SVS SBS-01(Strengths and weaknesses)

[anyuse200]

The SVS SBS-01 will be more my first bookshelf speaker system, however is music performance really weak, or is that just an subjective opinion on audioholics. The sbs-01 seemed like a real steal for the price, I wonder how they compare to the axiom's. I know svs subwooder's in my opinion are much better value for the money the axiom. Why pay close to $2,000 for an ep-600 when an $1,200 svs subwoofer could deliver the same things. Of couse axiom has some unique featuers in their subwoofers, I just think axiom should be more competitve in the sub pricing, the same could go for veloydne and others.

 

[mazersteven]

The SVS SBS-01 will be more my first bookshelf speaker system, however is music performance really weak, or is that just an subjective opinion on audioholics. The sbs-01 seemed like a real steal for the price, I wonder how they compare to the axiom's. I know svs subwooder's in my opinion are much better value for the money the axiom. Why pay close to $2,000 for an ep-600 when an $1,200 svs subwoofer could deliver the same things. Of couse axiom has some unique featuers in their subwoofers, I just think axiom should be more competitve in the sub pricing, the same could go for veloydne and others.

Check your PM's.

 

[cyberbri]

Look at this thread:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22098
which talks about speaker brands, and then the link on that thread to here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=647862
(evaluation of SBS-01 speakers compared to other brands)

The SVS SBS-01 will be more my first bookshelf speaker system - however is music performance really weak, or is that just an subjective opinion on audioholics?

So you've already bought it, and now you're doing the research?
I don't think you'll be dissatisfied with it. But for the same or close pricing, there are other brands around the same price (like AV123/Onix X-LS series) or a little bit more (Ascend Acoustics 170SE) that provide much better performance for music.

Be sure to check out the two links above, especially the second one.


You can always add any sub you want to any speaker system you want - an SVS with Axioms, a HSU with the SBS-01s, an Axiom with the Ascend speakers, etc.

Also, the HSU VTF-3 Mk2 offers plenty of bang for your buck as well. $700 and it's flat to 18Hz (in Max Extension mode) with usable output to a bit lower than that. I'm probably going to be getting one in the beautiful Blond Maple finish.

 

[jcPanny]

Bookshelf speakers

For about $100 each, the SVS bookshelf speakers make great HT speakers. For 1.5-2x the cost, it doesn't supprise me that the Axiom bookshelf speakers are more musical and perform better.

For a cost/perfromance compromise, check out the Onix X-LS speakers. They reviewed well and look much better than the SVS and are comparibly priced at about $500 for a 5.0 speaker system. Then go buy the SVS or any other sub that you want.

Since music is a concern, keep in mind that speakers are the most important component and budget accordingly.

 

[---k---]

Since cyberbri linked to my thread, I'll add some redundant comments:

$200 doesn't buy you a whole heck of a lot in a speaker. At this price, the manufacturer is making some trade offs based on cost and what thier prioities are. Therefore, there is a lot of differances between $200 speakers. I demoed the SVS-01 along side some old Paradigm Atoms v2, Ascend 170SE and 340SE. There were somethings to like about the SVS, there were other things that were a dissapointment. These speakers are far from perfect, as are most speakers in this price range.

At the end of the day, if I was forced to choose, I would take the Ascend 170SE first (at $100 more mind you), then probably the Paradigm Atoms, and the SVS last. There are a lot more details my avs thread Cyberbri linked to, so read that. But at the end of the day, there were big, audable differance, and my choice came down to personal preferance which likely was influenced by owning Paradigm speakers for 6 years. I think the Onix XL-S would also be a great choice, depending on what one likes.

If these are your first real speakers, and you're not going to be doing a lot of comparision shopping, I think you'll be happy with them.

 

[j_garcia]

I've owned Atoms, and have to say that I liked the SBS-01s better. The original 170s are better than the SBSs though (I haven't heard the SEs, though I imaging they can only be better). I've heard the M3Tis and compared them back to back with the Mini Monitors and the M3s were the better speaker to my ears.

I have to say, I wasn't entirely blown away by the SBS-01s with music. Very good yes, but not sounding like a giant killer IMO. I didn't quite get enough depth out of the midrange as I had hoped. The midrange is clean, without bass bloat, but not quite up to the level of the 170s. If it were my money, I'd probably go with the Ascends also.

 

[Tom Andry]

The SVS SBS-01 will be more my first bookshelf speaker system, however is music performance really weak, or is that just an subjective opinion on audioholics. The sbs-01 seemed like a real steal for the price, I wonder how they compare to the axiom's.

Just note, that my reference speakers are Axioms so when I wrote my subjective opinion of their performance, it was mostly based on a comparison to my speakers.

 

[anyuse200]

I've owned Atoms, and have to say that I liked the SBS-01s better. The original 170s are better than the SBSs though (I haven't heard the SEs, though I imaging they can only be better). I've heard the M3Tis and compared them back to back with the Mini Monitors and the M3s were the better speaker to my ears.

I have to say, I wasn't entirely blown away by the SBS-01s with music. Very good yes, but not sounding like a giant killer IMO. I didn't quite get enough depth out of the midrange as I had hoped. The midrange is clean, without bass bloat, but not quite up to the level of the 170s. If it were my money, I'd probably go with the Ascends also.

So do you think the SBS-01 would fare well with contemporary-jazz, ie Diana Krall- and dance music-Confessions on a dance floor with Madonna, or how about Norah Jones.

I currently have a yamaha-rx-v2600 receiver- you think I could attach another pair of speakers to it for dedicated 2 channel, if so any recommendations. I was looking into the jbl northridge for about $150 each.

Maybe I'll start another thread about the http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000E6S0Z/102-5187405-8669768?v=glance&n=172282
Jbl's , Id figure I can use dedicated 2 channel on my yamaha- at times.

 

[Nermuna]

The Polk Monitor 40's, or the Axiom m22ti's

You should really look around for quality 2 channel speaker systems. As such you own a normal "home theater" receiver, as 100 watts per 2 channels may limit so of the upper tower speakers which would require more power.

Gemini- which is often found in clubs,jbl,kenwood(?), you should start looking at those places.

 

[Tex-amp]

The SVS while not having great extension are the most accurate of the ~$200 speakers in the range they do cover. Others go lower but trade off the mid-range and some of the highs to do so.

 

[j_garcia]

So do you think the SBS-01 would fare well with contemporary-jazz, ie Diana Krall- and dance music-Confessions on a dance floor with Madonna, or how about Norah Jones.

I currently have a yamaha-rx-v2600 receiver- you think I could attach another pair of speakers to it for dedicated 2 channel, if so any recommendations. I was looking into the jbl northridge for about $150 each.

Maybe I'll start another thread about the http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000E6S0Z/102-5187405-8669768?v=glance&n=172282
Jbl's , Id figure I can use dedicated 2 channel on my yamaha- at times.

The SBSs will outperform the Northriege series IMO. I tried some jazz and vocals on them, and they did a good job with female vocals. They are fast enough to keep up with upbeat jazz. They had more bass than I was expecting based on their rated range, but I don't think anyone will be using them without a sub. At the price point, I'd seriously take a look at the Onyx X-LS also.

 

[bigpow]

I know this comparing big apples with small oranges, but how do the SB-01 compare to Klipsch Synergy F-3? Or SLX 5.1?

Thanks