Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Ok here comes another "which sub" thread: After looking at several subs, I've pretty much narrowed it down to 2 companies: SVS and HSU. I've mainly looked at SVS b/c I haven't seen any other subs that perform at that lvl for the price. However, I have heard great things about HSU, even though I haven't heard them. So, first question is, will a high end HSU sub compete with SVS? I hope this thread doesn't start a flame war. I know there are very loyal fans of both companies on these forums. OK, next question: My listening room is approximtely 16x16, but has a vaulted ceiling that goes up to a little over 12 ft. The room also opens up into a kitchen that is slightly larger than the listening room, prob 20x15ft (i know big kitchen). So, if this was your room, what sub would you go with? I've talked to numerous sales reps and I get varying answers like: "well, it depends on your budget" or "well, how loud do you want it?" or "how low do you want it?", or "are there placement concerns?" Well, most of us would like to say, no budget, lets go as loud and as low as possible, with no space issues, but of course this is not realistic in most living rooms. So, after numerous conversations, I think I can find space for a sub in that room. I think finding the right balance of price versus performance is the issue. I don't necessarily need the biggest, baddest sub ever created (although it wouldn't hurt), but realistically, what sub would fill this room adequately for a reasonable price. In other words, if it were your money, what would you go with? I know I haven't mentioned price. I haven't done that b/c I'm more concerned with getting the right sub, then regretting my purchase later. So, if I need to save up for it, I'm fine with that, if it will make me happier in the long run. Please feel free to make suggestions. I'm open to them. Thanks all.
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
Since you have narrowed it down to those two brands I think the best solution to your problem is to email both companies and tell them your budget, and your room size, and listening habbits. I know SVS won't try to oversell you, and since they built the subs, they are the ones to best help you decide which one is best for you.

Having said that, I think the SVS cylinder subs are the best bang for your buck, and you can never go wrong with stepping up to the next line, that way you know you have headroom, and you won't have to wonder what if.
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
IMO, 6 of one half dozen of the other. Both are excellent companies and both will give you a solid sub in every price range pretty much.

For the money I'd go with a PB-12 or a VTF2 Mk3 at a minimum. If the budget is higher, I'd go with a Plus or a VTF3HO. With that much space to fill, I 'd probably lean towards going for something a little higher up the food chain, but the $500-600 range should give you choices that will be able to handle that space fairly well.
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Since you have narrowed it down to those two brands I think the best solution to your problem is to email both companies and tell them your budget, and your room size, and listening habbits. I know SVS won't try to oversell you, and since they built the subs, they are the ones to best help you decide which one is best for you.

Having said that, I think the SVS cylinder subs are the best bang for your buck, and you can never go wrong with stepping up to the next line, that way you know you have headroom, and you won't have to wonder what if.
Listening habbits? Mainly for HT, a little couch-shaking "Umph!" on the low end is mainly what I'm looking for. I have talked to SVS for a while, but it has still been difficult to say. It really comes down to price. I've hesitated to jump on it because of the feeling of possible regret by not going a little bigger...or a little bigger...or a little bigger............
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
There is ALWAYS something better than what you bought...just spend what you are comfortable spending and I'm sure you will be happy with it...for a while :D
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
Chances are you won't "need" the extra umph! of the Ultra, so if you don't want to break the bank, I highly suggest keeping an eye out for a 20-39PC+ on B stock, unless you really don't dig the cylinders... then I suggest going for a PB-12+ I can definitely say for sure that the plus line is plenty and rocks my house just fine.

Link to their B stock: https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=12

B stock items are just customer returns, or demo units that still carry full mfg. warranty.
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Chances are you won't "need" the extra umph! of the Ultra, so if you don't want to break the bank, I highly suggest keeping an eye out for a 20-39PC+ on B stock, unless you really don't dig the cylinders... then I suggest going for a PB-12+ I can definitely say for sure that the plus line is plenty and rocks my house just fine.

