Just got on the SVS train....a little late I know.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Just got home a couple hours ago with my first quality sub. An SVS 20-39PCi. Got it used in perfect condition for half its' new retail from a reputable online site that has a 'video' side and a 'audio' side.

Haven't done anything other than watch 10 minutes of some scenes in Ice Age 2 that I have saved on my DVR that I know have good low tones....all I can say is thank goodness I bought this!!!
I can't imagine what the top of the line SVS subs are like, as this guy is a beast and is one of there more budget sub set-ups.

It is in my 3,000 cubic foot living room with vaulted ceilings. It immediately knocked a clock off the rear wall.(it is in a rear corner)

I will put it through some real testing tomorrow as I need to read up on some good tests.
...I didn't get a manual so I'm still trying to figure out the 'phase' control and where it should be. My last sub was normal or 180, but this is controllable and the previous owner had it set to about 60

 

[Adam]

Congratulations! Welcome to the SVS train! I just got on the train myself back in July. I also got a cylinder. Great sub.

You can download the manual here, which is linked from their main 20-39PCi page here.

 

[leo1058]

Congrats, i love my SVS too. turn it up and enjoy

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Thanks Adam!
I need to get a SPL meter pronto to really dial in my HT now that it is complete.
anything I should now that will assist in tuning/tweaking this sub?

 

[Adam]

Eagles,

I found a test tone source to be of value to me. You can download test tones off the internet (I don't know where, but I'm sure people here do). I bought a CD with the tones already on it from AV123 (see here). However, I ordered mine before my SVS ever arrived, so I had it waiting. Just setting the levels using your receivers test tones would be a good start.

My general advice is this...do what sounds good to you. For me, sometimes setting the sub to be at the same level as the other speakers just isn't enough bass. So, if you find that you want to turn it up louder (or set it lower), don't think that you have to stick with it being level with everything else. I've fallen into that trap before, thinking that it must be better. In the end, it's all about what makes you happy. You bought the equipment, you might as well enjoy it!

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Makes sense...off to look for downloads.

 

[GlocksRock]

congrats and enjoy your new sub. Adding a quality sub makes all the difference in a HT system.

 

[Adam]

Eagles, if you haven't seen these, check out these articles here at Audioholics. They might help you with setting up your sub.

 

[rnatalli]

Conrats! Enjoy that sucker!

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Just called SVS and this has an 'ISD' driver that is now almost 4 years old.
...Should I buy the $129 NSD driver? Worth it?

 

[GlocksRock]

A lot of people have upgraded and said it was worth it. I would maybe wait a little while before I spent any extra money right now, just enjoy it as it is, then when you get the urge to upgrade, you will have something to upgrade to that won't break the bank.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Very true, the isd driver would also have more use and wear and tear on it then too and it would make the upgrade that much more noticeable.

 

[j_garcia]

I have heard the ISD vs NSD and I feel it is an upgrade but is it worth $129? That's a tough call. I am leaning toward what Glocks said, just be pleased with it for now and put that money towards something else.

 

[Adam]

Here's my question. Would it be worthwhile to put a Plus woofer into a PCi sub? (General question, not saying that Eagles should drop $169 on the Plus 12.3.)

 

[j_garcia]

The PCi doesn't have the same porting or amplification as the Plus line. I think it could be done, but it may not be the best idea.

 

[GlocksRock]

Porting isn't an issue, you just wouldn't have the ability to change the tune, it's the amplification that's the issue here. You can also swap out amps, but for all that trouble and expense, you might as well just sell it and buy a plus.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Haven't done anything other than watch 10 minutes of some scenes in Ice Age 2 that I have saved on my DVR that I know have good low tones....all I can say is thank goodness I bought this!!!

HeHeHe.... I know exactly of what you speak. In fact, I bet you knew something was drastically different within seconds/or a single note!!!
(depending your scene of choice)

I once experienced the same thing, so welcome to the club!!

Aaaaaaah yes!! What a difference a sub can make!!

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I have heard the ISD vs NSD and I feel it is an upgrade but is it worth $129? That's a tough call. I am leaning toward what Glocks said, just be pleased with it for now and put that money towards something else.

Did somebody say room treatments?

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

first hit was a semi-soft ~40hz hit and I was like, "hey this thing sounds so much cleaner than my old sub"....then cam a big ~25-35hz hit and I thought, "oh yeah, this is freaking awesome!"

This is my living room though, so any room treatments would have to be stylish, not floor standing colums and such that take up needed floor space.
I'm also wondering if there really is anything to better speaker wire....for my 7 ch.?