What sub to buy now that the XRef 12 is discontinued

[me262]

Jun 17, 2013 20:33:27 GMT -5 Dark Ranger said:

Jun 17, 2013 17:14:27 GMT -5 me262 said:

I meant the 1000's vs the 12 when I said lesser but you make a good point. The two PB-1000's may be an option. I can justify the 150, if it will be better. Would this be the option to go with?

Well, you're coming from an Ultra Sub 10, right? What was your primary reason for upgrading to the XREF-12? More power? Bigger driver? Possibly better SQ?

If you know the requirements, it's easier to make a decision. If you were happy with the output and SQ of the Ultra Sub 10, but wanted a little bit more of both, maybe something like the SB12-NSD would suffice. If you're looking for additional output for HT, you can go with a beefier amp or even get a ported sub. If you want more output with a smoother response throughout the room, the dual PB-1000 mentioned earlier would be nice, too, even though it's a bit over budget.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of SVS's products. They have excellent customer service and great sounding subs.

It was for a mix of reasons, I felt in comparison to my mains, i got the ultra 10 when I had Polk Monitor 60's as mains, it was under powered (The ERT 8.3's are impressive). I am now moving into my own apartment which is an open floor plan and knew the sub 10 just wasnt going to do it. Finally I wanted a bit more kick and would like to experience lower frequencies. For me this is coming down to the most bang for the buck based on what I want, I want a system that will sound great with music and movies both. I am not against 2 subs, nor am I against 1 sub. It is just which one will sound better, 2 PB-1000's or 1 PC12-NSD.

[plato]

2 subs in my book. Also the benefit more evenly distributed bass throughout the room.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using proboards

[me262]

After spending allot of time reading it seems to be me this is my conclusion, I am not buying yet though so please if you think I am just plane wrong tell me.

If my goal was purely home theater, without a doubt the 2xPB-1000 would be the winner. They provide great performance and with two of them my room would be filled and my base response would get all the benefits of two woofers. However several reviewers sight that the PB-1000 hits a wall at times with music, and when you hit that wall, you can hear it in the form of port noise and distortion. That worries me both with movies and music.

On the other hand the PC12-NSD has gotten reviews that say a few key things. The first, musically it is very talented. The second, when it hits the performance wall you cant tell, because of its graceful back off. This surprised me but several reviewers noted this so I believe it.

If this was me three years ago I would be all over the PB-1000's because I would say they give huge bang for the buck and thats great. Since then I have learned that it is worth waiting for quality, ie why all of my polk speakers were replaced by emotiva's old Reference line.

That being said I think I will get a PC12-NSD now, and then a second one when I have a bit more spare cash. This will allow me to eventually benefit from dual subs, but give me awesome quality while I wait. The Performance might be a little less in theater, but I think music will be a winner and theater will win a little later, after all 750 is not to much so a second one could come sooner haha.

Anyway if someone things there is something wonky about my analysis please tell me.

[drtrey3]

I got my sub before I found out about Emotiva, so I got an Outlaw LFM. It may have been made by Emotiva, so I have that going for me. It makes me quite happy.

Trey

[ZrC]

Jun 17, 2013 13:00:41 GMT -5 Dark Ranger said:

The SVS is a good choice. Also, here are three other suggestions:

HSU Research VTF-3 MK4

Power Sound Audio XV15

Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX


The standard Rythmiks are just outside your price range, except for the new LV12R, also here. It's an entry-level model that provides Direct Servo technology at an affordable price.

Another vote for SVS or HSU.

The outlaw sub was designed by Dr. Hsu.

[AudioHTIT]

I just built a system for a friend and used (2) SVS SB-1000's, I was very impressed with their performance, smooth response and a deep bottom. We watched "The Avengers" and "Dark Shadows" and they handled the task well without drawing too much attention We did not get the system up to reference levels but they never sounded strained. I considered the PB-1000 but there was a height limitation in this installation.

[Dark Ranger]

Jun 26, 2013 11:18:07 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

I just built a system for a friend and used (2) SVS SB-1000's, I was very impressed with their performance, smooth response and a deep bottom. We watched "The Avengers" and "Dark Shadows" and they handled the task well without drawing too much attention We did not get the system up to reference levels but they never sounded strained. I considered the PB-1000 but there was a height limitation in this installation.

