SVS PB12-Ultra/2 Vs Servo 15

[BabelFish]

I am trying to get some opinions on what would be a better Sub to go with. I have read a good amount about the Servo 15 and have recently been introduced to the SVS brand but I have never actually heard them yet. (Anyone in Near Arlington Heights, IL that owns one? )

Just curious what people's opinions were and if there were any other units out there that people can throw out on the table while we are at it... Thanks in advance. This is a great forum!

I am looking for a Sub Unit that will hit extremely hard.. I can always turn it down... but you can only turn it up so high.. might as well get a really good one then.

 

[j_garcia]

The Ultra/2 will absolutely destroy the Servo15, it isn't even a close comparison. Even a Plus would be better. Don't let the fact that it is a 15" sub fool you, it is a sealed servo sub, so it will not have the same kind of output or low end extension as that of a vented sub.

 

[BabelFish]

While we are on the Topic.. Can you compare the PB12-Ultra/2 to the PB12-Plus/2... there is a huge difference in price but what about the product. There was one member on here that was telling me somethings but I thought it might be nice to hear an open discussion about it. Thx again

What would be a better investment and which will give the most return for the money? I am wanting power

ALSO... So does the Servo offer anything over the SVS other than a smaller size?

 

[j_garcia]

The servo will be very tight and clean sounding. It does have extension, but with a sealed sub, the low end just doesn't have the same impact that a vented sub does.

I haven't heard the Ultra, but based on hearing the Plus, I can tell you the Plus is already a hell of a lot of sub. I'd say go with the Plus/2, depending on your room size. How big is your room?

Next, I'd shoot SVS an email with what you're after, with your room dimensions, and I'm sure they will help you with what you need. (be aware that CES is going on now, so response may not be immediate this week).

 

[mike c]

pure movies? get the plus/2
some movies and some music? get the ultra/2 (although a new ultra is going to be released in about 4-5-6 months)

 

[RMK!]

You should check out the JL Audio Fathom and HSU subs. Many good options these days.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

The new Plus drivers approach the current Ultra drivers in sq, so spending the extra cash wouldn't yield enough to justify the purchase IMO. They both utilize the same amp and cabinet. I couldn't tell a difference between the two at the factory during a three hour listening session (and that was with the older generation Plus driver !) so I bought the newest generation Plus/2. When I push the Plus/2, it will rattle windows in other rooms. When I check the Xmax on the drivers during those house shaking hits, the drivers are barely moving. There is probably never a time when anyone on this site will fully utilize the full Xmax of dual Plus drivers in a residence unless you live in a castle. If you have money to burn, wait for the new Ultra drivers.

 

[BabelFish]

How much should the new Ultra/2 cost? how much do the new versions go up in price?

Does anyone have any info on the new setup that will be coming out? At $2199 that is already a lot for the ultra/2.. I am not sure if I can justify going any higher than that. The plus/2 does cost a lot less but I need to make sure that it would hit just as hard.

Also, is there any place where I can demo both of these bass units? Where is the factory? 703 Area Code is in Virginia.. Is that the only factory where I could get a demo?

 

[Sheep]

How much should the new Ultra/2 cost? how much do the new versions go up in price?

Does anyone have any info on the new setup that will be coming out? At $2199 that is already a lot for the ultra/2.. I am not sure if I can justify going any higher than that. The plus/2 does cost a lot less but I need to make sure that it would hit just as hard.

Also, is there any place where I can demo both of these bass units? Where is the factory? 703 Area Code is in Virginia.. Is that the only factory where I could get a demo?

Ohio, at the SVS plant.

SheepStar

 

[ggunnell]

Tom Vodhanel has said he expects to ship the single driver versions of the new Ultra, both cylinder and box, in April. One of these will probably be enough but pricing is yet to be disclosed.

The dual driver versions of the new Ultra will be larger and more expensive than the current /2 Ultras, and will probably not ship until Q3.

If you can wait 'till April that's what I'd do

 

[BabelFish]

the dual vs single is 1x 12 inch sub vs 2x 12 inch sub? Wouldn't it be better to have the dual sub? Would the new driver (single sub) be better than the current 2x 12 inch sub ultra/2?

How much bigger can that box get???? or will the sub just get bigger?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

the dual vs single is 1x 12 inch sub vs 2x 12 inch sub? Wouldn't it be better to have the dual sub? Would the new driver (single sub) be better than the current 2x 12 inch sub ultra/2?

