SBS-02 vs B2030P

[bhodge]

Hi all,

I've been without my rear surrounds in a 5.1 system for a while now, figured I would do a DIY project but I just got an email from SVS saying their SBS-02s are on clearance for $150.

My setup:
pre: Marantz AV7005
amp: Emotiva XPA5
L/R: 3.6 maggies
center: CC5 magnepan
sub: SVS PC Ultra 13
room: ~22x19 with 10' ceilings, but open to the rest of the house

Since these are just going to be my rears I wasn't super concerned with mixing technologies and tones at this point as I was planning on a DIY for my rears when I found the time. Since this price point is enticing to me I just might jump.

So the question is at these prices, for those of you who have experienced them both which is the better in a performance/price combination?

SBS-02 @ $150
B2030P (with the DIY mods) @$216 (108 single)

One thing to note is I will be mounting these on the ceiling, don't have room/access for wall or stands.

Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

Since you aren't matching them and is only temporary, it doesn't matter The SBS will be a little harder to drive than the 2030p due to the very low sensitivity, but you have sufficient amp, so that doesn't really matter either. The SBS also extend quite a bit lower than the 2030p, which makes them easier to blend with a sub IMHO. With your mounting limitation also factored in, the SBS might work better since they have integrated mounting options already.

Performance wise, I'm going to say the 2030p is going to be a more neutral, accurate sound than the SBSs.

 

[bhodge]

Since you aren't matching them and is only temporary, it doesn't matter

I know you were joking, but I might as well clarify...I meant in my main setup its not that important to me. These will be stand alone units after my DIY project. So I do want the best sounding/quality speaker in a 2.1 system when I take them out of my HT.

 

[shadyJ]

I'd definitely go with the Behringer speakers. Depending on how you intend to mount them, I'd go with some Behringer 2031p instead of the 2030p. They have much better bass response, and only cost a little bit more. Problem is, they are big, and heavy, and have a 4 ohm nominal impedance. Here is a very good discussion about the Behringer speakers.

 

[avliner]

I have 2 pairs of SBS-01's for several years now and they're solid performers for the surround duties. Never heard the 2030's but always heard good comments about them, so you can't go wrong either.

Another thing to consider is that the 2030's comes without the front grilles.

 

[j_garcia]

Another thing to consider is that the 2030's comes without the front grilles.

I was going to mention that also - all of the Truth speakers do not have grilles at all.