SVS PC12-Plus

[GoFastr]

I just love the look of a cylindrical sub vs. the box shape. I've been looking at the SVS PC12-Plus, or SVS PC13-Ultra and the Funky Waves FW 15.1 subs.

My 2.1 setup will have Klipsch RF-7 classics powered by a Denon AVR-3311CI for now (until I can get a nice PA). I'll eventually get a center and surrounds to complete a basic 5.1 in a few months too. These will more than likley be in the Klipsch range too.

The room is pretty large with high ceilings and hard tiled floors and walls.

Do you think either of these cylinder shaped subs are a good choice or should I stick with the same vendor like Klipsch for a better matched system?

 

[shadyJ]

Go with the SVS or FW subs! They are unquestionably better than Klipsch's subs. Klipsch subs aren't that bad but they are way over-priced for the performance they deliver. None of their subs will have the deep bass of the FW or SVS systems. The only Klipsch subs I would own are the THX subs and the sub that goes with the Palladium system (and even then, only cuz it looks so darn pretty). But those systems are over-priced with regards to the performance that can be had for the same money.

 

[FirstReflection]

Zero reason to have your sub be the same brand as your speakers. I would certainly recommend that you get your center speaker from Klipsch if you are using Klipsch front speakers. Klipsch speakers are considerably more efficient than a lot of other speakers, and that horn tweeter doesn't match easily to other types of tweeters. So for the sake of "voice matching" your front soundstage and being able to keep output settings consistent, definitely match your center to your front main speakers.

But the subwoofer, that can most certainly come from a different brand. If you love the look of the SVSound cylinder subs, I can certainly vouch for their performance. The new PB13-Ultra DSP I found to be EXTREMELY impressive, and the PC13-Ultra DSP cylinder version should be close to identical. SVSound really is making the best subwoofers they've ever made in their history right now, and I personally really, really like the new Ultra models.

Output would be NO problem, even in a very large room. If you can manage to afford and position two subs, that would help to even out the frequency response over more than one seating position. You have to be able to position them both correctly for this effect though, the mere act of having two subwoofers in a room does not guarantee any sort of improvement

With that hard floor surface, it's going to be VITAL that you decouple the subwoofers from the floor. I should hope that an extra $50 for an Auralex SubDude will be a "no brainer" in your case

The SVSound Plus subs are amazing, but I'm just really excited by the Ultra models even more. That 13" driver is something to behold, and the sheer tactility, control and raw power of the Ultra models put them over the top for me.

The Funky Waves subs are gorgeous and built like tanks. But they don't have the same sophisticated circuitry and programming of SVSound's new "Sledge" amps. The engineering on those "Sledge" amps is something else, and it literally guarantees that you cannot "over drive" the SVsound subs or even get them to audibly distort. It's an amazing level of control and design.

So my vote is for the SVSound PC13-Ultra with an Auralex SubDude decoupling it from the floor. If you can manage two of them and position them optimally for more even response at more seating location, that's even better!

 

[MinusTheBear]

I just love the look of a cylindrical sub vs. the box shape. I've been looking at the SVS PC12-Plus, or SVS PC13-Ultra and the Funky Waves FW 15.1 subs.

My 2.1 setup will have Klipsch RF-7 classics powered by a Denon AVR-3311CI for now (until I can get a nice PA). I'll eventually get a center and surrounds to complete a basic 5.1 in a few months too. These will more than likley be in the Klipsch range too.

The room is pretty large with high ceilings and hard tiled floors and walls.

Do you think either of these cylinder shaped subs are a good choice or should I stick with the same vendor like Klipsch for a better matched system?

I'll vote for the Funky Waves. Higher aethestic and performance ceiling with more/better custom options that you can tailor your aesthetic and listening habits to. The craftsmanship, build quality and overall components on their products is tough to beat. The cylindrical cabinet is only a template. With funky waves you can be given a blank canvas and fill it with your own performance, aesthetic, room and budgetary needs.

 

[GoFastr]

Ok thanks for the tip. I read a review or sales pitch somewhere describing the way the bottom circular piece that is sort of the legs for the SVS sub units was supposed to be designed for hard floors and avoid reflections. I guess an additional $50 for the SubDude to make sure couldn't hurt anything.

Is dealing direct with the manufacturer the only way to purchase the SVS or Funky Wave subs? I can't seem to find them advertised for sale online anywhere.

 

[its phillip]

Yes, they are internet direct. I only know of two exceptions where there are dealers - sonic boom audio sells svs in canada, and lsound sells svs (and other things) in europe. There might be more but I haven't heard of em.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Ok thanks for the tip. I read a review or sales pitch somewhere describing the way the bottom circular piece that is sort of the legs for the SVS sub units was supposed to be designed for hard floors and avoid reflections. I guess an additional $50 for the SubDude to make sure couldn't hurt anything.

Is dealing direct with the manufacturer the only way to purchase the SVS or Funky Wave subs? I can't seem to find them advertised for sale online anywhere.

They are both internet direct. If your Canadian SVS has a retailer called SonicBoomAudio. I'm not sure if they are strictly internet based. With Funky Waves, you will deal directly with the owner of the company who in turn also builds the product for you.

 

[shadyJ]

That FW 15.1 looks insane. I would love to hear that thing, it must be a beast!