I was working around the corner from Sonic Boom (the SVS distributer in Canada) on Wed. and stopped by just to see what they had. All that is in stock at the moment is a PB-10 and a PB-12, The current showroom is REALLY not set up to demo subs. However the guys from Electronics for Less (sonic Boom) were happy to do their best to show me what the SVS subs were like. I wasn't very impressed with the performance to be honest, but I know that the room dimensions and layout would prevent any sub I've ever seen from sounding good. We're talking about thousands of square feet of open space with no reinforcement. I can't hold a lack of performance against the subs in there, but I'll explain more about that later.
The first thing I noticed was that the subs weren't as big as I feared. I've heard the stories about the massive dimensions and the big shock people get when they first see the SVS products, but I think that that awe must be reserved for the subs past the entry level line-up. Maybe the reason the SVS subs didn't look as big as I'd feared was due to the HSU STF-3 seated right next to the PB-10. The HSU is a much bigger sub than the PB-10, but is smaller than the PB-12. It may not be fair to compare a 10" and a 12" but they were right next to each other.
The second thing I noticed was the difference in the fit and finish between the SVS and HSU offerings. IMO the SVS units were finished in a much better manner. The PB-10 and -12 seemed sturdier and the cabinets just seemed to be better designed and finished. The HSU subs look like someone has slapped a too-big lid on top of the box. I've never noticed that before when I've seen their subs. The grill on the SVS is fantastic, I've never seen such a nice grill on a "cheap" sub ($579 and $779 respectively for the 10 and 12) and the holes for mounting the grill looked like they've been chromed. I'm not saying that either sub is pretty in the conventional sense, but in the utilitarian manner that both are designed I think that the SVS is the better looking product. There are better looking subs than both companies offering out there, but I don't care about looks, just performance and value.
The third thing I noticed was the lack of connectivity on the PB-10. No crossover and no speaker level inputs. Not a big issue for me, I've got a digital receiver, but I couldn't use this guy in my secondary system if I ever upgraded.
Now for the sound difference. I won't go into detail here because I was underwhelmed by all the offerings. For movies the PB-12 walked all over the other two, but it was the ony one that was corner loaded. For music I had a weird thing happen. I've never been a subsriber to the "musical" sub vs "movie" sub theory but the HSU seemed to be the best for music. The test wasn't exactly A/B but I wasn't the only one that thought the SVS subs were outclassed in this instance. I can't say for sure because I know the room came into play but it seemed like the SVS was missing something. My co-worker was with me and he's an ex musician (a very good one by the way). He told me once we'd left the shop that all he could hear in the lower bass frequency was the kick drum, and nothing else.
I won't give too much credibility to my first sonic impressions, and I plan to take home an SVS sub to demo in my HT. It's going to take about 3 weeks to scratch up the dough but this is a 3 paycheck month and I've already covered my first of the month bills so look out neighbours, here comes my new sub.
some additional things to note:
I am sold on at least demoing an SVS sub, not 100% set on the model yet.
I heard the SVS surround sound speaker package and was VERY impressed. I don't really want to write a review of them, but I will say that they are a fantastic buy at the price. The muscian co-worker/friend that was with me loved them, and his thing is accuracy. Can't say enough good about them.
The guys at Sonic Boom (EL), while not quite ready to show customers the SVS line did their best to accomodate me They provided top notch customer service for a last minute drop in who told them up front he wasn't buying that day, and did everything they could to satisfy my questions. Also they were very knowledgable about the products they are selling (nice change from a chain store) an at least one of them had been to the SVS facility in Ohio. Also the owner of the store was down in Ohio while I was in the store. Shows a commitment to the line in my opinion.
I emailed SVS a couple of questions and received a prompt reply from Ron Stimpson. It is obvious that he is very passionate about his company's products, to the point where it's a little contagious to be honest. His reply wasn't the standard one or two sentences but half a page of detailed info that was specific to my questions. I have another question for them and I just hope it's handeled in the same manner.
Sum up:
The subs seem like fantastic products, but that is the wrong environment for them. I hope the new showroom is ready soon. I'll post more info when I pick up my sub.
