SVS: Which one is better; the PC12NSD or the 25-31 PSI

[rufas2000]

I was thinking about getting a new sub for my new place. I was looking as SVS offerings and I'm wondering is the slightly less tall and less expensive 25-31 PSI as good as the PC12NSD?

Info: medium sized room (can get dimensions around the first after I pay the rent) with door sized openings on the left and right (in the middle, the right side has a door, not sure if the left will or not, some doors had yet to be reattached). I listen to mostly music with a current two channel setup (will probably get surround speakers and go with a phantom center). I do want a sub that performs well with movies also but isn't the priority. I listen mostly to rock but other types as well. My speakers are Klipsch RF-82s. I prefer a smaller sub if possible but thats a minor concern..

Any other recommendations are welcome. I also could probably get back my Klipsch Sub 12 from a friend who bought it (on a payment plan so I would simply reduce his debt). Not sure though, if he wants to keep it I'll let him, a clean friendship is worth more than a sub. Anyway would the Klipsch be enough to meet my needs.

One more possibility was getting the Orb Super8 sub back. I liked its size and sound but while the speakers were good I liked my Klipschs more and was planning this move so I returned them (and got a full refund within 5 days from their receipt of my return shipment, I was happy). I really hate to order it and return it again so would I be happy with the Super 8. I know its my ears but having a good starting point saves time & trouble.

 

[GlocksRock]

They are both good, but I think the PC12NSD will have a lower tune, but the 25-31 PCi will have more output overall, but they will both serve you well.

 

[mike c]

the PC12NSD has more enclosure volume, therefore much more efficient (it's taller)

and it has a lower tune than the 25-31 (should actually be called 22-31)

 

[rufas2000]

Thanks for the replies.

and it has a lower tune than the 25-31 (should actually be called 22-31)

I assume you're referring to the 25-31 and not the PC12NSD with that quote. If so what would the PC12NSB's "model number" be using the same formula (low end extention - height).

Any thoughts on the Klipsch or the Orb Super8. BTW: I had the Klipsch in a very small room and it will be in a bigger one. I feel my 11x11 room did not show what that sub (or any sub) can really do. And while I enjoyed the Super8 I never used it with my RF-82 mains so I don't know how they will mate.

 

[mike c]

Thanks for the replies.

I assume you're referring to the 25-31 and not the PC12NSD with that quote. If so what would the PC12NSB's "model number" be using the same formula (low end extention - height).

Any thoughts on the Klipsch or the Orb Super8. BTW: I had the Klipsch in a very small room and it will be in a bigger one. I feel my 11x11 room did not show what that sub (or any sub) can really do. And while I enjoyed the Super8 I never used it with my RF-82 mains so I don't know how they will mate.

yes, all 25-31's sold are tuned to 22hz. (at least in the latter part of it's life)

i don't know off the top of my head what the PC12NSD's tuning is ... hmm, i should be grilled for that ... but it's at least 20hz maybe even 18hz (don't quote me on that)

i have not heard the Klipsch and Orb subs

 

[GlocksRock]

yes, all 25-31's sold are tuned to 22hz. (at least in the latter part of it's life)

i don't know off the top of my head what the PC12NSD's tuning is ... hmm, i should be grilled for that ... but it's at least 20hz maybe even 18hz (don't quote me on that)

i have not heard the Klipsch and Orb subs

The 25-31 has a native 25 hz. tune, which is why it's called a 25-31, 25 hz. tune, 31 inches tall. They were available with a custom tune, SVS used the porting from the 20-39 in the 25-31 for the lower tune. In room response will be a couple of hz. lower due to room gain.

I would stick with SVS over any klipsch or orb sub.

 

[mike c]

The 25-31 has a native 25 hz. tune, which is why it's called a 25-31, 25 hz. tune, 31 inches tall. They were available with a custom tune, SVS used the porting from the 20-39 in the 25-31 for the lower tune. In room response will be a couple of hz. lower due to room gain.

I would stick with SVS over any klipsch or orb sub.

all 25-31's sold today have a native tune of 22hz
(unless of course for some reason someone requests a 25hz or 20hz tune)

 

[boarder1995]

Ya, I think the NSD12 has an 18Hz tune, at least it's -3dB at 18Hz, but in room will be a bit better.

 

[GlocksRock]

Yes, the newer entry level NSD cylinder subs have a lower tune than the older PCi cylinder subs, which is why I stated the 25-31 has a 25 hz. tune... if you don't belive me, email svs.

 

[j_garcia]

Glocks is right. You have to specify 22Hz tune for the 25-31, otherwise it comes in 25Hz tune. I am not sure I've seen 20Hz tune for the 31.

