SVS SBS-01 Speaker System Review

[Sheep]

No one said anything like this. It's the libelous, unsubstantiated, useless accusations about bribery that are childish and non-productive. Recommendations for reviews and review techniques are always welcome.

Agreed.

Also, you can't reem the reviewer just because you felt somethings were not done the way you like.

Go start your own review magazine and put up a shut up.

SheepStar

 

[gellor]

I just reread the review again. Short of providing measurements, (FR/etc) I thought it was a pretty comprehensive review....for a <$1000 5.1 sound system.

I will not deny that I was hoping for a bit more in-depth coverage of the subwoofer, as big of a deal as AH members make of the sub, but maybe we'll get more coverage of that at some point. *hopes* But overall, I thought it gave a pretty good idea of what it was like to have them sitting in the room.

 

[Sheep]

I just reread the review again. Short of providing measurements, (FR/etc) I thought it was a pretty comprehensive review....for a <$1000 5.1 sound system.

I will not deny that I was hoping for a bit more in-depth coverage of the subwoofer, as big of a deal as AH members make of the sub, but maybe we'll get more coverage of that at some point. *hopes* But overall, I thought it gave a pretty good idea of what it was like to have them sitting in the room.

Exaclty. This review is no different from the Orb audio one, but no one was ******** about that review.

People clearly have insecurity issues with audio products. Especially with this company.

SheepStar

 

[Bodymechanic]

Nice review. It was entertaining and informative. I have been looking to help my father-in-law find an HT speaker solution for around $1k and would have otherwise not considered that brand. I will surely add them to the list of considerations now.

Kind regards and happy new year.

 

[mfabien]

Of all the speakers/audio components to review... you guys review a SVS HT system? Not only that, but the review certainly wasn't up to the what I would normally expect from the usual detailed reviews in the past. Makes me wonder if the reviewer received some sort of kick back from SVS in return for a kind review.

It would be nice if Audioholics spent more time reviewing quality equipment rather than shady rip-off artists without an original idea.

You are posting your third message here in Audioholics and your aggressive tone would lead us to believe that:

1. You are experienced with this topic?
2. You know something about SVS?
3. You pass judgment on the reviewer by alleging possible kickback?

You deserve to be banned from Audioholics, period.

 

[shokhead]

Exaclty. This review is no different from the Orb audio one, but no one was ******** about that review.

People clearly have insecurity issues with audio products. Especially with this company.

SheepStar

I think its more like people have been waiting for these things,first time audio speakers from a leading sub maker and just wanted more.

 

[silversurfer]

Have any of you read a review of anything, then experience it yourself only to find out you didn't like it?

The opposite of the so called SVS "bashing" comes from those of you hyping the speakers before you have even heard them. Like bad calls in a game, it all gets leveled out in the end.

As for SVS's history and innovation? Do your research, it is pretty plain to see in the reading. Does that make them a bad company? Certainly not.

I do have one question though. I have been reading the forums a lot in the last year or so, the internet community is interesting and some graduate student should do a study on forum behavior. Anyways, why is it that SVS, with such a strong following, is the only internet direct company that doesn't have its own forum tied to its own domain? Think about it, a centralized place for SVS owners to get support and interested parties to get information.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

SVS is a quality company. They took a great design, and made it even better. Of course there's going to be some finger pointing. Does anyone here think GM hasn't torn apart a Honda to see why their cars are superior in every way, shape, or form?

I'm sure most of you have seen this project before - the probable Genesis of SVS...

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_3/diy-11-sonotube-subwoofer-september-99.html

 

[silversurfer]

That is exactly what I am talking about. Buckeye, have your heard a Hsu sub? Compared the two? Why do you say SVS made a great design better?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

That is exactly what I am talking about. Buckeye, have your heard a Hsu sub? Compared the two? Why do you say SVS made a great design better?

I have not compared the old HSU cylinder subs to the current SVS cylinder subs because HSU has been out of the cylinder sub game for quite some time. Would I be incorrect in assuming HSU gave up the ship as far as cylinder subs go? They are probably very similar, but I prefer the taller, slender design of the SVS over the older HSU cylinders.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_2_3/v2n3d.html

 

[silversurfer]

I have not compared the old HSU cylinder subs to the current SVS cylinder subs because HSU has been out of the cylinder sub game for quite some time. Would I be incorrect in assuming HSU gave up the ship as far as cylinder subs go? They are probably very similar, but I prefer the taller, slender design of the SVS over the older HSU cylinders.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_2_3/v2n3d.html

Quite some time? Do your research more thouroughly, they stopped producing the TN1220HO this year, and have promised to ressurect it sometime next year. The last review of the 1220 was in 2003. As I understand it, Howard Ferstler still uses one as his reference, as well as a modified SVS.

