Sub Questions/Suggestions!

[GlocksRock]

Okay. Now the next question is....
PB13 ULTRA or PB12 PLUS/2????

PB13
- more cube shape - fits better where I want to place it
- front ports (ie: not against wall)
- small power supply
- can be tuned to a lower frequency
- one 13" driver (as opposed to two 12")
- does not come with PEQ
- weighs more (155 vs 140 lbs)
- it's got the world ULTRA in it's name
- almost the same price

Does this help at all?

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=296879&postcount=33

Actually the PB13 does have a PEQ, and is said to have equal or better performance/output than the PB12 plus/2

 

[xboxweasel]

Nice. I see they made it smaller. JK.

Any idea how much that thing weighs?

 

[Tomorrow]

Okay. Now the next question is....
PB13 ULTRA or PB12 PLUS/2????

PB13
- more cube shape - fits better where I want to place it
- front ports (ie: not against wall)
- small power supply
- can be tuned to a lower frequency
- one 13" driver (as opposed to two 12")
- does not come with PEQ
- weighs more (155 vs 140 lbs)
- it's got the world ULTRA in it's name
- almost the same price

Okay...not so fast, lol. You really do have one more option you should audition!! Hsu has a Canada distribution system. Here is one dealer for you. That HO is a beast!...ask Mazer and Majorloser! http://www.electronicsforless.ca/HSU/

 

[GlocksRock]

No, but I'm sure it's close to 40 lbs. or so.

I think if the output is close to equal, and the Ultra is less expensive, and also is said to sound better, the choice is easy... plus you can brag about having their top of the line sub.

 

[Davemcc]

Okay...not so fast, lol. You really do have one more option you should audition!! Hsu has a Canada distribution system. Here is one dealer for you. That HO is a beast!...ask Mazer and Majorloser! http://www.electronicsforless.ca/HSU/

Just a note on electronicsforless.com. You may notice that they only have one Hsu on sale, that it is a VTF-3 Mk2 and that it is far more expensive than the U.S. price of the VTF-3 Mk3.

The Ultra 13 is $1,549 Cdn at Sonicboomaudio.com and that is one heck of a deal. Plus, from Kitchener, the OP can pick it up in person and save shipping.

http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=562

 

[xboxweasel]

The Ultra 13 is $1,549 Cdn at Sonicboomaudio.com and that is one heck of a deal. Plus, from Kitchener, the OP can pick it up in person and save shipping.

I've emailed back and forth with Mason at SonicBoomAudio a few times now. I asked him 2 times if there is a any kind of discount if I pick up. No answer. I am a little upset about that. A simple...."you don't pay shipping" would have sufficed. I guess that's too much to type.

 

[Johnd]

I asked him 2 times if there is a any kind of discount if I pick up. ... A simple...."you don't pay shipping" would have sufficed. I guess that's too much to type.

Well, but that's not a discount, is it? How can they possibly charge you for shipping if they don't ship it? That may be why "Mason" failed to answer.

Nice system btw. To answer you're op, no, the servo 15 would not be "too big" for your 6" drivers. There are plenty of good suggestions already posted here. And as Paradigm dealers do not seem to be offering the deep discounts they once did (at least not for sigs, servos and studios), I can see why you've been steered away. I love my servo. Cheers.

 

[Davemcc]

I've emailed back and forth with Mason at SonicBoomAudio a few times now. I asked him 2 times if there is a any kind of discount if I pick up. No answer. I am a little upset about that. A simple...."you don't pay shipping" would have sufficed. I guess that's too much to type.

I've had some e-mails back and forth with Mason as well. If you really want to see some action on that front, cc your e-mails to sales@svs and watch how the stars and planets align in your favor.

 

[delirium]

I've emailed back and forth with Mason at SonicBoomAudio a few times now. I asked him 2 times if there is a any kind of discount if I pick up. No answer. I am a little upset about that. A simple...."you don't pay shipping" would have sufficed. I guess that's too much to type.

Weasel,

If I were you I would get the sub directly from SVS if you are really close to the US border.

With the dollar being so strong it is well worth it to purchase from the states. Heck even when the dollar was around 74 cents it was still worth it.

Buy directly from svs and get them ship it to the closest ups store on the US side of the border. That way you pay minimul shipping costs, if UPS brings it all the way to your house they will charge you an extra fee to clear customs. Anyways so ship to UPS store, go pick it up and when you declare it all you pay at the border is the GST since it is built in the US and is covered under NAFTA. Thats it thats all.

For a PB-Ultra

1399 + 99 for shipping converted to CAD is 1576.75 + 6% gst(94.61) = 1671.36

From Sonicboom it would be 1549 + 65 shipping to GTA*1.14=1839.

