Help choosing a sub - HSU vs SVS models.

[Binka]

Hey everybody, just needing some advice on choosing a sub!

Currently running Polk A3's as my mains, will be setting up with A3 surrounds and csi A6 mid. Eventually, once in a bigger place, would get A7 as my mains and have a 7.1 set up. Long time off though.


Now, I really need a new sub. Running an old Pioneer model out of a HIB. Preeeety rough...

I've been eyeing off a few models by SVS and HSU.

My room is a reasonably large, open-plan living area in an apartment (apartment floor flows into kitchen area.) Quite spacious in this main room, but the home theatre area is kind of cut off in just less than half of it. Now, I am in an apartment, so I will have to limit my volume levels regardless of what I get. Nothing will be pushed to its full potential very often anyway. However, with intention of moving out eventually (not in the near future though) I am not shying away from getting something that will 'last'.

I live in Australia, which means all good subs are ridiculously expensive (postage).

So, my options so far... (In AU dollars inc. postage)


HSU - 2 years warranty, but would never be able to use it if i need it (postage back to the states = $400)

HSU VTF-3 $1150 (the biggest option on the list)
HSU VTF-2 $1050 (Hard to justify over a VTF-3 at these already insane prices?)
HSU STF-2 $850 (The 'budget' choice of HSU)
HSU STF-2 x 2 $1200 (better than a single VTF-3?? Sending two wouldn't increase the above-sub-cost postage)

OR

SVS - 5 years warranty, local (national) dealer, definitely seems a 'safer' value option.

SVS PB2000 $1000 (presumably better than the SB long term?)
SVS SB2000 $1000
SVS SB12-NSD $700 (The most budget choice. Would definitely get the Ported though if recommended)
SVS PB12-NSD $850



Any advice would be amazing. Obviously I have a budget of 1200 max here, but would be happy to spend less. I wouldn't want to upgrade in a long time though. If anyone could give recommendations considering the options, the accessible warranty difference, etc, would be absolutely awesome!

Cheers!

 

[shadyJ]

I would go for the PB2000 in that list. I think its performance will be on par with a VTF3. It makes a lot more sense since it is a lot easier to have it serviced in case of a problem. I have also read it offers quite a bit more performance over the NSD subs. I would forget about the NSD and STF2 subs.

 

[rnatalli]

I'd go with the SVS as well in this case. The new PB-2000 is a step up from the previous model, SVS subs are incredibly linear and nearly indestructible due to their DSP. Add to that the warranty in your country and being less expensive, it's a no brainer in my eyes.

 

[3db]

Check out Rythmik subs as well. Great products with great customer service and support.

Rythmik Audio servo subwoofer 12" F12SE Signature Edition

Driver	12" high excursion with custom sensing coil
Driver materials	Black or silver anodized aluminum with rubber surround
	Cast aluminum basket
	Copper flux modulation shorting rings
Amplifier	370w RMS class A/B patented servo controlled
Dimensions	15-3/4"(W) x 15-3/4" (H )x 17"(D) - (18-1/2" D with grille)
Shipping Weight	76 lbs
Frequency Response	14 - 200 Hz (-2 dB @ 14 Hz) with LFE inputs in A370PEQ3/XLR2/XLR3
	14 - 100 Hz (-2 dB @ 14 Hz) with LINE IN inputs in all models
Crossover slope	Selectable 12 or 24 dB / octave (PEQ and XLR versions)
Crossover range (Low pass)	25 - 100 Hz
Rumble Filter (High pass )	20hz 18 dB / octave
Phase response	< 90 degrees phase shift at 20 Hz
Phase adjustment	0 - 180 degrees continuously variable
Bass damping factor settings	high (Q=0.5), med (Q=0.7), and low (Q=1.1)
Finishes	Piano Gloss
Warranty	5 years warranty on driver and 2 years on electronics
	30 day satisfaction guarantee

