SVS PB-13 Ultra and Music (and perhaps some mids to partner up)

[dcshoeman2k4]

So, I've decided that the PB-13 Ultra is a beautiful speaker and quite frankly, something I can't live with out. So, when I get my tax refund back I'm thinking about fulfilling my destiny and buying one. I do however, have a few questions about the durability and music performance of the beast.

I've read that the Ultra performs phenomenally when watching movies. I've read all about the low end base and the flat response all the way down to 20hz and lower. I've even looked over the graphs about the SPL performance and THD (most of which I didn't really understand). However, I wonder how this will perform while listening to music. I, like many others, listen to a wide variety of music depending on my mood. Sometimes I listen to classical, sometimes 80/90's pop, and rock/grunge. Most of the time, I'm a bass fiend and love turning up some crappy rap, not for the nasty lyrics or incredibly untalented "singing", but for the smooth and low base lines that rattle my body and my house.

So that brings me to ask: how does the PB-13 Ultra perform for music? Is it something that can take a bit of abuse if I turn it up and leave it there for a bit? Is it something that's going to be able to belt out those repetitive base lines with out issue? I have a Denon AVR 3801 Receiver and the volume range is -60 to +18. When listening to music I generally have it turned up to between. -20 - 00. Sometimes like 04. Is that too loud? I don't want to break anything (I've had to learn the hard way when I blew my last sub, a Cerwin Vega CLS-15) I definitely don't want to go any higher on the price, 1699 is pushing it as it is and I'm not looking to blow 4 G's on a speaker.

Now, to bring the post to a completely different topic, what type of mid range speakers (now that you know my listening habits) would compliment this woofer and receiver? I have a pair of ancient Bose 901 Series speakers (dated sometime from around the Ming Dynasty) that do what I need them to do, but are in dire need of updating.

 

[Midcow2]

Budget for new speakers?

So, I've decided that the PB-13 Ultra is a beautiful speaker and quite frankly, something I can't live with out. So, when I get my tax refund back I'm thinking about fulfilling my destiny and buying one. I do however, have a few questions about the durability and music performance of the beast.

I've read that the Ultra performs phenomenally when watching movies. I've read all about the low end base and the flat response all the way down to 20hz and lower. I've even looked over the graphs about the SPL performance and THD (most of which I didn't really understand). However, I wonder how this will perform while listening to music. I, like many others, listen to a wide variety of music depending on my mood. Sometimes I listen to classical, sometimes 80/90's pop, and rock/grunge. Most of the time, I'm a bass fiend and love turning up some crappy rap, not for the nasty lyrics or incredibly untalented "singing", but for the smooth and low base lines that rattle my body and my house.

So that brings me to ask: how does the PB-13 Ultra perform for music? Is it something that can take a bit of abuse if I turn it up and leave it there for a bit? Is it something that's going to be able to belt out those repetitive base lines with out issue? I have a Denon AVR 3801 Receiver and the volume range is -60 to +18. When listening to music I generally have it turned up to between. -20 - 00. Sometimes like 04. Is that too loud? I don't want to break anything (I've had to learn the hard way when I blew my last sub, a Cerwin Vega CLS-15) I definitely don't want to go any higher on the price, 1699 is pushing it as it is and I'm not looking to blow 4 G's on a speaker.

Now, to bring the post to a completely different topic, what type of mid range speakers (now that you know my listening habits) would compliment this woofer and receiver? I have a pair of ancient Bose 901 Series speakers (dated sometime from around the Ming Dynasty) that do what I need them to do, but are in dire need of updating.

The Ultra can handle music as well as HT and I think you will be very pleased with it: CONGRATS ( I have the Ultra's little brother, the new PB12-Plus and it is awesome ). If you have the stand's on the 901s you canuse them for end tables. After awhile the 4 1/2" paper cones begin to disintegrate and a least one or more will blow. While it sounds okay with the equalizer and with all 9 speakers active, with one or more blow speakers the infinite impedance sound is the best. Now concerning replacement, how much is your budget? Defintive Technology makes a wide range ( price wise) of speakers that sound good ( Yes, I am a fan boy) but there are many, many options. First decide your budget, then listen to Audioholics recommendations, then audition with the type of music or HT you will be listening too and then most important pick the speakers that sound best to YOU. After reading this, your 901s have probably aged another dynasty and now are probably not even suitable for end tables; but the simulated walnut laminent on MDF looked nice when new.

Take care,

MidCow2

 

[dcshoeman2k4]

The Ultra can handle music as well as HT and I think you will be very pleased with it: CONGRATS ( I have the Ultra's little brother, the new PB12-Plus and it is awesome ). If you have the stand's on the 901s you canuse them for end tables. After awhile the 4 1/2" paper cones begin to disintegrate and a least one or more will blow. While it sounds okay with the equalizer and with all 9 speakers active, with one or more blow speakers the infinite impedance sound is the best. Now concerning replacement, how much is your budget? Defintive Technology makes a wide range ( price wise) of speakers that sound good ( Yes, I am a fan boy) but there are many, many options. First decide your budget, then listen to Audioholics recommendations, then audition with the type of music or HT you will be listening too and then most important pick the speakers that sound best to YOU. After reading this, your 901s have probably aged another dynasty and now are probably not even suitable for end tables; but the simulated walnut laminent on MDF looked nice when new.

