SVS PB12-Plus DSP Subwoofer Review
By paul
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Summary
- Product Name: SVS PB12-Plus DSP Subwoofer
- Manufacturer: SVSound
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: January 04, 2011 20:50
- MSRP: $ 1199
- Specifications
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- STA-800D Sledge™ DSP controlled amp
- SVS Plus 12.5” woofer with stitched, not glued cone surround assembly
- Flush-mount amp configuration
- Computer Assisted Design enclosure
- Perforated grill with hidden magnetic retention
- Detachable, compliant floor mounts
- Proprietary 3" high-flow flared ports
- SVS factory built, individually tested
- Heavy-duty detachable 8" power cord
- Wood veneer or gloss black accents
- 20 Hz mode Vented, 16 Hz mode sealedDigital
- Size: 25” deep x 19" wide x 21" high.
- Weight: 127 pounds
Pros
- Ungodly output capabilities
- Delivers true 20Hz performance
- Flawlessly engineered product
Cons
- Big and heavy
- Pedestrian aesthetics
- Single button amp interface a bit confusing
- No remote control
Introduction
THE SVS PB12-Plus DSP is a self-powered front-loaded vented subwoofer featuring a proprietary 12" long throw driver and 800 watt amplifier with single knob DSP implemented control over filtering, equalization and compression functions. Weighing in at 125lbs+ and costing slightly under $1400, it's no lightweight, and requires more than a little bit of real estate. From its ungodly output capabilities, true 20Hz extension, and ability to play clean and distortion free, the PB12-Plus DSP has truly earned the right to be called a "subwoofer". It's no wonder this mighty sub was the recipient of the Audioholics coveted 2010 Product of the Year award in the subwoofer category. Highly recommended!
See also:
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ooobbbccc posts on February 24, 2013 20:43
Is this sub Bassaholics certified "large" or ''Extreme"?
mdanderson posts on February 26, 2012 19:48
timoteo;865880
A $45 RadioShack SPL meter & test tone disc (from realtraps.com) can give you a good idea of your room response. You will want to use the RS spl-meter compinsation chart for frequencies below 31.5hz. If your willing to take the time its a very decent option without having to learn a program. You can also print up blank dB-vs.-Hz chart to plot your measurements.
Will it be as accurate as say an Omni mic & REW? Not quite but you will be able to see what peaks you need to EQ down. You WILL hear an audible improvement if there is room for improvement!! I did this & feel i got great results!!
I have been doing a lot of reading recently on how to use REW so I feel more comfortable in giving it a go. I just sold my SVS 20-39PCi and ordered a new SVS PB12 plus.
I did end up using the realtraps test cd and discovered a jump of about 10db between 30 and 50Hz on my old sub. I wonder if the new sub I ordered will have the same response? If I have trouble getting REW to work, I know I can always use the realtraps cd. Thanks again,
mdanderson posts on February 19, 2012 22:21
timoteo;865880
A $45 RadioShack SPL meter & test tone disc (from realtraps.com) can give you a good idea of your room response. You will want to use the RS spl-meter compinsation chart for frequencies below 31.5hz. If your willing to take the time its a very decent option without having to learn a program. You can also print up blank dB-vs.-Hz chart to plot your measurements.
Will it be as accurate as say an Omni mic & REW? Not quite but you will be able to see what peaks you need to EQ down. You WILL hear an audible improvement if there is room for improvement!! I did this & feel i got great results!!
Thanks timoteo for the info and tips for good bass response. I have had a RS analog spl meter for quite some time now and I have used it to set up my speakers and current sub using the AIX calibration disc that Oppo sent me after I purchased the BDP-93.
Maybe the realtraps disc would be better for the sub test tones than the AIX. I may try that. Thanks again for the help. By the way, how do you compensate for the RS spl meter? For example, if the meter reads 75db when playing a 25Hz tone, do you read that as actually 80db? Do you had to the reading to get the actual db. Thanks.
timoteo posts on February 18, 2012 15:57
A $45 RadioShack SPL meter & test tone disc (from realtraps.com) can give you a good idea of your room response. You will want to use the RS spl-meter compinsation chart for frequencies below 31.5hz. If your willing to take the time its a very decent option without having to learn a program. You can also print up blank dB-vs.-Hz chart to plot your measurements.
Will it be as accurate as say an Omni mic & REW? Not quite but you will be able to see what peaks you need to EQ down. You WILL hear an audible improvement if there is room for improvement!! I did this & feel i got great results!!
Will it be as accurate as say an Omni mic & REW? Not quite but you will be able to see what peaks you need to EQ down. You WILL hear an audible improvement if there is room for improvement!! I did this & feel i got great results!!
mdanderson posts on February 18, 2012 11:59
Thanks for the detailed reviewed of the PB12-plus. I have been talking to Jack Gilvey at SVS and he has recommended this sub for my room size(2700cf) and tastes which are 50/50 HT and music. I currently have the SVS 20-39PCi which I have had since 2002 and I am trying to sell it at this time.
I see that it is no longer in cherry finish but black oak looks great. The PEQ function looks nice but using something like REW may be a little over my head. I may just use a test tone program like NCH and trying plotting the graph myself.
I see that it is no longer in cherry finish but black oak looks great. The PEQ function looks nice but using something like REW may be a little over my head. I may just use a test tone program like NCH and trying plotting the graph myself.
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