Thats if you want to save 170 bucks and want to deal directly with the good folks down at svs, if you don't care about either go for the local distributor.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I actually got a great deal on my Servo but I guess it's all about the dealer.

My two cents are: The SVS and the Servo are both great for music and HT. If the constraint is money; get the SVS. If there is no constraint; get either one; they are both great.

Well, but that's not a discount, is it? How can they possibly charge you for shipping if they don't ship it? That may be why "Mason" failed to answer.

Nice system btw. To answer you're op, no, the servo 15 would not be "too big" for your 6" drivers. There are plenty of good suggestions already posted here. And as Paradigm dealers do not seem to be offering the deep discounts they once did (at least not for sigs, servos and studios), I can see why you've been steered away. I love my servo. Cheers.

 

[xboxweasel]

Servo 15 frequency responce chart

Has anyone every come across a frequency response graph for the Servo 15 subwoofer? I found one for the SVS PB13 Ultra. Thanks.

 

[dem beats]

This may or may not help you.

I auditioned a servo. While it's an impressive sub I have heard better from less.

for example, for music a friend of mine has a sealed JL in his SUV that he brings into his home. I beleive it is the largest the make in their top of the line.

Anyway... His unit sounds much cleaner than the servo. I can say this in movies the servo may have gone deeper... it's hard to tell and I did not meter it... But one thing is certain, the JL had much more visceral impant on movies and was much tighter, cleaner, whatever word you want to use.. it just plain sounded better. I beleive he supplies it with a pro amp in roughly the 500 watt range.

That's a 13 inch woofer doing a better job on similar power than a 15. I think his set up cost 500 bucks including the enclosure and amp and sub....

I only say this because you doubt the ability of size and or power or the cost different. I think the servo was Cute, and did a good job for the size... but all things considered, it's not nearly the best, especialy for music. Movies, it did pretty ok, but I would bet a good deal of money that SVS could bring more with less $$ than that unit does.

 

[Warpdrv]

Hey dem beats... that is usually the case, that a DIY build (when properly implemented) will more then likely outperform most name brands by leaps and bounds, including ID brands.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think I have one somewhere; let me see if I can find it.

Has anyone every come across a frequency response graph for the Servo 15 subwoofer? I found one for the SVS PB13 Ultra. Thanks.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some specs if you like that kind of thing. I had the Servo-15 and the PB 12 Ultra / 2 in my house at the same time to decide what I would keep. Now, by my signature you may think the Servo won me over but that's not really the case. If it was up to me and I didnt mind the size of the SVS it would have won based on price. I couldnt tell much difference between the two; if anything the Servo may have sounded a little better for music and the SVS may have sounded a little better for movies. I was able to get the Servo at a comparable price to the SVS and I like the size better so I went with it. If I had to pay full price the SVS would win hands down.

Servo - 40HZ/100dB = 1%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/100dB = 1%
DD15 - 40Hz/100dB = 1.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 40Hz/100dB = 2%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 40Hz/100dB = 1%

Servo - 30HZ/100dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/100dB = 4%
DD15 - 30Hz/100dB = 2.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 30Hz/100dB = 4%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 30Hz/100dB = 5%

Servo - 20HZ/100dB = 5.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/100dB = 14.5%
DD15 - 20Hz/100dB = 9.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 20Hz/100dB = 7%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 20Hz/100dB = 28%

Servo - 40HZ/105dB = 1.5%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/105dB = 1.5%
DD15 - 40Hz/105dB = 2.25%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/105dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/105dB = 7.5%
DD15 - 30Hz/105dB = 3%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/105dB = 7%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/105dB = 30%
DD15 - 20Hz/105dB = 13.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 40HZ/110dB = 2.25%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 40Hz/110dB = 2.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/110dB = 4.5%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 30Hz/110dB = 3.75%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/110dB = 7.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 20Hz/110dB = 13.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 40HZ/115dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 40Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/115dB = 4.75%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 30Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/115dB = 9.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 20Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

I think I have one somewhere; let me see if I can find it.

Has anyone every come across a frequency response graph for the Servo 15 subwoofer? I found one for the SVS PB13 Ultra. Thanks.

 

[dem beats]

Hey dem beats... that is usually the case, that a DIY build (when properly implemented) will more then likely outperform most name brands by leaps and bounds, including ID brands.

Oh fo SHO!

you know this first hand. Are you close to done on that project yet sir?

I got a case of beer, you live in the midwest right?

=D

This is a good point, I should have driven it home better though... More what i was saying is price and name aren't the best to judge subs with. I'm think the ID brands mentioned here spend more on parts and less on "bells and whistles" than most others.