Take care,

MidCow2

Lol, you seem rather familiar with the 901's! My Dad gave them to me and I have nothing at all to replace them with at the moment, so they will have to do for now. The surrounds on all of them were completely destroyed long ago and he did his best to refurbish them with some form of industrial epoxy or glue. They look terrible, but somehow manage to do alright, even at high listening volumes. As I'm only 21 and a newly wed, my system will be upgraded one piece at a time.

When it comes to the term "budget" I guess I don't really have one. It all just depends on how long I want to wait before I can pick up each piece. I've been longing for the PB-13 for sometime now, and was going to buy it last year before me and my wife both lost our jobs. We have since depleted our saving in the last few months until we were able to secure employment only just recently. So now I have restored hope in my quest for the Ultra.

Now, the mids I'm looking for are for some ones that can handle some really raunchy mid range (I want to say between 100-200hz) You know, the sound of some violent electric guitar riffs like that in a Metallica or Alice in Chains song. Take this song for perfect example: Alice in Chains I suppose if I had to put a number on it I'd say I want the price range on my mids (2 speakers) to be between 500-800. Keep in mind they will be run by a Denon AVR 3801 I must confess, when I look at these little 4 and 5 inch speakers I always have my doubts about their ability to handle such a violent sound.

 

[jamie2112]

IMO you should get some new speakers first as the bozo's are really old and even some newer cheaper speakers sound much better. The speaker company is doing very well. They have had great reviews and are very good about customer service. They are also very affordable. You could get yourself a 5.1 system for $259 with a sub. Just a suggestion as it seems you are not able to upgrade the way you would like. Check these out http://www.thespeakercompany.com/

 

[dcshoeman2k4]

IMO you should get some new speakers first as the bozo's are really old and even some newer cheaper speakers sound much better. The speaker company is doing very well. They have had great reviews and are very good about customer service. They are also very affordable. You could get yourself a 5.1 system for $259 with a sub. Just a suggestion as it seems you are not able to upgrade the way you would like. Check these out http://www.thespeakercompany.com/

I appreciate the input but I am not entirely sure that would satisfy my thirst for extreme bass and high volume listening. As I've said, my upgrades will come one piece at a time. The 901's are a joke really and will due for now. I already have what I consider a decent start to my collection. A good TV (47" Philips 1080p LCD) and a decent receiver (Denon AVR 3801, Although it may need to be upgraded to one with HMDI) Next I hope to obtain the PB-13 Ultra, and after that some mids. Then I will fine tune it from there with perhaps a Blu Ray Player or Xbox/PS3. As was with my Car Stereo in my high school years, I expect this to be a never ending project.

 

[goodman]

I like the way you're doin' it. Enjoy the joourney.

 

[Midcow2]

get the best two front speakers you can afford

I appreciate the input but I am not entirely sure that would satisfy my thirst for extreme bass and high volume listening. As I've said, my upgrades will come one piece at a time. The 901's are a joke really and will due for now. I already have what I consider a decent start to my collection. A good TV (47" Philips 1080p LCD) and a decent receiver (Denon AVR 3801, Although it may need to be upgraded to one with HMDI) Next I hope to obtain the PB-13 Ultra, and after that some mids. Then I will fine tune it from there with perhaps a Blu Ray Player or Xbox/PS3. As was with my Car Stereo in my high school years, I expect this to be a never ending project.

Your AVR is very nice. The front speakers and the center should match to maintain timbre ( seamless sound). In you case I would buy the best front speakers you can afford ( with plans to get a matching center later; center is mainly for vocal in HT DVDs and TV).

Here are some suggestions:

two BP7006s retail for $649 each but you can get 25% off typically , total cost $973.50.

two BP10B retail for $599 each but you can get 25% off typically , total cost $898.50

two BP8B retail $499 each but you can get 25% off typically , total cost $748.50

two Mordant short Avant 906i $750
http://wildwestelectronics.ecommerce-site-search.com/?catalog=wildwestelectronics&query=Mordant+short+Avant+906i&.autodone=nsearch.html&x=28&y=11

two Swan Diva 4.2 $709
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?products_id=35

You really don't need to upgrade to HDMI yet you can use component for the video and use the preouts or optical for audio.

 

[bandphan]

Subs become the addiction (just ask ribbit aka mikec) but its the Mains and center that carry the most information.

 

[Jeremy77]

I currently have Definitive Subercube 1 and I am not extremely impressed by the bass it outputs. I have been doing some research and i have found that the SVS brand has been mentioned several times as one of the best subs for the money right now. I have been looking at the PB-13 Ultra and the PB-12 Plus. I do agree with dcshoeman2k4 that i enjoy the bass in mostly everything i listen too. I like it when it makes the room shake, i want something that will blow your mind away when you hear it.

How does the PB-12 Plus compare to the PB-13 Ultra, there is not that much difference in the power and what is up with the sub input selection like, 20,25,30, or sealed. I know i chopped that up but i do not understand why you would select sealed when the box is ported.

Jeremy

 

[Chopin_Guy]

As a PB13 owner I can tell you that the Ultra does just as well on Music as it is for HT. Of course, if money were no object I would probably have a stereo set JL F13 for pure 2 channel listening...Nonetheless, the Ultra still performs with outstanding accuracy, control, and sensitivity on music playback. And then when you switch back over to HT you have a sub that will tear the house down...