SVS 13U, PB or SB?

[PENG]

Is there a similar thread already? Has anyone compared the old PC12U to the 13U's, just wonder if it is worth going from it to the SB13U in a mid size room for >90/10 movie/music, or better to go with the PB for significant audible gain?

 

[its phillip]

Well, the PB13-Ultra has been tested here at AH and should be very close to the performance of the PC13U.

The SB13-Ultra will be tested & reviewed in the next few months according to this post:
Upcoming Testing Possibilities? - Page 4 - Bass Gear - Data-Bass Forums

So I guess you can wait and see what the results are

 

[Steve81]

The old PB12U was actually tested by Ilkka
SVS PB12-Ultra 20 Hz tune - Home Theater Forum and Systems - HomeTheaterShack.com
as well as the old BASH version of the PB13U
SVS PB13-Ultra 20 Hz tune - Home Theater Forum and Systems - HomeTheaterShack.com

Between the SB13 and the PB13, until the SB13 is measured, the closest analog is probably just looking at the PB13's sealed tests. Personally when I tested the PB13's ported vs sealed modes, I found it lost quite a lot of tactile feel with all the ports plugged in my 2500 cubic foot space. Given that your use is primarily HT, I'd go for the PB/PC.

 

[agarwalro]

One could use a smaller ported subs or larger sealed sub to get similar tactile feel. Plus the sealed (if not limited) will give you the option to corner load it and get lower extension.

I used to have the PB12U which was rated same as the PC12U. It was in the 16Hz tune and I never bottomed it out until testing the upper limit. In a 16x20 ft. room, I never felt the need for more tactile feel.

With SV Sound's both way shipping 30 day trial, why don't you just try it in home?

 

[Adam]

Hi, Peng. I compared the PC13-U and SB13-U in a review here, and Steve (pbc) compared the PB13-U to the SB13-U here.

In a nutshell, I didn't notice much if any difference, and Steve didn't notice any difference between the PB13-U in sealed mode and the SB13-U.

 

[3db]

Is there a similar thread already? Has anyone compared the old PC12U to the 13U's, just wonder if it is worth going from it to the SB13U in a mid size room for >90/10 movie/music, or better to go with the PB for significant audible gain?

Have you considered looking at other subs as well...... say ............. like Rythmik?

 

[billy p]

Hi, Peng. I compared the PC13-U and SB13-U in a review here, and Steve (pbc) compared the PB13-U to the SB13-U here.

In a nutshell, I didn't notice much if any difference, and Steve didn't notice any difference between the PB13-U in sealed mode and the SB13-U.

Other than the fact the PB is nearly twice the size I doubt you'd hear much if any difference. I for one can vouch on the SB13U capabilities...I would suspect going with the SB13 vs the PC13U( Peng was the 12u a typo?) you would not gain much if any audible improvement. With...that said... what you will gain is a compact and unobtrusive package that will work in most medium sized rooms and keep you smiling...if that is any concern....

 

[PENG]

Not a typo, mine is a pc12u. The PB13u in C$ seems tempting but I don't have crane access to the room. Why is it 1.6x the weight of the Funk 18.0?

 

[Steve81]

Not a typo, mine is a pc12u. The PB13u in C$ seems tempting but I don't have crane access to the room. Why is it 1.6x the weight of the Funk 18.0?

1. The PB13U has a larger cabinet than the FW18.0.
2. The FW18.0 uses neodymium in the motor structure, which cuts down on weight (I believe the TSAD weighs ~35lbs vs ~55lbs for the Ultra 13 driver).
3. The FW18.0 uses baltic birch vs MDF for the cabinetry, which again saves weight.

 

[PENG]

Have you considered looking at other subs as well...... say ............. like Rythmik?

Yes, but SVS seems to have more reviews with measurements, i.e. a little more objective info. Having own a PC12U for almost 10 years also got me biased to certain extent. JL Audio would have been my choice but I can't afford them.

 

[mike c]

hands down, go ported.

you might actually lose some low end output going from PC12U to SB13U

 

[PENG]

hands down, go ported.

you might actually lose some low end output going from PC12U to SB13U

I tend to agree, now trying to figure out how to bring a 165 lbs fridge sized thing up the stairs. Once it is up there it could probably slide on the rug to the target location. Adam's finding of the SB is also enticing, i.e. he didn't to think the SB's output comparable to his PC13U in his room. My room is smaller so it is still tough to decide..