I'm not knocking the DD's or anything in that caliber, but I think they are working harder on keeping it small and fancy with EQ that could be baught seperate and tuned by yourself. The tip of the top end do make it easy though.

 

[Warpdrv]

XboxWeasel, I don't recall anywhere finding your room size.... Not that it matters, if you are a subsonic troll.... But If hadn't chose a different path, I would be fresh out of the gates with 2 Ultra13's... Hands down...

I have 2 SVS subs, a Plus/2 in Rosenut, and a Plus in Piano Black...

Both are beautifully finished and sound fantastic, here is a link to pics in my house.... http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/diy-subwoofers-sealed-ported/6369-warpdrv-twin-endtables-15-tc-2k-build-thread.html
I chose to go DIY instead. Beautiful system btw... I have .v4 total Studio lineup as well.. 100's, 690, 20's, 590.... Rotel 1095, OH and lets not forget 3 XBMC's streaming content from my dual terabyte servers and this system rocks the neighborhood...
Everyone deserves all the options, and should be aware of DIY and what you can get for cheaper... You can get kits or build your own boxes with high quality drivers and amps for a medium to smaller amount of money.....

How far you go will be up to your own imagination...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Dem Beats ------ I haven't even started, I have to post some pics of my finished Hot Tub Deck, and Im Gathering up my resources to get going on my sub... Build thread is in the link.. you can follow there if you like..

Good luck Xbox---- Take your time and do some reading.....

Warp

 

[xboxweasel]

Thanks for all the replies.

I made a call to my local stereo shop. They knocked $500 of the price of the servo-15. That helped make up my mind. I will play with this one for a bit. After spending that much money, buying the PB13 ULTRA will not seem like a big deal. I'll leave that purchase for next year. Unless of course I buy the Bryston 4B SST first.

Thanks again. Happy listening to you all.

 

[frankf]

Fathom113

Well it does not seem that I would be a big fan on this forum. I recently have purchased a Fathom113. My dedicated Home Theater is 25L 11.5W and 7' ceilings. I recently calibrated my system and then made some adjustments by ear.
I am enjoying my music and my Home Theater like never before.

In my last HT I had Definitive 2004's, BPX2's and the CLR2002 center with the PF1500 sub. Since, I have purchased B&W's 804's with the DS7 surrounds and the HTMS3 center. I am very pleased. Now with the new arrival of the JL Audio Fathom 113 my Home Theater is complete.
While I have no problem buying equipment online I have noticed that most of the people on these forums do not buy anything that is not sold online. Or at least it seems that way. Always a deal. Always Stats.
Very rarely do I read from someone how awesome or powerful or dynamic there systems are.
This is no way is implying that the people on this forum do not know what they are talking about.
I am not a db, hz, air flow, sensitivty response person.
What I am about is using the best tool that I have in my possession. My EARS.
If it does not sound right it is not right. No matter was that spl meter reads.

Did I take the negative reports about the F113 personel. Yes. SVS might be a good , very good sub and I had one but it did not compare IN SOUND what the F113 does. At least in my room.
My bass is TIGHT, not boomy, my bass is low, NOT FLAPPY.
How can people down play a sub that they did not hear or have an oppertunity to audition.
I did not like the SVS-cylinder sub but I did not get on this forum stating that is was overpriced and not worth it 's weight.

In the end what I guess I am trying to say is that there are many of speakers, amps, subs, and pro/pro's out on the market that someone owns and you may not like but that is why there is chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

PS The only negative reviews I have read on the JL Audio subs have been from forums such as this one.
I will leave the reviews with the experts. They are more to my favor.

Frank

 

[Warpdrv]

Come on now Frank... don't be that way..

Most of us on here are all about Bang for the Buck... and when we make suggestions we're just trying to help people save money, and have a great home theater experience at the same time...

I personally have heard the F113, both in a showroom, as well as in a home theater... that had 4 of them.. Yes 4.. they sounded simply amazing to me.

Now did I think they were worth what I would have paid for them... to me no.. obviously to many yes they are worth it.. But I like a ported sub.. especially for movies...

I have the SVS's and I like them very much... they are very good subs, for a modest price, but there are better products out there.... But I chose to go DIY and build something that I cannot buy in a store, and from others that have built what I am going to build, they will be better then the F113.. but that is yet to be determined... But I know you won't be able to buy one in a store...
And 2 big boxes made from Cherry covered with granite at the price of 1 F113. To each their own...

Please enjoy your purchase, the F113 is a great sub... Just not for everyone. Different subs do different things for different people.

I know a number of people on various sites that have or are selling their F113, as its not what they really wanted out of a sub.. thats not that they don't like it, just they wanted something different in terms of subwoofer sound.