their perspective to Audioholics via email (info@audioholics.com) who will anonymously post them all at the same time.
• The entire forum will then be asked to vote for the audition perspective they think is most comprehensive no matter what the perspective
• The written audition with the most votes wins the first production model signed by the entire SVS team!

Note: SVS will arrange for and handle all shipping to and from selected members.

Pre-Entry Contest Questions

Please answer the below questions by replying to the official contest thread. The Audioholics staff will use these answers along with your forum history to determine the three entrants. SVS will not participate in the selection process. Note, we'll be selecting based on multiple criteria, so there is no reason to exaggerate rooms size or the level of your system - you may inadvertently disqualify yourself in the process!

• Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.
• Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?
• How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?
• What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?
• Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.
• Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?
• Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements (such as using the popular Room EQ Wizard software)?

Your entry must be submitted by July 27th to qualify.

Good luck!

[Adam]

Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.

• TV: Panasonic 50" plasma, TX-P50G10
• Audio Electronics: Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH, Emotiva RPA-1, Emotiva IPS-1
• Media Players: PS3, Panasonic DMP-BD60 blu-ray player, Oppo DV-980H, MacBook, MacBook Air
• Speakers: NHT 1.5 (one pair front, one pair rear), NHT AudioCenter-1, MartinLogan Motion 8 (rear center)
• Subwoofer: SVS PC13-Ultra

Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?

My evaluation room is my great room, which is approximately 24' deep, 16' wide, with sloped ceilings that average ~10'. When seated and facing the main sound stage, I have two hallway openings bracketing the speakers (one on the left, one on the right side), a large opening on the right side to my main entrance hallway, and a second large opening on the right side to my kitchen. I don't have any dedicated room treatments.

View facing TV (some older equipment shown in the rack):


View facing to the right:

How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?

I've loved music and audio gear since I can remember, back to when I'd peruse stereo gear in the local department store when I was in grade school and daydream about the day that I could get one. With two older brothers who were also into it, I grew up around stereo gear. As for HT, I've always been into TV and movies, but the first surround sound system that I owned was my JVC TV that I bought in college that could run surround speakers. One of the more exciting things for me was the introduction of DVD (which I waited for over a year to come out after reading about it) and Dolby Digital - what a HUGE difference in the experience over VHS and Pro-Logic.

What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?

I don't have a lot of experience with expensive gear. Receiver-wise, the most that I've spent is $1000 (for one of the first Yamaha Dolby Digital receivers released, then most recently my Pioneer Elite). For subwoofers, my first one was a B&W ASW1000, and my second and current one is an SVS PC13-Ultra. The PC13-Ultra is just in another class, no question. I knew that I'd second guess myself if I went with anything less than SVS's best when I pulled the trigger in 2007, and I've never regretted it.

Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.

Yes. I did do one on the forum for the MartinLogan Motion 8 speaker.

Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?

That's a tough one, given the caliber of a lot of the crew here. This interests me because I've followed SVS for years, and I'll admit that I'm a huge fan. Researching their subs is what actually brought me to Audioholics and this forum in the first place. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a falling out right when I started doing my research here, and I'm really glad that both teams are working together again. My experience with SVS with my PC13-Ultra was nothing short of extraordinary. Getting lengthy and valuable e-mail responses on the weekends was just the start. My first sub had a dented top cover, but instead of sending me out a new cover, Tom wanted to play it safe and make sure that nothing else was damaged, so they sent me a brand new one. When the amp had an issue, another amp was sent it as soon as they could. I can't imagine that my next sub won't be an SVS, and I recommend them to everyone that I know. So, I guess that I'm going with "my passion and love of SVS gear" as a qualification , and maybe also my potential ability to relate to a lot of the readership here in that my system isn't high-end.

Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements (such as using the popular Room EQ Wizard software)?

I'd have to see if I have the ability to use REW. I typically run frequency steps on disc and measure with my SPL meter.