Because you prefer the taller slender design, does that make them better?

If you didn't know, the TN1220HO is even taller and slimmer. Knowing that, do you wonder why Hsu stopped producing the shorter, fatter cylinder subs long before SVS started as a company?

Like I implied in my earlier posts, unsubstatiated claims by folks that do not do compare or even do research fuel a lot of the negativity. Get all the facts and listen for yourself before proclaiming one is better than the other, and even then it is subjective.

If you want to truly look at merit and innovation, you need to research the history.

This is not a bash or promotion of either company, just trying to illustrate how confrontation between supporters of these two companies get started.

Anyways, sorry for being so far OT.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Knowing that, do you wonder why Hsu stopped producing the shorter, fatter cylinder subs long before SVS started as a company?

Get all the facts and listen for yourself before proclaiming one is better than the other, and even then it is subjective.

Yes, I wonder why. Please fill in the blank. Is it because they are BUTT ugly? Nothing against sq, but WAF does count for something. What does everyone think of those short, fat cylinders? Perfect for the bachelor pad, but hold off on the coffee table. ;^)

Did I proclaim one is better than the other? If nothing is available for comparison, then there is no contest. When HSU comes out with their new cylinder sub, then let the comparison begin.

I'm honestly not picking one company over the other. I'm just stating IMO there is no issue with taking a design and running with it - and making a profit as long as patents weren't disturbed.

 

[silversurfer]

Yes, I wonder why. Please fill in the blank. Is it because they are BUTT ugly? Nothing against sq, but WAF does count for something. What does everyone think of those short, fat cylinders? Perfect for the bachelor pad, but hold off on the coffee table. ;^)

Did I proclaim one is better than the other? If nothing is available for comparison, then there is no contest. When HSU comes out with their new cylinder sub, then let the comparison begin.

I'm honestly not picking one company over the other. I'm just stating IMO there is no issue with taking a design and running with it - and making a profit as long as patents weren't disturbed.

By saying the designed was improved, aren't you saying one is better than the other? But in actuality, you have no idea, right?

That's funny you say that, because SVS's cylinders are short and fat compared to TN1220HO. Did you know about the TN1220HO before you made your comment about Hsu discontinueing cylinders for "quite some time"?

Hsu did not stop producing shorter, fatter cylinders because they looked bad in comparison to taller and skinnier cylinders, but rather because the taller and skinnier cylinders occupy less floorspace.

Why do you think it was named TN?

 

[mfabien]

Are the

Did you know about the TN1220HO before you made your comment about Hsu discontinueing cylinders for "quite some time"?

silversurfer, did you even experience the TN1220HO yourself? The following review site was not able to get a single review...

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1135.html

is that indicative of anything? Are they that rare?

 

[shokhead]

By saying the designed was improved, aren't you saying one is better than the other? But in actuality, you have no idea, right?

That's funny you say that, because SVS's cylinders are short and fat compared to TN1220HO. Did you know about the TN1220HO before you made your comment about Hsu discontinueing cylinders for "quite some time"?

Hsu did not stop producing shorter, fatter cylinders because they looked bad in comparison to taller and skinnier cylinders, but rather because the taller and skinnier cylinders occupy less floorspace.

Why do you think it was named TN?

There both good, ok!,ok!. HSU does not have cylinders now and correct me if i'm wrong but didnt there cylinders come with the amps sererate,i cant remember but i think when i was looking at them,thats what i didnt like or they had one that didnt but it was to much money compared to the 20-39 SVS i ended up getting. Never mind as i said before,this doesnt need to get into a sub war on a review thread.

 

[silversurfer]

Yes. I heard a TN1220HO a couple of years ago. If I am not mistaken, they were in production for 7 or 8 years. Yes again, it used an external amp.

Also, I think one of the forum admins here owns a TN1220, Rob Babcock.

No war here. Just an illustration of how being misinformed or lack of information can cause negativity.

Hope everyone had a safe New Year!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

By saying the designed was improved, aren't you saying one is better than the other? But in actuality, you have no idea, right?

