SVS SB-3000 or Klipsch R-115sw

[kovacw]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to choose a sub to use with my RP-600M pair on my living room (or the area of it where my TV is). I'm going to use it for everything.

My living room is kind of L shaped. The area where my couch and TV are is something like 3.5 m long and 2.8 m wide, but is just a part of the living room.


Which one do you consider the best between the SVS SB-3000 abd the Klipsch R-115sw ?

Should I care about being sealed or ported?

 

[ryanosaur]

You should care between sealed and ported. Ported will offer higher output down low. Sealed subs can be nice, but in lower extension, they don’t usually keep up.

You can do better than the Klipsch sub.

Important: subwoofers are very sensitive to room volume. What is the overall volume of your room, not just your listening space? Also, is it open still to other areas?

 

[kini]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to choose a sub to use with my RP-600M pair on my living room (or the area of it where my TV is). I'm going to use it for everything.

My living room is kind of L shaped. The area where my couch and TV are is something like 3.5 m long and 2.8 m wide, but is just a part of the living room.


Which one do you consider the best between the SVS SB-3000 abd the Klipsch R-115sw ?

Should I care about being sealed or ported?

Youtube persona and AV enthusiast Youthman did a comparison between the Klipsch 15 and the PB3000. Basically one PB3000 is about the same as 2 Klipsch and also about the same price when the Klipsch is on sale. Between those 2 I would take the SVS all day, everyday even at double the price.

 

[Pogre]

Youtube persona and AV enthusiast Youthman did a comparison between the Klipsch 15 and the PB3000. Basically one PB3000 is about the same as 2 Klipsch and also about the same price when the Klipsch is on sale. Between those 2 I would take the SVS all day, everyday even at double the price.

I'm with you on SVS, but Youthman..? He kinda focuses on the wrong stuff, imo. Plus isn't he one of those who does sound comparisons between speakers by uploading the audio to YouTube?

 

[kovacw]

Youtube persona and AV enthusiast Youthman did a comparison between the Klipsch 15 and the PB3000. Basically one PB3000 is about the same as 2 Klipsch and also about the same price when the Klipsch is on sale. Between those 2 I would take the SVS all day, everyday even at double the price.

But you're talking about the ported SVS. I am considering the sealed one.

 

[kovacw]

You should care between sealed and ported. Ported will offer higher output down low. Sealed subs can be nice, but in lower extension, they don’t usually keep up.

You can do better than the Klipsch sub.

Important: subwoofers are very sensitive to room volume. What is the overall volume of your room, not just your listening space? Also, is it open still to other areas?

What do you suggest?

I'll take the measurements to get the volume. Yes, it's open, but I'll draw a sketch so you have a better understanding of it.

 

[ryanosaur]

Where are you at? Noticed the metric measurements in your first post.
For me, I think when you hit a large room, say >3000’3, the benefits of a sealed sub with Cabin Gain boosting its low end performance drops dramatically. Though I think sealed subs can work in rooms like that, you need to employ them by the squad.
Regardless, if your room is large (see the bassaholic room protocol here on AH) you will likely see better performance from two good quality ported subs rather than one sealed. In general, I would always recommend aiming for at least two subs anyway.
Multiple subs will even out LF performance across a larger area than one sub ever can.

Let us know your room volume and where you are at, and perhaps we can make some recommendations for you.

 

[lovinthehd]

But you're talking about the ported SVS. I am considering the sealed one.

But you're comparing it to the Klipsch ported sub....why not consider a ported SVS as well? Size issues or ?

 

[Irvrobinson]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to choose a sub to use with my RP-600M pair on my living room (or the area of it where my TV is). I'm going to use it for everything.

My living room is kind of L shaped. The area where my couch and TV are is something like 3.5 m long and 2.8 m wide, but is just a part of the living room.


Which one do you consider the best between the SVS SB-3000 abd the Klipsch R-115sw ?

Should I care about being sealed or ported?

Do you watch action movies (the ones with explosions, crashes, and other sound effects) at high volumes, like you'd hear in a movie theater?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Even if it takes longer to fit in budget, I would also buy an SVS over klipsch. Sealed can be ok as ryno said, but fall off quickly below about 30hz usually and below that it can take as many as 4 sealed to equal the output of a ported sub. In this case though, I would think a pair of sb3000’s would still have more output capability. This is conjecture though as I haven’t verified at data-bass. Also, my experience with klipsch subs is that they’re high Q low damped designs. That means they tend to be boomy one note fart boxes. While this CAN be fun for movies, I feel that only applies to noobs, as after time goes on, people tire of that sound and either give up on subwoofers, or come here and invest in quality bass. IMO, it is an investment in time, and money.
But once you know, you can never go back!
-RHCP...

 

[kovacw]

Let us know your room volume and where you are at, and perhaps we can make some recommendations for you.

I've made a sketch of my living room. All the dimensions are on the metric system.

Most of the room is 2.66 m high. Above the horizontal measurement line of 2.8m, the height drops to 2.24 m.

So, If there's no miscalculation, the whole room has 59.93 cubic meters.

I live in Brazil.

But you're comparing it to the Klipsch ported sub....why not consider a ported SVS as well? Size issues or ?

