SVS PB12-NSD or SVS 20-39PCi Cylinder Subwoofer

[crashkelly]

Hey All,

Looking for opinions on both of these subs. I have read many many posts and know how highly SVS is regarded so I have zero issue with the brand.

NNot too familiar with the pros, other than looking cool, and cons of cylinder subs and would be greatly appreciative if someone could educate me a bit.

Both of these subs are in my price range so either would be great. Will be getting them from http://www.sonicboomaudio.com up here in Canada.

The room my HT is in is about 12W x 15L x 8H but the room is missing the back wall, half wall is present. The full basement dimensions are about 12W x 35L x 8H

Thanks
Michael

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The best thing you can do is call SVS. They will tell you what you need based on your room and will not try to up-sale you.

 

[Adam]

For me, the biggest pro to the cylinder design was the relatively small footprint. I needed something narrow (and still wanted it to go below 20Hz), and the cylinder fit the bill with it's 16" diameter. I also think that it looks very cool (as you mentioned). I haven't run into any cons, yet, but some mention that they have a low WAF.

EDIT: The cylinders are much taller, though, then the boxes.

 

[j_garcia]

I prefer the cylinders, but sound wise, they aren't that different. WAF is the real question, since the cylinders definitely don't do well on that front usually, as mentioned. They cylinders are lighter too; the cabinet is inert by default; bracing like what you see in a box isn't necessary.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I thought you just liked the shape

For me, the biggest pro to the cylinder design was the relatively small footprint. I needed something narrow (and still wanted it to go below 20Hz), and the cylinder fit the bill with it's 16" diameter. I also think that it looks very cool (as you mentioned). I haven't run into any cons, yet, but some mention that they have a low WAF.

EDIT: The cylinders are much taller, though, then the boxes.

 

[Adam]

I thought you just liked the shape

Well, that's true...but I figured that I needed to give some rationale for it.

I also forgot another big reason that I chose the cylinder, but John covered it...they are much lighter than the equivalent box design.

 

[crashkelly]

Thanks for the input

I think I will give SVS a call and see what they say. I am on a limited budget for the sub about $750CDN + tax + shipping but I do want to ensure I get the right one.

WAF is not too big of a deal as the room has been given to me to essentially do with what I will, so long as the kids can come in to play XBOX 360 and she can join us for the odd movie.

If I am correct, the box sub is front-firing and the cylinder is up-firing. What effect does this have on the "chest thumping bass"?

Thanks again
Michael

 

[Ron Temple]

the cylinder is up-firing. What effect does this have on the "chest thumping bass"?

Thanks again
Michael

down firing and none...

 

[crashkelly]

thanks for the info Ron. Much appreciated

Michael

 

[abboudc]

Hey All,

Looking for opinions on both of these subs. I have read many many posts and know how highly SVS is regarded so I have zero issue with the brand.

NNot too familiar with the pros, other than looking cool, and cons of cylinder subs and would be greatly appreciative if someone could educate me a bit.

Both of these subs are in my price range so either would be great. Will be getting them from http://www.sonicboomaudio.com up here in Canada.

The room my HT is in is about 12W x 15L x 8H but the room is missing the back wall, half wall is present. The full basement dimensions are about 12W x 35L x 8H

Thanks
Michael

Read this:
Cylinder or Box Sub

In my case, the wife prefers the cylinder in my darker theater room because it hides in the corner.

 

[crashkelly]

Thanks abboudc,

I had read that document prior to my post. I have yet to call SVS for their opinion based on my room and the like, but from what I am seeing it does sound like it comes down to personal choice. I am looking for the "cool" factor and I think the cylinder subs look very cool, but I do not want to sacrifice any "feeling" of the bass.

Have to see what SVS as to say.

In my case, my wife could care less about sub or no sub, yet. I want the one, within my price range, that she will be in awe of as well. Well okay, maybe not in awe, but at least like.

 

[j_garcia]

Your room will have more of an effect on how bass sounds than box vs cylinder will.

 

[crashkelly]

Hi j_garcia,

My room is next. I am currently doing all the in wall wiring, including all wiring for the projector she does not yet know we are going to get, and the like and once I the HT is set up I am going to start looking at room treatments.

The wife gave me the space as my own, but did not let me add the walls and that where I wanted them to be, sacrifice for being able to do what I want inside the room. I wanted a closed room in the basement but she wanted to keep the relatively open concept that was there. Had to settle for a half wall at the back of the HT space. Will post pics when done.

Thanks for the input
Michael

 

[patnshan]

I like how the tube looks, so does my wife, so WAF may not be an issue. She actually did not want the big obtrusive box on the floor.
It fits where a box of similar internal dimensions would not fit. It is a conversation piece when people come over. Everyone will know what that box is, but not all will know what that big black tube is. Lastly, the tubes cost less for equal performance and are cheaper to ship. They are also easier to move, they roll quite nicely

Pat

 

[crashkelly]

hey patnshan,

Yeah, I am definitely leaning towards the cylinder sub as it does seem that acoustically it is very similar to the comparable box model and it does look really cool and will generate some second and third glances. I have the space for the box, barely, but it would be nice to gain some of that space back.

Laughed out loud when I read your comment about rolling it on the floor

Thanks
Michael

 

[patnshan]

hey patnshan,

Yeah, I am definitely leaning towards the cylinder sub as it does seem that acoustically it is very similar to the comparable box model and it does look really cool and will generate some second and third glances. I have the space for the box, barely, but it would be nice to gain some of that space back.

Laughed out loud when I read your comment about rolling it on the floor

Thanks
Michael

It really does work well You grab the top and start turning it and it rolls. I don't roll it on the side like you probably pictured

People ask questions everytime they come downstairs. Then I just fire up some Das Boot depth charges or Matrix helicopter crash scenes

Pat

 

[j_garcia]

I don't even notice mine anymore, but it is the first question out of everyone's mouth when they see it; definitely a conversation piece. It is a bit larger than the largest SVS cylinder...it is larger than our water heater...so not easy to hide.

 

[crashkelly]

Worth upping to the 20-39PC-Plus Cylinder Subwoofer

Hi all,

Been looking some more as I am afraid if I bought one of the originals I was looking at that I would want an upgrade right away(not that there would be anything wrong with the originals, but I want the best boom for the buck).

I can get the 20-39PC-Plus Cylinder Subwoofer for $1049CDN +tax +ship as opposed to the 20-39PCi Cylinder Subwoofer for $759CDN +tax +ship. I am going with a cylinder as it is cool, less floor space, conversation piece,......

My question is, is the extra $300 worth it. I have read the specs for both and the former does look like a "better" sub, but am I am going to get an extra $300 worth of boom

Any opinions greatly appreciated
Thanks
Michael

 

[j_garcia]

If the Plus isn't too far out of your budget, then yes I would get it instead.

 

[GlocksRock]

a common question, with a common answer... if you can afford the plus, go for it. It has more power, you will never have to wonder "what if", you have the extra headroom if/when you want or need it, it has a better sounding driver, and it's tunable. I was in the same boat a while ago, and don't feel that I made a bad choice at all, especially when I really crank it up... it pressurizes the whole room, and sounds so good while doing it.