Sub upgrade thoughts

[jmierzur]

I am planning upgrades for the fall/winter to my audio/HT system. One upgrade I am considering is the replacement of the subs currently in use. With all the talk lately regarding the SVS products, I thought this might be a good time to solicit advice.

To start, my room is 15’ x 13’ x 8’. My listening habits consist of 95% two channel and 5% HT. I have three of eight tube traps constructed for room treatment. I am listing some of the current equipment to give a feel for what the system interactions are:

-Sony SPD-E800 DD/DPL pro
-Rotel RC-980BX pre
-Rotel RB-980BX amp for LSi9
-Rotel RMB-1075 amp for LSi surround speakers
-Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX
-Definitive Technology ProSub80 (two)
-Sony CDP-X202ES CD player
-BPT BP-2.5

Upgrade plans are (execution order may vary):

1) Projection TV (50” or 60” Sony Grand Wega LCD)
2) Consolidate the separate pre/pro into one unit (Bryston, Lexicon?(DC-2 discontinued?), B&K, Rotel?, Anthem, Sonic Frontiers…)
3) Purchase LSi7 for rear
4) Upgrade the subs (type???)
5) DVD player (possibly with SACD and DVD-A)
6) Interconnects (whatever works best in system)
7) CD? (depending on the quality of the pre/pro DAC)
8) Build a custom oak stand like the Sanus Natural series

The current subs I have are very good considering the price. They achieve 25Hz before the output fades. My goal is to have solid extension (well?) below 20Hz. I also would like to continue to utilize dual subs. I do not care that the sub(s) achieve outrageous in room SPLs as I do not listen at, nor ever intend to listen at those levels.

Having looked locally approximately 18 months ago, I was not overly impressed with the available options. Several SVS thoughts I have entertained are:

-Dual 20-39 PC+
-Dual PB1-ISD
-One/two PB2-Plus (After seeing a picture of “Mrs. Spec” on the sub, I do not have room for those beasts in a corner with the tube traps)
-Other?

To all of you having SVS subs, what do you think of my expectations and sub upgrade plan? Is there any other SVS option I should look at? As I can not listen to these units personally, I will be extending my trust to you for an objective opinion.

Thanks for your input.

[Dr. Spec]

Originally posted by jmierzur
To start, my room is 15? x 13? x 8?. My listening habits consist of 95% two channel and 5% HT.

My goal is to have solid extension (well?) below 20Hz. I also would like to continue to utilize dual subs.

I do not care that the sub(s) achieve outrageous in room SPLs as I do not listen at, nor ever intend to listen at those levels.

Is there any other SVS option I should look at?

16-46 PCi or 16-46 CS (you'll need a spare 300 W amp with the CS, though). Unless you feel the need due to room interaction, I don't see the need for a dual sub in that size room at low listening levels. The 16-46 will give you in-room extension to about 13 Hz.

Doc

[fireshoes]

On the tv front, you might compare the Grand Wega against the Samsung DLP's.