I'm partial to the cylinders, especially when you need to move it. The PB12 isn't terribly heavy, but the cylinders are lighter. The cylinders take up less floor space, but are taller. Sound wise, you won't be disappointed in either, and as mentioned the cylinder will have a tad more output vs extension, while the PB will have a little more extension vs output compared to each other.

Last I heard, the PB-10 was 20Hz and the PB-12 was 18Hz.

 

[GlocksRock]

Moving the cylinder subs is so nice, My 20-39 PC+ is lighter and much easier to move than my PB10-NSD, and don't even get me started on moving the PB13-Ultra, that thing is a beast.

 

[lsiberian]

Don't the cylinders look like Eye sores. I couldn't imagine have a huge pipe in my house for a sub.

 

[lsiberian]

I'm fairly certainly the 25-31 requires an external amp FYI

 

[mike c]

Yes, the newer entry level NSD cylinder subs have a lower tune than the older PCi cylinder subs, which is why I stated the 25-31 has a 25 hz. tune... if you don't belive me, email svs.

i think i did, and they are tuned to 22hz by default. unless 25 or 20hz is requested.

SVS has decided back then that tuning to 22hz didn't affect headroom much so they started packing overseas 25-31's in the 22hz tune. but now that they're on clearance in the US, those are also packed in the 22hz tune.

i'm too lazy to find the reference email or forum post though
edit: i tried looking for a reference, but couldn't find any - i'm pretty sure i didn't dream it up though

*but to be clear, it really was originally 25hz ...

the PC12NSD's have a bigger enclosure - so i don't know if they're tuned lower because they have a longer port or because of the volume or both.

 

[j_garcia]

I'm fairly certainly the 25-31 requires an external amp FYI

Nope, it doesn't. I believe you can get most of the flavors of cylinder subs powered or unpowered though. CS (Cylinder Sub) vs PCi (Powered Cylinder)

Interesting Mike. I knew you lost only a few dB in output, so I would have ordered a 22Hz tune anyway, but good to know that they were already doing this The 25-31 already doesn't have a problem with output. I would guess that the tune is due to both a longer port and the larger volume on the 20-39.

A 16-46 would fit inside my sub AFAIK And no, it doesn't bother me one bit when I see it sitting there, meanacingly, in the corner

 

[mike c]

i think i did, and they are tuned to 22hz by default. unless 25 or 20hz is requested.

SVS has decided back then that tuning to 22hz didn't affect headroom much so they started packing overseas 25-31's in the 22hz tune. but now that they're on clearance in the US, those are also packed in the 22hz tune.

i'm too lazy to find the reference email or forum post though
edit: i tried looking for a reference, but couldn't find any - i'm pretty sure i didn't dream it up though

*but to be clear, it really was originally 25hz ...

the PC12NSD's have a bigger enclosure - so i don't know if they're tuned lower because they have a longer port or because of the volume or both.

found it:

As we usher in the new PC12-NSD, all existing PCi subwoofers remain on clearance, including $499 for our amazing 25-31PCi, now shipping with our custom extra deep 22 Hz tune at no extra charge. Clearance pricing will continue until supplies of the PCi subs are exhausted, but these subs are moving briskly so this is your best and last chance to purchase a mate for your existing PCi.

http://www.svsound.com/news-news.cfm

 

[GlocksRock]

found it:



http://www.svsound.com/news-news.cfm

Ok, so it's just the clearance subs that have that tune... not all of them. That makes sense I guess... maybe they just had extra ports in stock that they needed to use up.

 

[lsiberian]

Nope, it doesn't. I believe you can get most of the flavors of cylinder subs powered or unpowered though. CS (Cylinder Sub) vs PCi (Powered Cylinder)

Interesting Mike. I knew you lost only a few dB in output, so I would have ordered a 22Hz tune anyway, but good to know that they were already doing this The 25-31 already doesn't have a problem with output. I would guess that the tune is due to both a longer port and the larger volume on the 20-39.

A 16-46 would fit inside my sub AFAIK And no, it doesn't bother me one bit when I see it sitting there, meanacingly, in the corner

Interesting.

 

[rufas2000]

Well my friend did not want to give back my klipsch. He was willing but I could tell he doesn't want to. I don't think I'll take it back (he hasn't paid me yet but delayed payment was part of our agreement).

From what I'm reading it seems the PC12NSD is worth the extra $70 and is a better sub than the 22/25-31. I think I'll go with that if the CC can stand it.

Thanks all.

 

[GlocksRock]

You won't be dissapointed, it's well worth the money.