SVS vs HSU and which one for 4000 cu ft HT room?

Burke · 10-19-2003, 07:25 PM

My first post. I've had a home theater for about two years, but been disappointed in my Klipsch KSW 12 subwoofer. I suspect it may not be enough oomph for my size room. I calculate my room at approx. 4000 cu ft.

My home theater is in the basement, berber carpet on concrete slab. Approximate dimensions are 30 X 17 X 8.5. I have an accoustic tile ceiling. Negligible amount of glass (windows). The room is wider than deep with the big screen offset from center about 6 feet.

After lurking on the forum I've concluded that the two contenders for my $1000 investment are HSU and SVS. I am leaning towards the SVS PB2-ISB. My kids, wife and I listen at moderate levels. What are your opinions? And which sub do you recommend? I'd appreciate any feedback possible.

Fernando Saa · 10-19-2003, 08:03 PM

I'll be receiving my PB2-Plus from SVS tomorrow monday according to the tracking shipment from Bax Global, and am very happy, but at the same time a little anxious if it will perform as expected.
But I have to tell you that originally I was gonna purchase my sub from HSU until I found out about SVS and came to this forum. There is an overwhelmingly bigger acceptance to SVS not only sonic wise but also in customer service which I've already experienced and must say is excellent. I don't doubt that if I had made the choice to go with HSU I'd be very happy too because I haven't heard any negative thoughts about it, by the contrary ir seems to be a great contender. But if I was in your shoes I'd go for SVS. I mean, two drivers, 600 watts (for the ISD model), great customer service, greater acceptace by members of this forum... etc. Good luck

MikeLi · 10-19-2003, 09:35 PM

I would tell you to get the PB2+. Call and speak or email Ron at SVS and give him your room measurements and specifics and he will advise you on what to get. They will not try to over sell you but I still think with your room you should go the plus route.

CurtisSC · 10-19-2003, 10:06 PM

Burke,

I am a huge proponent Hsu's high quality bass and my VTF-3, I am sure the VTF-3 will suit your needs nicely.

That said, the two drivers in PB2 will move more air and give you higher SPL's.

I don't think you will go wrong either way.

JackLonn · 10-20-2003, 12:25 AM

I haven't received my PB2+ yet, but I did email Ron at SVS with my room measurements (3,700 ft^3) and he recommended the PB2+. Probably another 10 days

before it ships.

**HTF Ads**

MikeLi · 10-20-2003, 08:28 AM

I cant comment on the HSU VTF-3 but both HSU and SVS are both fine companies and you will find alot of folks that will tell you that either will be fine as long as you get the right one for your room. It is very important to have enough woofage going in than to get something and be dissapointed and want to go bigger. Plus these things are big and expensive to ship back. I went the SVS route and Ron was most helpful there, used my room specs and he gave me several options. I took the best one and glad I did.. Now I dont have to wonder if I should have gone bigger. I really like the PB2+. Just my 2 cents.. My room is about the same size as yours.

Edward J M · 10-20-2003, 11:27 AM

For a 4,000 ft3 room at what you call "moderate" levels, the PB2-ISD is a slam dunk for $900.

Twin ISD woofers, a vault-like enclosure with lots of internal volume, a 600+ watt digital BASH amp, three 3" flared deep-breathing ports, continuously variable 0-180 phase control, and variable tuning with port plugs and custom EQ/SS settings for each tune point.

Even in the stock tune with all ports open, the PB2-ISD will dig strong to 21-22 Hz before the SS filter kicks in - deep enough for nearly all movies and music. Not deep enough for that famous SoundHound organ CD floating around? No problemo - tune it to 20 Hz with a single port plug and you've instantly got strong in-room response to 15-16 Hz - deep enough for the largest organ and the bassiest movies.

No other sub offers this combination of components, features, and build quality for $900. And it's sourced in North America and built right here in the USA.

Regards,

Ed

Burke · 10-20-2003, 12:48 PM

Ed,

I like your signature, "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

Do you think the PB2 Plus would offer a substantive incremental improvement in performance to justify an additional $350? Thanks.

Edward J M · 10-20-2003, 01:27 PM

Thanks, but I can't take credit for it. First heard it on "Gladiator", and really liked it. Words to live by.

The PB2-ISD and the PB2-Plus have the same tune points and will sound essentially identical up to the clean limits of the PB2-ISD.

You said you listen at "moderate" levels, so I didn't think the PB2-Plus would provide you with any audible benefit over the PB2-ISD.

If you pushed it really hard on bassy HT DVDs that are very demanding on a subwoofer, the PB2-Plus will deliver a few dB more clean output at the extreme limits.

If you want to get more technical and definitively pin it down.....is your system calibrated to Reference Level at Master Volume 00 with Avia or DVE or S&V?

If yes:

1) At what Master Volume level do you normally play DVDs?

2) How "hot" is your sub calibrated in relation to the surround channels?

3) What kind of sound pressure peaks are you seeing on your sound meter on C-Weighted Fast at the key listening positions during DVD playback at your preferred Master Volume setting?

4) Have you ever bottomed out or otherwise audibly distorted the KSW-12 and is it a limiting factor in setting your overall playback volume?

MikeLi · 10-20-2003, 01:36 PM

Edward brings up some great points. Alot of it though still ends up with how your room is set up. I have as much space as you do but with very high ceilings and an opening on one of the short walls into an eating and kitchen area. Alot escapes that way. Hence I decided to do the PB2+ instead. I am glad I have that extra ooph there if its needed. The cost is not that much more but either sub would probably work fine for you. I always go one step above whats usually recommended to me for everything I get. That way I never wonder what if... but thats just me...