<tbody>
</tbody>

Rythmik Audio &bull; 15" servo subwoofer FV15

Driver	DS1505 15" high excursion with custom sensing coil
Driver materials	Black anodized aluminum with rubber surround
	Cast aluminum basket
	Copper flux modulation shorting rings
Amplifier	370RMS class A/B patented servo controlled
Dimensions	18"(W) x 24" (H )x 24"(D) - (26" D with grille and heatsink)
Shipping Weight	120 lbs
Frequency Response	14 - 200 Hz (-2 dB @ 17 Hz, -6db@14hz) with LFE inputs
	14 - 90 Hz (-2 dB @ 17 Hz, -6db@14hz) with LINE IN inputs
Multi-tune	18hz (2 ports) and 12hz (1 port)
Crossover slope	Selectable 12 or 24 dB / octave (PEQ)
Crossover range (Low pass)	25 - 100 Hz
Rumble Filter (High pass )	18 Hz 18 dB / octave for two port tuning
Phase adjustment	0 - 180 degrees continuously variable
Bass damping factor settings	high (Q=0.5), med (Q=0.7), and low (Q=1.1)
Finishes	Available in honey oak vinyl or black oak vinyl
Warranty	5 years warranty on driver and 2 years on electronics
	30 day satisfaction guarantee

<tbody>
</tbody>

 

[afterlife2]

SVS PB-2000. 5 yrs warranty. I have the PB1000 and i love it.

 

[Basshead81]

Go PB-2000!! I would pass on the Rythmik, HSU, or PSA being the SVS presents the best value, warranty, and serviceability in your situation.

 

[billy p]

Go PB-2000!! I would pass on the Rythmik, HSU, or PSA being the SVS presents the best value, warranty, and serviceability in your situation.

I do think PSA has local retailer/or distrubutor in Australia... I believe...but of the 2 subs in the OP...yeah... Svs makes the most sense given the circumstances.




http://www.deephzaudio.com/power sound products page.html

 

[Steve81]

I do think PSA has local retailer/or distrubutor in Australia... I believe...but of the 2 subs in the OP...yeah... Svs makes the most sense given the circumstances.

power sound audio

Looks like they're selling the older models there? The pricing also yields a fair difference, with the XV15 running in at $1,325 vs $1,000 for the PB2000.
PSA pricing

 

[Basshead81]

I do think PSA has local retailer/or distrubutor in Australia... I believe...but of the 2 subs in the OP...yeah... Svs makes the most sense given the circumstances.




power sound audio

Yes they do but 1325.00 for the original XV15 imo is not a good deal compared to the PB2000 for 1k. If they were the same price or within a 100.00 then I would of mentioned the PSA.

 

[billy p]

Yeah...I noticed the price differene. I would seem that Svs has a better market share in that region...hence the better prices with PSA being the new kids. I would suspect the prices on the PSA products could improve somewhat with more sales of their products...they distribute Svs & PSA...maybe Tom could ellaborate as to why such margin in the prices. As for being the older models it sure looked that way...maybe the website need to be updated to reflect the newer product lines?

 

[Tom V.]

I do think PSA has local retailer/or distrubutor in Australia... I believe...but of the 2 subs in the OP...yeah... Svs makes the most sense given the circumstances.




power sound audio

DeepHz carries the pb2000 and the Xv15 and had a nice demo room too IIRC. If the OP is within visiting distance, stop by and judge for yourself. I would bring some of your favorite music with you too..

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

 

[Basshead81]

Tom, does deephz audio carry the SE models or the original? If the XV15se was 1325.00 then that changes things.

 

[Tom V.]

Tom, does deephz audio carry the SE models or the original? If the XV15se was 1325.00 then that changes things.

The original XV15. I believe it compares very well to the other products being considered though...with some important advantages. As always, best if the OP can listen to both for himself.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

 

[Basshead81]

No argument here....

 

[laulau]

Audio Salon is the Australian distributor for Rythmik subs.