Need a new sub to match my LSI line

[no-cure]

Hi guys,

Man, this is a never-ending route, but I feel I need to upgrade my sub (see sig). I have been offered $300 for my current sub, so since I'm jumping on that, I'd naturally need a new, and much better one!

I know SVS gets super positive comments, but I'm unsure as to what model will match my LSI15s. Does matching a sub with the front stage really matter? I'm looking to spend no more than $750, but I could be swayed into paying more if I see the reason. I was looking at the Ultra vs. NSD series (some are on sale/overstock as of today) so would you recommend one line over the other?

I'm going to email SVS tech support to see what they say, but I'm curious to see what you guys think as well. Thanks!

[Ron Temple]

How big is your room, include any openings? Each tier of the SVS product offerings offers a step up in SQ and performance. For large rooms over 3000 cube they will probably recommend at least a Plus. The Ultra is the top of the food chain...I thought they were all gone until the new ones comes out in July.

[no-cure]

How big is your room, include any openings? Each tier of the SVS product offerings offers a step up in SQ and performance. For large rooms over 3000 cube they will probably recommend at least a Plus. The Ultra is the top of the food chain...I thought they were all gone until the new ones comes out in July.

Ron, thanks for replying! Well, my room is about 20' X 16' with the left wall being open (see attached picture) and the ceiling is approx 8' although I haven't measured that at all, so I'm just guessing.

Looking at the svs website, the PB12 Plus/2 is overstock in the piano black for 1,299...hmm, a quite a bit over my current budget, although I'm sure it will kick a&% if I put it in my room!

Umm, apparently I couldn't attach the picture again, but you can see my setup in the speaker section, http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51385

[Ron Temple]

Well if you go for it I doubt you'll need another for awhile. They are very big, but it looks like you've got the space. I think a PB12+ or a cylinder would be your sweetspot.

[Sherardp]

With the space you have I would run a PB12/plus 2. Hands down that thing will move some air in there. I just took a look at your previous post, your setup is very nicely done. Have you gotten rid of those Bose rears yet. I had a pair in mine setup before I bought the Rti4s. Once you upgrade you'll be glad you did. Nice setup though.

[crd2002]

I have a similiar size room and I bought a Velodyne dsr4000 and you can here this thing in the whole house a couple of things have fallen off the shelves already very happy and not even close to 1299.00 more like half that amount

[Sherardp]

Is it me or did the price go up on the SVS plus lineup. I am thinking of adding another to my setup.

[Ron Temple]

Is it me or did the price go up on the SVS plus lineup. I am thinking of adding another to my setup.Yup...first of the year.

[hockeyboy]

You can save a lot of money if you buy a non powered SVS sub. They are not featured as prominantly and if you can spare a channel on your Halo you can get one of thier best subs for less than 600 bones. I ordered dual 20-39 CS Plus subs (one would work just fine) and these guys are pretty big but you have room there since the size is vertical. Check it out.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-csplus2.cfm

[janmike]

20 X 16 is probably a SVS PB2-Plus. My room is 18.5 X 15 and Ron from SVS recommended the PB12-PLUS. He was bang on. I would ping them just the same. You will not be disappointed. Good luck.

[bassaholic]

If moneys no object...get the JL Audio Fathom. Its around $2500+ however it out performs any SVS and theyre 1/3 the size. BTW, Ive never heard 1 but I believe everything I read.

[Pepi28]

I think when he said $750 he didnt mean $2500+.

[gvg45]

You might want to also consider...

http://hsuresearch.com/index.html

Some great products that can compete with some of the best.

[no-cure]

I emailed SVS and they recommended PB12+, however I'm not sure about the size of this thing (25" high X 25" deep X 18" wide and weighing in at 110lbs). It sure looks like a monster, and probably performs like one as well. The impeding factor for me is the price, it's $949 plus 99 shipping plus tax etc, well, this will end up as much as my LSI15s and I'm not prepared to go for that.

The SB12 Plus however tickles my fancy and my wallet. It scales at almost 14 cubic inches, and it features 425 W Bash amp (Canadian made, eh). And for 650 plus 31 shipping, it's much more forgiving on my wallet...

What's your take on the SB12+? Anybody has it and really enjoy it? How does it perform vs. the PB12+?

[no-cure]

You might want to also consider...

http://hsuresearch.com/index.html

Some great products that can compete with some of the best.