How much bigger can that box get???? or will the sub just get bigger?

I preferred the "original" Plus/2 over the single "original" Ultra, and that was listening to a lot of movies and music as well as test tones. The Plus/2 is huge, so expect to use it as an end table. The single drivers are huge as well, and take up almost as much real estate, so there's no winning in trying to hide these behemoths. I really like the look of the new front firing Ultra. If it can be had for the same price as the existing Plus/2's with the premium finish, I'd probably opt for the single "new" Ultra. The "new" Ultra/2 would be way out of my price range (and I'd never need it seeing how much overkill the current "new" Plus/2 is).

It's a tough decision when you're spending between one and two grand. I know it. You really can't go wrong with what you're looking at. All these subs will be way more than you'll ever need, so get what you want in the finish you want. If you have to wait, do so. Time flies - whoda thought it would be 2007 already?

 

[BabelFish]

Does it work better if it is "front firing" as compared to the subs pointed down?

I might give svs a call and see what their thoughts are on it. It is tough not being able to hear them. It is buying blindly which is very scary to me. I think my setup should be ok with the current size of our room. It is rather large and there is not much filling it right now. (pictures enclosed). Room darkening blinds on their way.

I am just not sure if a single driver will be able to hit as hard as the dual driver. And I am not sure if the current Ultra/2 (dual) is worth the extra $$.. sounds like the Plus/2 (dual) might be more bang for the buck (though the driver does not look as nice or as large as the Ultra/2). I could wait for the New Ultra/2 (dual) but I am not sure how much larger this thing can get before the wife pulls the plug and how much more I can afford. The $2199 is already pushing it a little bit.

 

[mike c]

there is no performance difference whether the driver is pointing forward or downward, it just looks better pointing forward in my opinion.

you get to see the driver pump in and out ... and that's enough psychological encouragement for me that the bass IS pumping!

 

[Warpdrv]

did you ever post what the size of that room is...
Im thinking you would be thrilled with a Plus/2 if room size is moderate..

Mine kills in 8200^3 room...

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Babel,

A PB12 NSD would be more than enough for that room. A Plus/2 would rattle your ceiling tiles to no end. A Plus/2 fills and entire level of a house with bass.

 

[BabelFish]

right now the room is 19x18 but we might be looking at a new house some time down the road. the tiles on the top are jammed in there... They don't move easily... We break the tiles if we need to remove them . We keep extras around the house just in case. I would be really surprised if they were to rattle (but that is just my opinion).

I want to get something that can be used in a new house also. That is why I was looking at the Ultra/2. In this current setup, I could just turn the bass down some if need be. The lowest I am thinking that my ego will allow me to go would be the Plus/2 (unless someone was really convincing). I am just really concerned about getting something and being underwhelmed. how much harder would the Ultra/2 hit compared to the Plus/2? I was under the impression that they both were practically the same since the Plus/2 upgraded the driver(?)...

Warpdrv... are you telling me that you have a 8200ft3 room for your home theater?????

 

[Matt34]

right now the room is 19x18 but we might be looking at a new house some time down the road. the tiles on the top are jammed in there... They don't move easily... We break the tiles if we need to remove them . We keep extras around the house just in case. I would be really surprised if they were to rattle (but that is just my opinion).

I want to get something that can be used in a new house also. That is why I was looking at the Ultra/2. In this current setup, I could just turn the bass down some if need be. The lowest I am thinking that my ego will allow me to go would be the Plus/2 (unless someone was really convincing). I am just really concerned about getting something and being underwhelmed. how much harder would the Ultra/2 hit compared to the Plus/2? I was under the impression that they both were practically the same since the Plus/2 upgraded the driver(?)...

Warpdrv... are you telling me that you have a 8200ft3 room for your home theater?????

I'd say either get the +/2 now or wait for the new Ultra series to be released in April. From what I've gathered and have seen the current Ultra/2 isn't worth the extra cost unless you just have money to blow.

 

[BabelFish]

The new ultra(/2?) that is coming out in April, is that the dual driver model or the single driver model?

What would be better (more bang for the buck, hit harder) the Plus/2 (dual driver) or the new Ultra(/2?) that is a single driver?

[EDIT]I did call SVS and left a message.. I am not expecting call until next week since CES is going on right now[/EDIT]

 

[Matt34]

Single driver only in April. If I remember correctly it's going to have more SPL than the two of the current ultras.

This thread has some info on the new SVS models.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=783524