[connieflyer]

My home theater consists of Psb Image 4T for mains, 8C for center, 1B for surround and Psb Subsonic 6 for sub.
Reciever is Hamon=Kardon Avr 2200, Oppo 97h dvd player, Tivo series 2, Sony 5 disc changer Monster Cable power center 2 dvr recorders and Toshiba 57HX93, 2 ElectroVoice Sudio Monitor EV-5's as remote speakers.

Room size is approx. 14x24 open cathedral ceiling no acoustic treatments
Music has been my main passion in life, starting in the early seventies I started acquiring equipment and upgrading as I could afford it. With out music life would be very dull for me.
Have been following sub developents for a long time. Expertise would not be extensive, mostly reviews and going from place to place auditioning them. Got hooked on SV after going to a man's house in NOrth Carolina to hear and see his Ultra 12, my nephew ended up with the 12 inch cylinder style. Loved it. Someday before my ears fall off hope to get one for myself.
Have not done any reviews.
Only the promise to use this wisely and fairly. Plenty of music to audition equipment with.
Have Pc and Laptop to use for measurements, and lots of time and patiences.

Thank you for the chance, Don Harris

[Epetrone]

1.Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.
- Integra 80.3 Reciever. Boston Acoutic VR3 mains. Home built rear and side channels. 2 sunfire HRS-12 subwoofers.

2.Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?
- Room is 14 feet by 12 feet in size. hardwood floors with area rug. no treatments.

3.How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?
- Ever since I was 8. Now 35.

4.What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?
- well above average consumer not as good as 80% of the people here.

5.Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.
- No
6.Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?
- I would love the chance to get started in reviewing equipment.

7.Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements (such as using the popular Room EQ Wizard

[jmilton7043]

1.Emotiva UMC-1 pre/pro, Emotiva XDA-1 DAC, Revel F12s (C12 center and S12 surrounds), Velodyne in-wall sub, Earthquake CP-8 sub, Sony BD-570s BD player, Oppo 870 universal player, Emotiva LPA-1 7-channel amp, 2 Emotiva UPA-1 200 watt monoblocks.
2. 10x10
3. 35 years...since college.
4. I review audio components and movies for an on-line magazine. I'm a senior editor.
5. No
6. I have never reviewed SVS...so I am not partial to their equipment.
7. Yes

[klix58]

I'll give it a try;
SVS Sub contest;
1) Home theater and music consists of the following, Display Samsung 67" DLP calibrated by "isf" certified technician
Receiver Onkyo TX-NR605
CD Player Onkyo C-S5vl
Blu-Ray Sony PS3
Surge Protection Belkin Pure AV 20800
Main Speakers Monitor Audio Silver RS8
Center Monitor Audio Silver RSLCR
Subwoofer Martin Logan Abyss
Surrounds Speaker Craft CRS 62
Cabling (all) Blue Jeans
2) Room description is 15 x 21 open to dining/kitchen area carpeted with no room treatments
3) Music and movies since my first "Realistic" (radio schack) receiver in 1998 using Cerwin Vega speakers
4) Level of expertise, novice I have used the Radio Schack SPL meter and Audesey features
5) No reviews posted just feedback Paradigm monitor 7 compared to Monitor audio rs6
6) Pure desire to go further in my current environment
7) I do not have additional equipment

[scott911]

1.Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.
- #1 Sherwood Newcastle r-972 avr, Axiom audio and Kef main and surround speakers, SVS PB12-NSD
- #2 Emotiva DAC, Emotiva mono block amps, Thiel Speakers in 2.0. no subwoofer

2.Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?
- 22 by 14, catheral ceiling, carpet, large opening on one side.

3.How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?
- 35 years, violinist with good ear , IMO

4.What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?
always a student, but think I'm pretty good.

5.Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.
- No

6.Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?
- I'm very critical, - you won't get, " gee, it's awesome" from me - unless it is.