Exactly the size issue. They are considerably big.

 

[Pogre]

What do you suggest?

I'll take the measurements to get the volume. Yes, it's open, but I'll draw a sketch so you have a better understanding of it.

If room is not an issue then yes, go ported. I would get a single PB3000 over a pair of Klipsch subs. I think it would perform better for you and then save for a 2nd one.

I still own a small 10" ported Klipsch sub so I have some small experience with them. There is just no comparison between it and better quality subs from some of the manufacturers who specialize in them. Another brand to consider would be Hsu. I have a pair of VTF-3 MK 5's (price in that link is for 2 of them) in a very large room and they perform fantastically. They didn't cost an arm and a leg either. I think Hsu is about as good as it gets, bang for buck. If I had the money tho, I'd go SVS all the way! I just love their look and style.

A step down and a little easier on the pocketbook from the VTF-3's would be VTF-2's. I haven't heard them myself, but I can vouch for their big brother whole heartedly. Price in that link is for 1. They done have a "dual drive" package for the VTF-2's.

*Edit: Not in the states AND room is an issue. Nevermind, lol.

 

[kovacw]

If room is not an issue then yes, go ported. I would get a single PB3000 over a pair of Klipsch subs. I think it would perform better for you and then save for a 2nd one.

I still own a small 10" ported Klipsch sub so I have some small experience with them. There is just no comparison between it and better quality subs from some of the manufacturers who specialize in them. Another brand to consider would be Hsu. I have a pair of VTF-3 MK 5's (price in that link is for 2 of them) in a very large room and they perform fantastically. They didn't cost an arm and a leg either. I think Hsu is about as good as it gets, bang for buck. If I had the money tho, I'd go SVS all the way! I just love their look and style.

A step down and a little easier on the pocketbook from the VTF-3's would be VTF-2's. I haven't heard them myself, but I can vouch for their big brother whole heartedly. Price in that link is for 1. They done have a "dual drive" package for the VTF-2's.

*Edit: Not in the states AND room is an issue. Nevermind, lol.

Well, I've just discovered that the Klipsch is even taller and wider (a little bit) than the ported SVS. The SVS is deeper.

Do you think putting a PB (3000 or 2000) beside the couch is a good thing?

 

[ryanosaur]

So 60m^3 is about 2100'3... If available to you, I recommend looking at the SVS PB or PC2000. These will be great for your space and should perform admirably!
I don't know what else is available to you in Brazil. If there is anything you know of nd have questions about, please post for us to see!

 

[ryanosaur]

Well, I've just discovered that the Klipsch is even taller and wider (a little bit) than the ported SVS. The SVS is deeper.

Do you think putting a PB (3000 or 2000) beside the couch is a good thing?

I would urge that you consider two of the 2000s from SVS as I just posted. the PC, if available to you will have a smaller footprint. If you invest in one to start and add another later, no problem!
You could do one between the two couches. If you add a second, I would advise experimenting, but it will benefit you. Even if it is outside your listening area! Perhaps on that 1.8m segment.
The subwoofer crawl is a great, though, crude technique to help you find the best places in your room for subwoofers! https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

 

[KEW]

Well, I've just discovered that the Klipsch is even taller and wider (a little bit) than the ported SVS. The SVS is deeper.

Do you think putting a PB (3000 or 2000) beside the couch is a good thing?

While looking at them, be sure to check the PC3000. Performance-wise it is almost an identical match to the PB3000, but you trade height for a smaller footprint. (and a cylinder is inherently a stronger shape than a box).

Putting it beside the couch usually works well.

Is this only for music or are you interested in theater LFE (earthquakes, Dinosaur stomps, etc) as well?

 

[kovacw]

I would urge that you consider two of the 2000s from SVS as I just posted. the PC, if available to you will have a smaller footprint. If you invest in one to start and add another later, no problem!
You could do one between the two couches. If you add a second, I would advise experimenting, but it will benefit you. Even if it is outside your listening area! Perhaps on that 1.8m segment.
The subwoofer crawl is a great, though, crude technique to help you find the best places in your room for subwoofers! https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

Do you think I won't loose much choosing the PB-2000 instead of the 3000?

 

[KEW]

Just for the record, the specific Klipsch you are looking at is a competent sub!
I say that because historically Klipsch subwoofers have been rather poor ad I don't know how many here are familiar with the R-115SW.
However, if you are comparing the Klipsch to a ported 3000 series SVS, there is no contest. That is reflected in the price here. I don't know what your pricing is on these models, but if you let us know, it will help us recognize the value of your options!

 

[Pogre]

I third the PC3000. It's a high performing sub that can fit in tighter spaces. Beside the couch might work out well for you.

 

[kovacw]

While looking at them, be sure to check the PC3000. Performance-wise it is almost an identical match to the PB3000, but you trade height for a smaller footprint. (and a cylinder is inherently a stronger shape than a box).

Putting it beside the couch usually works well.

Is this only for music or are you interested in theater LFE (earthquakes, Dinosaur stomps, etc) as well?

PCs will bee hard to find here. They would be more convenient to me.

Not only for music. I'll use it for basically everything.