What would you do? SVS PB12-Plus 2 vs PB-Ultra13

[Bloodstriker]

Well, I just contacted SVS and gave them my room size:

4800 cubic feet with a opening that leads to a hallway 6 feet across by 15 feet long. This hallway then makes a 180 degree turn up to the next level of the house, which is comletely open and is about 3-4 times the size of the listening room.

The person on the phone suggested either the PB12-Plus2 or the PB-Ultra13, saying that the PB12-Plus2 will have more volume at the higher frequencies, while the PB-Ultra13 will be better at the lower frequencies. He suggested, that based on the setup, he would go for the PB12-Plus2, however, if i could seal the opening, the PB-Ultra13 would be better and would and has better sound quality than the other.

Here's my dilemma...which one to get? Will there really be a big difference in terms of loudness and sound quality?

 

[mazersteven]

Did you talk to Tom, Ron or Ed Mullen?

tomv@svsound.com

rons@svsubwoofers.com

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/members/ed+mullen.html

 

[Bloodstriker]

I can't remember who I spoke to, but he was pretty helpful. He just said there's two options I can choose to go with.

I just don't know what would be better. I stronger top end on the sub might give the overall sound (when paired with my existing speakers) a bit more "omph" as I find something is really lacking there. A louder bottom end will shake the house and really add that coveted jurassic-park-t-rex-stomping-glassofwaters scene coolness.

Other than colour (notice the Canadian spelling), this is the final decision I need to make before I go ahead and place the order. I just don't want to drop $1.5K on something I'm not happy with, or doesn't do what I want it to do. It's too bad I can't have a "test period" where I can compare the two.

So... again, what would you guys do in this situation?

 

[mazersteven]

I can't remember who I spoke to, but he was pretty helpful. He just said there's two options I can choose to go with.

I just don't know what would be better. I stronger top end on the sub might give the overall sound (when paired with my existing speakers) a bit more "omph" as I find something is really lacking there. A louder bottom end will shake the house and really add that coveted jurassic-park-t-rex-stomping-glassofwaters scene coolness.

Other than colour (notice the Canadian spelling), this is the final decision I need to make before I go ahead and place the order. I just don't want to drop $1.5K on something I'm not happy with, or doesn't do what I want it to do. It's too bad I can't have a "test period" where I can compare the two.

So... again, what would you guys do in this situation?

IMO both subs would make an excellent choice.

I know my PB12-Plus/2 puts a smile on my face. The sub is a Behemoth.

 

[Adam]

There is, of course, one more option. You want power at the top end, but also want to go low? Here's my thinking. Get the Ultra. If it's not enough...get another one.

 

[Bloodstriker]

There is, of course, one more option. You want power at the top end, but also want to go low? Here's my thinking. Get the Ultra. If it's not enough...get another one.

Hahaha... spoken like a true audioholic samurai.

 

[sholling]

Trust me a Plus/2 will shake your house.

 

[GlocksRock]

The plus/2 will not be lacking in the very low end dept., trust me, but the ultra 13 will be a bit more authoritative. I think both will give you all the output you need, having said that I'd go with the new ultra.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Just look at it this way......

A. The plus/2 offers more output
B. The ultra13 will go a little deeper.

What do you need most for your room? More than anything, it boils down to "What do you really want?" because there is no right or wrong decision regardless of which you choose.

 

[Adam]

I have a pretty large room, too, at about 4000 cubic feet that is also very open to the rest of the house. I was using a B&W ASW1000, which really shouldn't hold a candle to either of your considerations, and I had the gain on that set to something like 2 out of 10 in order to get it leveled with the rest of my speakers. I recently got a PC13-Ultra, and I also have the gain on that set well below the max.

My point is that, while the Plus/2 can pump out more volume at higher frequencies, the odds of you actually ever needing that extra volume are probably pretty small. I'm quite happy with my Ultra in my space.

However, I'd say that the BN nailed it - you really can't go wrong with either of those two.

 

[Warpdrv]

I have the Plus/2 in 8200 cu ft, and when I first got it, it was monstrous, as I have never had a decent sub... I then added a Plus to that room, and together the two are great... I have tons of bass, but I can't really get alot of real low effects as the natural tune of the Plus/2 is 20hz... I have both set at 16hz and still have tons of headroom...

With all that being said, If I were to buy SVS again, and I certainly wouldn't hesitate, my experience with SVS has been like everyone elses - Phenomenal I would certainly be buying Dual 13's... Im finding that the sound quality of the Plus line not as accurate for my taste. Not that its bad bass... just looking for more accuracy...

Instead I decided to go the route of DIY building a couple of 15" ported subs, with some really high quality drivers... I am looking forward to the results.

I think the best idea would be the Ultra 13 for performance and SQ.

By the way, I believe SVS has stated that they have roughly about the same output, with the edge going to the Plus/2 above 30hz, but the 13 is able to reach really low... and should be more then you need, but dual subs are where its at...

Good luck

 

[Bloodstriker]

That's pretty much what I'm looking for. Thanks for sharing your experience with the subs and room size. I'll make my order tonight! Now let's hope that it doesn't take too long to arrive.

 

[GlocksRock]

So which one did you decide on?

 

[Warpdrv]

where do you live... Im thinking you went with the Ultra 13... great choice... very well made boxes and finishes from SVS...

I live just outside Milwaukee, and it take 2 days from SVS to me... 3 is pushing it... and BAX shipping is a great company... they have good tracking and are very accommodating...

Don't forget to post pics.....

 

[mazersteven]

and BAX shipping is a great company... they have good tracking and are very accommodating...

Yes Bax is great. They delivered my SVS with a fork-life blade through the side of my subwoofer.
I love them so much I wanted to go outside and hug the driver. But something or was it someone stopped me.

 

[Warpdrv]

Wow mazer.... sorry to hear that... that sucks big time...
Didn't you order 2 of those...?

But lets not Cr@p on this guys parade... I think overall that Bax has a very good rep. Did you have a thread going about your bad fortune?

 

[Maddys]

Wow,

I am having the same questions in my head.

I had a SVS PB12/Plus 2 and loved it, but still wanted more. I went with a JL, and was never really happy. I have since sold it.

I can't not decide between 2-PB12/Plus 2 or 2 PB13 Ultra. I am thinking I will go with the PB13 Ultra, as if I don't like them, will be easy to sell, compared to the PB12.

 

[Bloodstriker]

So which one did you decide on?

LOL Sorry, I forgot to let you guys know what the decision was. I just placed my order for an Ultra 13!

I went with the regular black because the wood wouldn't match anything in the room and matches my speakers. But I think it's going to stick out like a sore thumb against the white walls.

 

[Adam]

But I think it's going to stick out like a sore thumb against the white walls.

The beauty of paint, my friend! Tailor the room for the sub...the Ultra 13 will be worth it.

BTW, congratulations! I'm really enjoying my PC13-Ultra. An excellent addition to my system.

 

[Warpdrv]

With all the new reports coming in about the new Ultra, Im really starting to get that itch of wanting to upgrade...

Here are a few pics of the new ultra from weez's post over at The Spot... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v24/weezR/PB13 Ultra/