Yes, I believe the SVS and HSU are very very well regarded for both the price and performance. I was looking at the VTF-3 MK3...btw, I know they also have B-stock, but I read somewhere there's a waiting list or something.

So I guess the question is HSU or SVS??

[no-cure]

With the space you have I would run a PB12/plus 2. Hands down that thing will move some air in there. I just took a look at your previous post, your setup is very nicely done. Have you gotten rid of those Bose rears yet. I had a pair in mine setup before I bought the Rti4s. Once you upgrade you'll be glad you did. Nice setup though.

Thanks Sherardp, glad you like my setup, :D I find myself showing it off to friends and family every chance I get, and I still can't stop smiling. One scene that I keep on demoing is the mayhem from Master and Commander when the two ships first encounter: that's a splendid choice to show off your system, the guns going off, the wood crackling, wow, makes me feel as if I'm on that ship getting attacked by the French!!!

No I haven't got rid of the Bose yet, I seem to be satisfied with them. Besides, I tend to believe that the front stage of a setup is much more critical than the surrounds...I know, there could be some invalidity to this statement, but that would be the next thing to upgrade (maybe next year)

[Sherardp]

I would opt for the SVS model, look at it like this, if you can pull the trigger on the plus sub go for it. It will save all the "what if's" in the future. I would seriously hate it for you, say you buy the lesser sub and it doesnt perform to your expectations. So if you can do it, go the bigger sub. Save yourself from upgrades for a long time.

[Ron Temple]

The SB12+ is a sealed design that works best in medium to smaller rooms. It will be very tight and articulate, but you'll lose a bit of the visceral power that SVS is famous for in the subsonic region. It will be a great match for your system I think. It's just your room is slightly larger than they recomend for this sub. I'd be tempted to try it.

[no-cure]

Well, I've been doing more research: the SB12-Plus extends down to about 23-24 Hz in-room, but some reviews say that it doesn't play too loud below 40Hz.

I agree with Sharardp, if you upgrade, upgrade for something that will last for a long while!

I think I narrowed it down between the HSU VTF3 MK3 or SVS PB12Plus

Btw, does HSU charge for shipping??

[engtaz]

Nice selection of subs.

engtaz

[jwhitakr]

Well, I've been doing more research: the SB12-Plus extends down to about 23-24 Hz in-room, but some reviews say that it doesn't play too loud below 40Hz.

I agree with Sharardp, if you upgrade, upgrade for something that will last for a long while!

I think I narrowed it down between the HSU VTF3 MK3 or SVS PB12Plus

Btw, does HSU charge for shipping??

Agree, very nice selection of subs. I think you will be happy with either one of the two you listed.

Yes, HSU does charge shipping...for the VTF3 MK3 the S&H came to about $75 for me (shipping to Kansas) when I started the checkout on the HSU website. That's the easiest way to find the shipping rates...just go through the first couple screens in the checkout process and enter your shipping info, and it will give you the rate for shipping.

Good luck with your sub shopping!

[Ron Temple]

Well, I've been doing more research: the SB12-Plus extends down to about 23-24 Hz in-room, but some reviews say that it doesn't play too loud below 40Hz.

I agree with Sharardp, if you upgrade, upgrade for something that will last for a long while!

I think I narrowed it down between the HSU VTF3 MK3 or SVS PB12Plus

Btw, does HSU charge for shipping??SQ is probably a subjective wash. Hsu makes a well engineered product. Build quality and finish, if you move on the special for a piano black PB12+ favors SVS, plus you get an onboard PEQ with the premium finish. You won't be disappointed with either choice.

[bsoko2]

I got a HSU VT3 MK3 Turbo yesterday and all I can say is "IT WALKS THE TALK". My main room is just over 6000 cubic feet and the HSU makes the cleanest bass I have ever heard (I have a bose system in my Escalade). So for 799 plus shipping it is a GOOD deal.

[gvg45]

So I guess the question is HSU or SVS??
I'm sure you will be more than happy with either choice.

HSU does have B-stock and there is NO waiting list. Its first call/come first serve. They post and update the list, I believe the last Wednesday of each month. Its either Wed or Thurs. So to be safe, call Wed morning at 8:59 PST.;)

Also, just a thought, you may want to go with the turbo option. It is only an additional $100 when purchased within 30 days of the sub as opposed to $199. IMO, the extra $100 does make a big difference.

