SVS SB12-Plus vs other smaller subs

[GregBe]

Hi,

I see a lot of comparisons of the SB12-Plus compared to their other large subs (which obviously isn't a fair fight). Has anyone compared the SB12 to smaller more powerful (and much more expensive) subs, like the Paradigm Seismic 12 or the Velodyne SPL1200.

Thanks
Greg

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sorry...I have not compared the 2. I was not impressed with the Seismic 12 when I listened to it though.

 

[j_garcia]

Are you suggesting you may want something smaller than the Axiom?

 

[GregBe]

Are you suggesting you may want something smaller than the Axiom?

Hi John,

How is it going. I have not been around for a while with the new business. Yes, I have downsized my entire system, and am going with a smaller system, that provides the least amount of compromises I can. I have already purchased the Era Design 4 speakers. I absolutely fell in love with them. Now I am focusing on the sub. I am entertaining the Paradigm Seismic 12 and keeping the SMS-1, or selling the SMS and picking up a Velodyne DD12. Recently I have read about these smaller SVS subs. I am guessing they don't quite measure up to these other two subs, but I do realize that SVS can do a lot for not a lot of money.

 

[Davemcc]

Hi John,

How is it going. I have not been around for a while with the new business. Yes, I have downsized my entire system, and am going with a smaller system, that provides the least amount of compromises I can. I have already purchased the Era Design 4 speakers. I absolutely fell in love with them. Now I am focusing on the sub. I am entertaining the Paradigm Seismic 12 and keeping the SMS-1, or selling the SMS and picking up a Velodyne DD12. Recently I have read about these smaller SVS subs. I am guessing they don't quite measure up to these other two subs, but I do realize that SVS can do a lot for not a lot of money.

Goodness gracious, another Era owner. I've been developing a little complex over here thinking I was the only one. I'm glad to see that you are happy with yours. I've got my Design 5's running with a PB12-Plus and I have to say the result is stunning, but I really feel that this particular sub is way overkill for the setup. Given that you're running the Design 4's with their slightly smaller dimensions, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a smaller SVS sub.

 

[dpnaugle]

From what I have read the Seismic subs are not great musically. I really liked the DD-12 when I was auditioning but when with the SB-12 b/c it was 1200 less and it sounds great in my small space.
DN

 

[cjschrot]

any thoughts on the SVS PB-12 plus vs. the Axiom E350?

 

[j_garcia]

The Seismic subs aren't really that good at anything IMO... I would much rather go DIY or the SVS with the SMS. To be honest, I think the SB-12 with SMS would probably fare pretty well compared to a DD-12. I have a little sub project going on with a friend and it may very well be something you'd be interested in... I'll email you.

 

[mazersteven]

You should try to audition this sub.

http://www.psbspeakers.com/product.php?pId=25&sId=5

 

[mazersteven]

Or this

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/abyss.html

 

[j_garcia]

Do you have a specific size constraint Greg? Or just "generally small"?

 

[GregBe]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. Well..against the grain of some of the advice here, I went with the Seismic 12. I found a local dealer that carries both the Seismic 12 and the DD12. I auditioned them side by side and calibrated to the same level. At first, I thought the Velo was punchier and had more impact, but after extended listening, the Seismic sounded much more natural to me for music. Once I upped the volume level on home theater, the Seismic actually was the sub with more impact.

I do need a small sub, and my room is relatively large, so for me, the Siesmic had the least amount of compromises. I will let you guys know once I get it in my room.

Thanks again
Greg

 

[j_garcia]

Servo 15v2!!! J/K Congrats on the purchase, the Seismics aren't junk, they just don't represent the same value as some of the ID sub (IMO), though when you need something small, that tends to open up a whole different can of worms.

 

[dpnaugle]

Thats what its all about right there. You listened and made a decision based on what you liked. All the advice in the forum is only good if you let your ears do the work. Congrats on you new sub. I have been pleased with my Paradigm and hope you will be too.

DN