That's funny you say that, because SVS's cylinders are short and fat compared to TN1220HO. Did you know about the TN1220HO before you made your comment about Hsu discontinueing cylinders for "quite some time"?

Hsu did not stop producing shorter, fatter cylinders because they looked bad in comparison to taller and skinnier cylinders, but rather because the taller and skinnier cylinders occupy less floorspace.

Why do you think it was named TN?

http://www.avguide.com/speakers/subwoofers/hsu_research/tn1220ho/635.jsp

There are currently two models in the series: the TN1220HO, and the TN1225HO. The TN1220HO extends flat down to 20 Hz at very high levels, while the 1225HO goes down to 25 Hz.

I'm pretty sure SVS has some cylinders that go well below 20Hz. Is that an improvement, or a step backwards?

I could care less about SVS or HSU - why is this such a sticky topic for you?

 

[silversurfer]

http://www.avguide.com/speakers/subwoofers/hsu_research/tn1220ho/635.jsp

There are currently two models in the series: the TN1220HO, and the TN1225HO. The TN1220HO extends flat down to 20 Hz at very high levels, while the 1225HO goes down to 25 Hz.

I'm pretty sure SVS has some cylinders that go well below 20Hz. Is that an improvement, or a step backwards?

I could care less about SVS or HSU - why is this such a sticky topic for you?

You are right about SVS, they do have subs that go that low. If you do more research, you will find out the TN1220HO actually went flat to 16-18hz. Hsu spec'd 20hz to be conservative.

Is going lower an improvement if it doesn't have the same sound quality? Like I posted before, you do not know that, and stating it as such is speculation. Are SVS's 20hz tuned subs better than their 25hz tuned subs. or does it depend on the application?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Is going lower an improvement if it doesn't have the same sound quality? Like I posted before, you do not know that, and stating it as such is speculation. Are SVS's 20hz tuned subs better than their 25hz tuned subs. or does it depend on the application?

It appears you are pushing the TN series HSU as having better sound quality over the SVS cylinder series. If you prefer them over SVS, then I cannot argue your point. I have only visited the SVS factory, so it's not fair that I am comparing them to HSU. Maybe you've had the opportunity to visit both.

Do the TN series have the ability to plug ports, and further adjust the tunability of the subs? Would that qualify as a design improvement?

 

[jongaro]

I've read this thread with some amusement at how heated this has all gotten. I have been frustrated and disappointed with this website for some time. When I first chanced upon it, I was very excited by the information provided, reviews, etc. Over time I have visited less frequently because there haven't been as many reviews or the same companies keep getting reviewed.

I have for some time read about the big beef between SVS and HSU. I'm not going to even say I know all of the details of that situation, but it is fairly apparent that SVS isn't the most honorable of companies. Would that have stopped me from buying their product, no. But a few things have happened lately regarding SVS that has made me sick of them.

One is the ongoing SVS vs. HSU debate and how aggressive the owner is in defending his product. Maybe a bit too involved? I can't remember the last time I've seen someone from HSU stoop to the level that he has. Then I happened to be checking out the Maestro sub. oh look, their sub has the same baseplate design as the SVS series. I can't imagine that SVS came up with that design. Now maybe I'm wrong, but given the bad press SVS receives, I doubt it. Lastly, I purchased the SMS-1 to tune my sub... which is not an HSU sub. In the process of getting technical information on the product, I had a good conversation with a gentleman regarding the sub industry. Without going into great detail, he told me that HSU puts out a great product and is a decent guy and that SVS had ripped off a lot of features and what not from HSU. My guess is that is why they have been so secret about information regarding their upcoming products, etc. Understand I had simply mentioned wanting to purchase a sub but not from his company.
Here is a guy with a ton of years of experience in the sub industry not speaking so highly of another company. Was he bashing SVS, I didn't think so, just mentioned some stuff that anybody who knows the sub industry would probably know.

So let me ask all of you this... what improvements/innovations has SVS brought/made to the sub market? Other than sourcing parts from other outfits and putting them together, what have they done to make a truly great sub? I'm not sure high SPL's make for a great sub. As for musicality, I noticed there was a large push on this topic in the last year.

Lastly, I do feel the review wasn't up to par with the usual reviews I've seen. It was unfair to attack the reviewer as I did and for that I apologize. I do not think that what I said about SVS is untrue because there is a plethorea of information out there that supports what I am saying. I guess it comes down to this... if you had your choice of two sub comanies would you purchase from one that isn't as ethical or honest?