[gvg45]

I got a HSU VT3 MK3 Turbo yesterday and all I can say is "IT WALKS THE TALK". My main room is just over 6000 cubic feet and the HSU makes the cleanest bass I have ever heard (I have a bose system in my Escalade). So for 799 plus shipping it is a GOOD deal.

I just picked my 3.3 last week. Have not had too much time to demo it, but I am hoping this weekend I will. From the limited time I have had with it, I'm impressed.

FWIW, I thought long and hard about SVS and HSU. Basically the deciding factor was I live about an hours drive from HSU and was able to save on shipping and being able to demo them.

IMO, both are great companies with awesome customer support and products.

[cyberhazard]

The SVS PB12 Plus goes with LSi's like peanut-butter goes with jelly.

[no-cure]

So, despite the fact that the HSU VTF-3 MK3 would have been cheaper, I just pulled the trigger for the SVS PB12 Plus piano black. With everything, it's just over 1k, but I believe this may be the last sub I'll ever buy (I'm hoping at least, this is an excitement but really expensive hobby!). I really can't wait to hear this monster in my setup, after all the rave reviews everybody is saying...

Will keep you guys posted once I get to listen!

Many thanks for your advice guys!

[Ron Temple]

While the VTF 3.3 has been getting stellar reviews, I think you made the right choice. The premium finish and PEQ will keep this puppies resale value up for when you inevitably become a bass addict and upgrade to a $7000 JL Gotham next year :D

Since it doesn't look like you are running a sub right now, you'd better start tightening things up around the house to get ready for this guy. Also, be aware that it might be tricky to get the right blend with your speakers without some placement and possibly treatments. Subs aren't plug and play.

Take some pics when you get it...and have fun.

[no-cure]

Since it doesn't look like you are running a sub right now, you'd better start tightening things up around the house to get ready for this guy. Also, be aware that it might be tricky to get the right blend with your speakers without some placement and possibly treatments. Subs aren't plug and play.

Take some pics when you get it...and have fun.

Ron,
Actually I'm running a sub, it's the Polk Audio PSW12 (not that impressed btw), positioned to the right of my right channel, in the corner against the wall. Is this not a good location? (see pics above from reply #3)

[Ron Temple]

Ron,
Actually I'm running a sub, it's the Polk Audio PSW12 (not that impressed btw), positioned to the right of my right channel, in the corner against the wall. Is this not a good location? (see pics above from reply #3)It's easier to excite the room in a corner. I've got mine corner loaded and it's fairly flat in my LP, but I've also got my soundstage corner loaded. It might be too much in your room. You'll just have to see. The next likely place would be somewhere between your left or right speakers in the front soundstage. Send Ed or Erik a floorplan and they'll get back to you with some advice.

The bass will be huge...my comments in blending with the LSis is based on my own experience with music. HT will be awesome. Make sure you pickup a SPL meter and run some test tones to get this guy calibrated.

[cyberhazard]

So, despite the fact that the HSU VTF-3 MK3 would have been cheaper, I just pulled the trigger for the SVS PB12 Plus piano black. With everything, it's just over 1k, but I believe this may be the last sub I'll ever buy (I'm hoping at least, this is an excitement but really expensive hobby!). I really can't wait to hear this monster in my setup, after all the rave reviews everybody is saying...

Will keep you guys posted once I get to listen!

Many thanks for your advice guys!

no-cure,

Ron's advice is spot-on. Piano black, wise choice. If you haven't already, I would conceder getting the Avia/SPL meter bundle offered on SVSound's site. A well tuned rig is the bomb and that combo will get you headed in the right direction. Particularly the setting up a SUB parts.

BTW,
It's big, it's really really big.

[no-cure]

no-cure,

Ron's advice is spot-on. Piano black, wise choice. If you haven't already, I would conceder getting the Avia/SPL meter bundle offered on SVSound's site. A well tuned rig is the bomb and that combo will get you headed in the right direction. Particularly the setting up a SUB parts.

BTW,
It's big, it's really really big.

Yeah, I was looking at that deal, for some reason I always curbed away from getting these SPL meters, honestly, that was mainly because I'm not too familiar about their accuracy. Guess I should take the plunge in that, I'd hate to have a top notch system and not have it properly setup. I always trusted my ears, I guess...