 

[agarwalro]

now trying to figure out how to bring a 165 lbs fridge sized thing up the stairs.

Simple. Have Gene and Hugo come over.

 

[mike c]

the PC13U/SB13U can be moved (up the stairs) easily by two people (even if one of them is the lady) just make sure you carry the woofer side.

the PB13U requires two manly men

don't even try moving it up the stairs yourself.

within the room, i use the 'rug under the sub' trick.

-0-

you guys have free trial over there, get all 3, return the rest (wait, is that ontario Canada or California?)

(or like me, one each of sealed and ported - because they really do sound different)
a PC13 on top of an SB13 would have a tiny footprint for the woofage you get.

 

[PENG]

the PC13U/SB13U can be moved (up the stairs) easily by two people (even if one of them is the lady) just make sure you carry the woofer side.

the PB13U requires two manly men

don't even try moving it up the stairs yourself.

within the room, i use the 'rug under the sub' trick.

-0-

you guys have free trial over there, get all 3, return the rest (wait, is that ontario Canada or California?)

(or like me, one each of sealed and ported - because they really do sound different)
a PC13 on top of an SB13 would have a tiny footprint for the woofage you get.

Come on Mike, I said there was no crane access to that room!! Yes it is just one hour drive, and 45 days free trial but seriously doing it once is enough, it almost killed Billy according to him. I am hoping a couple of small manly men would "engineer" a way out/up soon, if not, will have to settle for a SB and maybe try EQ'ing it with the PC12U with the 8801's subEQ. I know combing two different subs is not recommended, but perhaps XT32/SubEQ is that good, who knows, anyone tried that trick and verified effectiveness with measurements??

 

[Steve81]

it almost killed Billy according to him.

Ditto for me. When I sold my PB13, battling it up the stairs out of my basement was a painful experience, even with two guys. If you go the ported route, the PC really is the way to go in that respect. When my basement got redone, I moved my old PC12-NSD and a few Klipsch floorstanders (RF-5s and RF-15s) up two flights of stairs on my own. 1000x easier than the battle with the PB13

As far as the sealed route goes, something to consider would be a pair of Power Sound Audio's XS15se's. Individually they match up well against the SB13 in terms of performance. On the upside, they're quite a lot less costly. On the downside, no premium finishes are available.

 

[billy p]

Ditto for me. When I sold my PB13, battling it up the stairs out of my basement was a painful experience, even with two guys. If you go the ported route, the PC really is the way to go in that respect. When my basement got redone, I moved my old PC12-NSD and a few Klipsch floorstanders (RF-5s and RF-15s) up two flights of stairs on my own. 1000x easier than the battle with the PB13

As far as the sealed route goes, something to consider would be a pair of Power Sound Audio's XS15se's. Individually they match up well against the SB13 in terms of performance. On the upside, they're quite a lot less costly. On the downside, no premium finishes are available.

Yup...lack of premium finish option was key in my recent sub decision process. The SE versions by all accounts & based on owner feedback are a definite step up...Ill be picking my new SE units whilst vacationing in the area. Looking forward in meeting the guy's at PSA next Thursday...

 

[agarwalro]

Come on Mike, I said there was no crane access to that room!! Yes it is just one hour drive, and 45 days free trial but seriously doing it once is enough, it almost killed Billy according to him. I am hoping a couple of small manly men would "engineer" a way out/up soon, if not...

Never say never to an AH .

A friend moved and we used this dolly to carry a large washer and large dryer up and out of his basement. The design made moving up the steps very safe, but did not reduce the amount of muscle power needed. You may be able to rent one from Uhaul or Home Depot.

 

[Hocky]

The PB13's aren't that bad to move, come on guys. lol. My F212, on the other hand, sucked. Glad I never bought a Gotham. I am actually kicking around ordering a third PB13 right now.

 

[PENG]

The PB13's aren't that bad to move, come on guys. lol. My F212, on the other hand, sucked. Glad I never bought a Gotham. I am actually kicking around ordering a third PB13 right now.

I assume you are kicking around the PB13U for another room/application but why wouldn't you stick with JL? I thought they had the best measurements for under 15K though I could not afford any of their F and G models.