SB12 Plus free trial - time to pull the trigger?

[Romulus]

I've gotten my entire system together except for the sub. I've been torn between prices, SIZE, and last and probably least, appearances. I have been very unimpressed with in-store demo's of B&W 600 and 650 subs, along with lower velodyne units. They sound alright, but don't really thump when needed during movies.

I'd love to go with a big SVS or HSU sub, but the reality is that I move often and really don't feel like lugging around a 100 or 150lb wood box.

So far, the best sub I've decided on is the EP500 being a moderate size, weight, and although slightly more expensive than others.

I was browsing SVS's website a few minutes ago and saw that they have a free 45day in home trial of the SB12. I'm wondering if this is my cue..

I don't want/need a sub that will deafen people and bring my pictures off the walls, but I absolutely do want one that will sound convincing during war movies and some bottom heavy flicks like war of the worlds (although I know it has some very low tones beyond the sb12's reach). I'd honestly rather buy two sb12's rather than one huge sub just because of how easy it is to place them.

Should I pull the trigger?

 

[Kolia]

Get the bigger SVS and hit the gym so you can move it!

Seriously, from what I've read around here, your room will have a lot of influence on the bass you get out of the sub. How big is it? HSU has a room size to sub reference table that I used as a guide line. It might help you.

Otherwise, go ahead and get the SB12 for testing.

 

[GlocksRock]

if weight is a concern, have you considered the cylinder subs from SVS? They 20-39PC+ is the cylinder equivalent to the PB12+ Or even a 20-39PCi. And the smaller ones would have more output above 25 Hz. if the height of the larger ones bother you, and you can also get them in a custom tune if you email them... they use the port from the next size up sub in their PCi line, so you get more low end, but sacrafice some overall output to get it, but still save money on the sub at the same time.

 

[annunaki]

Two high quality subs properly placed in a room will typically sound better than a single high end monster. They will help balance out the room's effects on the bass response. I think you would be thoroughly impressed by a dual sub system. Also look into the parts express Dayton audio High Fidelity 12" subwoofer kits. They have nearfield response down to 25hz at the -3db point. Check it out HERE

 

[Adam]

Hey, what do you have to lose? It's a no-risk trial. You can check it out for 45 days and decide if you're happy with it or not. My vote is that you do it!

You can always contact SVS, give them your room dimensions, and ask if an SB12 is sufficient. They're straight shooters. Of course, if you move often, your current room dimensions might not matter all that much...

 

[speakerman39]

Hey, what do you have to lose? It's a no-risk trial. You can check it out for 45 days and decide if you're happy with it or not. My vote is that you do it!

You can always contact SVS, give them your room dimensions, and ask if an SB12 is sufficient. They're straight shooters. Of course, if you move often, your current room dimensions might not matter all that much...

Very good point here. I know from personal experience that Erik K and Ed Mullen would be more than happy to help you get what you want. They both truly care not only about the products that SVS makes BUT the customers as well. They really want you to be happy and will go out of their way to make you happy if that is what it takes. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Warpdrv]

Two high quality subs properly placed in a room will typically sound better than a single high end monster. They will help balance out the room's effects on the bass response. I think you would be thoroughly impressed by a dual sub system. Also look into the parts express Dayton audio High Fidelity 12" subwoofer kits. They have nearfield response down to 25hz at the -3db point. Check it out HERE

annunaki is right on here.. after purchasing a Plus/2 for my room, I thought it was more then enough, and I bought a Plus for my bedroom, but my system isn't ready in there yet, so I added it to my big room with my Plus/2. The way that smoothed out the responce in my room was remarkable... I will never use a single sub for a dedicated HT room again...
Deffinately check out the DIY scenario he has suggested, so much bang for your buck, or should I say rumble..

As far as the SB12... remember that the sub isn't made for real low end duty, as it rolls off around 22hz... The PB12 Plus has selectable tuning options.
The Plus will have more powerful low end bass.. I have one in Piano Black, its a great sub.


SB12 Plus FR

PB12 Plus FR green is 16hz tune, Blue is 20hz tune

 

[billy p]

I've gotten my entire system together except for the sub. I've been torn between prices, SIZE, and last and probably least, appearances. I have been very unimpressed with in-store demo's of B&W 600 and 650 subs, along with lower velodyne units. They sound alright, but don't really thump when needed during movies.

I'd love to go with a big SVS or HSU sub, but the reality is that I move often and really don't feel like lugging around a 100 or 150lb wood box.

So far, the best sub I've decided on is the EP500 being a moderate size, weight, and although slightly more expensive than others.

I was browsing SVS's website a few minutes ago and saw that they have a free 45day in home trial of the SB12. I'm wondering if this is my cue..

I don't want/need a sub that will deafen people and bring my pictures off the walls, but I absolutely do want one that will sound convincing during war movies and some bottom heavy flicks like war of the worlds (although I know it has some very low tones beyond the sb12's reach). I'd honestly rather buy two sb12's rather than one huge sub just because of how easy it is to place them.

Should I pull the trigger?

I have auditioned the SB12 it's a very nice sub and easy to move around. If I was to choose between the two aforementioned subs I'd take the EP 500(also comes with in home trial) better extension(below 20 hz) and from what I've read, just as musical as the SB12.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Romulus]

To clarify a few things.. I move every few years, so it's not terrible, but still frequent.

My room dimensions are 16x15x10, so not terribly big. I guess I'll email them and ask

Thanks for the input, I'll get back with what they say.

 

[MDS]

My room is a similar size: 16 x 18 x 9 and SVS told me that one SB12-Plus would do well but two would likely be better.

 

[Romulus]

In classic Romulus fashion, I wound up not going with this one and instead, one twice as expensive :doh:

The EP500

I talked to SVS and the guy (didn't say his name) said that the SB12 would fill in nicely as a sub, but wasn't going to give any real punch to movies like war of the worlds, etc. (completely understandable, that's not what it's made for) We talked about their other subs to include cylinders, but the ones that are light enough for me to move are too awkward (cylinders) and ones that fill the sound I want are too big (pb12nsd, pb12plus) They make great subs I'm sure, just not what I need. Ah well. To have a career that doesn't move you every couple years...

Axiom said the EP500 would leave today, should be here by friday.

 

[billy p]

Let us know what you think. I haven't heard the Axiom but all the reviews indicate its an excellent sub and costs marginally more then the sb12 plus here in Canada. Did you go with black or custom options?

 

[Romulus]

I went with black since that's what my other speakers are. The new custom finishes (at no extra cost) do look quite nice though.