I am working with a friend to build a small system for HT and music. Due to her listening preferences, budget, and room size, I also chose the SVS SB-1000. I demoed the SB-1000 in my own room (War of the Worlds and Tron: Legacy) and was very impressed. Smooth, tight, and surprisingly deep extension. The PB-1000 was too large, but the 13" sealed cube is just perfect. We'll be assembling the entire system in her living room either this weekend or next.

Oh, and I'll also say that SVS customer service is stellar.

[flyhigh]

+1 for SVS.

Awesome products, and Awesome people to back 'em up.

[LCSeminole]

Well I'm a bit biased in my opinion as I really like my dual SVS subwoofers. They don't leave me wanting in the low end at all and they are barely pushed even at reference levels. Yes their customer service is right up there as well, however I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Power Sound Audio.

[rnatalli]

You can't go wrong really with any of the brands mentioned so far. The SB12-NSD is the closest to the X-Ref. Another option I don't think anyone mentioned yet is the sealed PSA XS15 for $749.

[blkman0072]

I was wondering does anyone know or heard the BIC PL-200 Acoustech? I know they are not SVS but they are 329.00 each on Amazon. I was thinking dual subs as the XMC has two sub outputs . Amazon has a good rating on them and I also saw a review that had them listed high for subs under 500.00 .

[RightinLA]

I like the multiple subs option. I like the more even response and plus each one is a lot easier to lift, and ship should you decide to move them or sell them.

[ericblair]

I am one hundred percent satisfied with my new Power Sound Audio XS30. I achieved my goal of enjoying Bach's "tocatta and Fugue in d minor" and I have scared listeners with the launch sequence of the Hubble Imax bluray. 2X-XPA-1L, XPS-1, XPA-5, UMC-200, XDA-2, XDA-1, Airmotiv 6

[hungryears]

I will say that 2 factors will make the most sonic difference in your application.

* One or Two Subs
* Sealed or Ported

Two Subs in stereo are absolutely superior for Music playback .. Sealed Subs are fast, accurate and have far greater musical credibility.

One large Ported Sub ran summed is most likely a better choice for HT .. Save a lot of money and hear plenty of the lower octave.

Compromise is always an issue when you attempt to put 5 pounds of stuff in a two pound box.

That's my two cents .. good luck.

[ossif]

I did think about SVS but then made the move to a BKelc Monolith Plus. Once you have one you don't look back.

[Andrew Robinson]

Aug 11, 2013 16:25:49 GMT -5 ossif said:

I did think about SVS but then made the move to a BKelc Monolith Plus. Once you have one you don't look back.

My vote would be to go with either a Tekton Pendragon Subwoofer or the Pendragon Cinema Subwoofer. In truth, if you can swing it, get both, use the Pendragon Sub as a low-bass woofer and the Cinema Sub for sub-bass frequencies. Though you can just get the Cinema Sub and be fine. It's $1,000 if memory serves me. 18-incher too. . 

[paintedklown]

I may be late to the party here, but here is a review of the SVS PB-1000 subwoofer from S&V with measurements. IMO, its looks like a great sub, with a great price.

www.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/2013/04/19/review-svs-pb-1000-subwoofer?page=0,1

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[PGT]

I'm also interested in what's what these days. I am finishing up a media room refresh for my parents and the Edge/Aperion Audio sub that they inherited from the old owners has given up the ghost. It's a nice cherry cabinet with 12" Peerless driver and integrated plate amp. The fuse holder was smashed on it so I soldered in a new one but its blowing fuses (I'm guessing why that's how it got damaged by the previous owners...they tried putting the wrong physical size fuse in it.

They've got an old DefTech ProSub 100 to use in the meantime, but, as a dedicated media room....I'd like to put something with some impact in there. 15" driver with good power. After reading this thread, looks like I've got some investigating to do and also need to run down what their budget is.

[audiophill]

I want a Powersound Triax! Triple 15" drivers and 4000 watts rms! Wow!

[flamingeye]

However several reviewers sight that the PB-1000 hits a wall at times with music, and when you hit that wall, you can hear it in the form of port noise and distortion. That worries me both with movies and music.
This statement might be true with 1 PB-1000 but with two I dough that would be true because with two of them they wouldn’t need to output as much as one would , the power would be halved between the two so to speak