Link to their B stock: https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=12

B stock items are just customer returns, or demo units that still carry full mfg. warranty.
B stocks not a bad idea if they have what I end up deciding on. Hey, I notice you have the 20-39 PC+. What size room are you using it in?
 
A

abboudc

Audioholic Chief
If it was my money?

Hsu VTF3-HO w/Turbo. $999
or
SVS PB12-Plus/2 $1299
or
2x SVS 25-31 PCi ($549 x 2 = $1098)

Probably in that order. That's a big room.
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
If it was my money?

Hsu VTF3-HO w/Turbo. $999
or
SVS PB12-Plus/2 $1299
or
2x SVS 25-31 PCi ($549 x 2 = $1098)

Probably in that order. That's a big room.
By that order, you mean?...
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
B stocks not a bad idea if they have what I end up deciding on. Hey, I notice you have the 20-39 PC+. What size room are you using it in?
I haven't measured the room, but it's in a good sized living room, but the back wall is pretty much a half wall that opens up to the kitchen, and is also open to the dining room, and the upstairs... so there is a lot of open air space to fill, and it does a fantastic job still.
 
A

abboudc

Audioholic Chief
Not worth the price, IMO. $1599 (anything but textured black)+$100 shipping. That's $1700.

It's certainly a nice sub, but at that price, you could get two VTF3-HO's. Heck, i've seen JL F112 and F113's sell on Audiogon for not much more...

You could get the textured black model for $1399 (preorder). I'd still rather two VTF3-HO's. I have a TV12 Ultra and Plus/2 (before the price hike). At around $1200 each, they were good values. But $1500-1700? That's about twice the price of some *very* capable subs.

Don't get me wrong, i think it's a great sub. Just not necessary a great value.
 
Last edited:
mazersteven

mazersteven

Audioholic Warlord
Mazer, would you say the pb13 is a better sub then the pb12 +/2? Looks like the pb12+/2 has a more powerful amp. Just curious since they are close in price.
The Ultra is very new, and I have not had the opportunity to hear one. But from what I have been reading it should out perform the PB12-Plus/2.

I personally am waiting for the Ultra/2 myself. :D
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
The Ultra is very new, and I have not had the opportunity to hear one. But from what I have been reading it should out perform the PB12-Plus/2.

I personally am waiting for the Ultra/2 myself. :D
You just want to break stuff don't you!
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Not worth the price, IMO. $1599 (anything but textured black)+$100 shipping. That's $1700.

It's certainly a nice sub, but at that price, you could get two VTF3-HO's. Heck, i've seen JL F112 and F113's sell on Audiogon for not much more...

You could get the textured black model for $1399 (preorder). I'd still rather two VTF3-HO's. I have a TV12 Ultra and Plus/2 (before the price hike). At around $1200 each, they were good values. But $1500-1700? That's about twice the price of some *very* capable subs.

Don't get me wrong, i think it's a great sub. Just not necessary a great value.
good point. i'll have to think more on this :confused:
 
Soundman

Soundman

Audioholic Field Marshall
Not worth the price, IMO. $1599 (anything but textured black)+$100 shipping. That's $1700.

It's certainly a nice sub, but at that price, you could get two VTF3-HO's. Heck, i've seen JL F112 and F113's sell on Audiogon for not much more...

You could get the textured black model for $1399 (preorder). I'd still rather two VTF3-HO's. I have a TV12 Ultra and Plus/2 (before the price hike). At around $1200 each, they were good values. But $1500-1700? That's about twice the price of some *very* capable subs.

Don't get me wrong, i think it's a great sub. Just not necessary a great value.
I do see the PB-12+ in Piano black for $949, not bad
 
GlocksRock

GlocksRock

Audioholic Spartan
No, that's a very nice price for that gorgeous sub, I'd gladly trade my sub for that one, that way it would match the piano gloss endcaps on my def techs.
 

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