7.Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements - yes - basic.

[Marshall_Guthrie]

Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.

Primary System:
Samsung PN50C450 Plasma
Homebuilt HTPC (Celeron E3300, AMD 5450, 2TB)
Onkyo TX-SR706 Receiver
JBL S38ii (center)
JBL S310ii (fronts)
JBL Control Now (surrounds)
SVS 2011 PB12-NSD (subwoofer)
Monoprice Cables
Belkin PureAV PF30
Nintendo Wii

Secondary System:
Behringer B2031P
Behringer UB1204FX
Homebuilt Multipurpose Computer
Sennheiser HD280 Pro Headphones

Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?

Family Room/HT is 13' x 14' with 14' vaulted ceilings and large openings into a kitchen and hallway making the effective volume much larger.

DIY Broadband absorption (2” 703 w/ 2” airspace) a side 1st reflection and along a portion of the front wall.

Room Diagram Here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1179045/Home%20Theater.png

How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?

started on an 8-track and phono with Koss Headphones when I was about 10, so 23 years. Got serious about it really quick and had my own surround sound by 14, which, in 1993 was quite a feat.

What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?

I’ve lingered in the mid-end for a while with Athena and Aperion subs. I’d also classify my SVS PB12-NSD as mid-end based on price, but compared to what other manufacturers put out there for the same $800, the performance is definitely high-end.

I’ve had a home theater podcast, the Real HT Info podcast, in the past, and have attended a number of audio/tech shows in New York.

Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.

I’ve linked to my previous work on the forums: 2011 SVS PB-12NSD Subwoofer Review - YouTube

Post: SVS PB12-NSD Video Review

Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?

I think that if you check out my podcast and other videos, you’ll have a good idea of the type of work I’ve done in the past.

Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements (such as using the popular Room EQ Wizard software)?

Yes, I can do in-room measurement with REW and Galaxy CM-140 w/ cal file.

[Natrix]

Describe your current home theater and music system, listing all equipment, speakers, and subwoofers.

Home Theater - Panasonic Plasma 1080p 50" (Calibrated by using Spears & Munsil disc), APC Line Conditioner, Sony PS3 used as BD and DVD player, 3TB HD Music Transport WAV format, SA HD DVR, Onkyo 809, Emotiva XPA-3, Aperion VGT's, VGC, VFS's, SVS PB12 Plus DSP.

Stereo Rig - APC Line Condtioner, Media Monkey WAV format via Digital Optical, Emotiva DAC-1, Emotiva USP-1, Emotiva UPA-1 x2, Aperion VGB on 30" stands, SVS SB12 DSP.

Describe your evaluation room (size, dimensions, openings), and do you utilize any room treatments (bass traps, absorbers, diffusers, etc.) in that room?

Home Theater - 11' x 19' x 8', one door sized opening to kitchen. No room treatments, but wall-to-wall carpet.

Stereo Rig - 9' x 9' (not exactly square as there is a closet and a small hall to the door not included in the dimensions) no room treatments, but wall-to-wall carpet. With no EQ and one sub I get +/- 5db from 23 - 200hz at my listening position.

How long have you been a music and HT aficionado?

Since I was 16 (currently 33) and bought my first surround sound system.

What is your level of expertise as it relates to high-end A/V, and in particular, subwoofers?

Most of what I know comes from perusing this website. I don't consider myself an expert, but I know more than the average Joe.

Have you performed any previous equipment user reviews on Audioholics forums? If yes, please provide links.

No

Do you have anything else to add that may better qualify you as one of the three candidates?

Only that I have two seperate spaces that I could use for evaluation of both music and movies and I could compare the SB13 Ultra to the other SVS products I own.

Bonus (NOT required): Do you have the ability to take basic acoustic measurements (such as using the popular Room EQ Wizard software)?

Yes. I have a calibrated Dayton mic and use REW to measure my equipment. I also own an SPL meter.