[Sherardp]

Get the SPL meter you will have a tuned setup that will sound splendid. Good choice on the piano black also man, wait until you see the quality of it when it arrives, you unbox it, and pull the white cover off that bad boy.

[no-cure]

Yes, I can see how the SPL meter will benefit my system, but what about the AVIA guide to HT? Do you recommend that as well? Is this like the ISF calibration that some other products offer?

[Sherardp]

You'll be able to use the test tones off the dvd, and cal the audio with it. As for video you should be able to do a short calibration with it. You will notice a better picture once you've gone through it. ISF calibration is completely different and will cost you about 300-400 to have a tech come out and do it.

[no-cure]

Thanks Sherardp, I added the Avia and the SPL meter to my order...I can't wait to see and HEAR this bad boy in my theater room!!

I will definitely take pictures and do a write up on my whole system!

[polkatese]

Congrats, no-cure! I am sure you'll stay up late configuring the new baby.

Here is another tool that I have found to be very instrumental in tweaking my setup to completion. You may not need this, but this is the reason I bought a Velodyne DD-15, since it has the software built-in on the sub:

http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/products/product.aspx?ID=15&sid=790y204c

Njoy!

[no-cure]

Hey guys, I got my new SVS PB12+ sub a couple days ago, and after tweaks over tweaks, countless hours of frustration, I finally believe I got this beast thumping a little. Not without some trouble along the way...

Using the AVIA test tones and an analog RS SPL, I calibrated all speakers to 85dB on C-weighted slow settings. However, I couldn't get the sub to match the fronts (i.e. the sub was way off the scale no matter how low I turned down the sub pre out and the sub gain switch). But just so you know, SVS tech support it's been helping me every step of the way! They are everything people say: awesome!

Btw, are you running the LSI15 and LSIC as SMALL in your pre/pro?? Initially I had them as LARGE, but believe I got my SVS sub to thump some more once I switched them to small. I could have sworn that they are full range speakers...

But still, I'm convinced this beast can do more, as I put in the mayhem scene from Master and Commander, and something is still missing. Yes, it's better than my old sub, but I guess I expected more. The sub gain is at around 11 o'clock and the pre/pro sub level is at -5db.

[Ron Temple]

Hey guys, I got my new SVS PB12+ sub a couple days ago, and after tweaks over tweaks, countless hours of frustration, I finally believe I got this beast thumping a little. Not without some trouble along the way...

Using the AVIA test tones and an analog RS SPL, I calibrated all speakers to 85dB on C-weighted slow settings. However, I couldn't get the sub to match the fronts (i.e. the sub was way off the scale no matter how low I turned down the sub pre out and the sub gain switch). But just so you know, SVS tech support it's been helping me every step of the way! They are everything people say: awesome!

Btw, are you running the LSI15 and LSIC as SMALL in your pre/pro?? Initially I had them as LARGE, but believe I got my SVS sub to thump some more once I switched them to small. I could have sworn that they are full range speakers...

But still, I'm convinced this beast can do more, as I put in the mayhem scene from Master and Commander, and something is still missing. Yes, it's better than my old sub, but I guess I expected more. The sub gain is at around 11 o'clock and the pre/pro sub level is at -5db.I have mine calibrated 3dbs hot for that extra kapow and either adjust down or turn off for music.

[Sherardp]

I agree with Ron-P, I run mine a little hot also. My sub gain is 1/3 the way up, and in my AVR at -5. No-cure set all speakers to small and the crossover in the AVR to 80hz. The sub level may be a little difficult, I ran into this same thing, just keep working with it and you will get it. You should be blown away with your setup tweaked. I was smiling ear to ear, once I set mine up, then again Im running the PB12/plus 2. Either way though you should be out of your chair with what you have. Give War of the Worlds a go, or Finding Nemo( Darla taps tank scene) and see how the system sounds on those clips. If youre still not happy, send it back and go with the plus 2

[cyberhazard]

My gain is a little less than halfway. One port plugged and subsonic set to 16Hz. Mains set to small and AVR x-over set to 80, SUB setting a tad hot at 3.

I also crawled the room before positioning the sub. Managed to work it in close to the prime location. Wife wouldn't let me put it in the exact spot.

"I could have sworn that they are full range speakers..."
They are. But depending on your receiver, if you are using the SUB out. Setting the mains to small is what turns on your LFE track.