David Barteaux

Would I be making a mistake going for a Paradigm Servo-15 V2 over a SVS PC-Ultra? I want the most low end extension with the most musical performance (who dosent)I have only heard the Servo-15 V1. Some believe that sealed designs like the Servo are more musical than ported designs so its a tough call.

Zack_R

Order them both and see what one you like best then return / sell-off the other. Also get an spl meter and test tones to plot the response and help confirm your decision.

Paradigm makes good stuff and I don't see how owning their sub would be a mistake. For me, the key to enjoying a sub is getting one that provides the extension you want with the clean output you desire.

I've no experience with the Servo-15 but I do own a CS-Ultra (had it for over 2 years) and have no immediate plans to replace it. I've had it in a 7,500 cubic foot room and it always got me the extension and spl I wanted. For example, 110 dBs uncorrected on the LOTR ring drop seated 15 feet away.

Antonio_B

I'm not sure if you'll be able to find new Servos in Canada now.
I ordered a Servo 3 weeks ago and apparently they were discontinued.
I ended up going with a Seismic-12 which is supposed to hit louder than the Servo-15.

Got it for 2000$ CAN for your information.

David Barteaux

My Paradigm dealer will only do exchanges after 10 days. Shipping back the SVS is not going to be economical in my location.

I am moving from a BagEnd sub that is very clean and musical in the upper octaves, but does not play loud with distortion down low. I know both subs I am considering will do vey well down low, but the musical performance is of great importance in my decision.

David Barteaux

That is very interesting to hear that the new Servo V2 is discontinued. Are you sure you don't mean the Servo V1? Also, all the dealers in my area don't carry the new Servo v2...interesting.

Kevin C Brown

There is a new version of the Servo 15 coming.

But David- I'm curious as to what you want to spend. I think the SVS PB12-Plus/2 should be considered. I have the Ultra version, and I've plotted its response in my room to 11 Hz at -3 dB. There are some reviews floating about (Edward J M did one I think) with distortion results. As far as Paradigm, I do like the Servo 15, but the Seismic 12 is anemic. Bad distortion results when you try to play low freqs with any kind of volume. The Seismic 12 definitely does not play louder than the Servo 15. You can't cheat physics, and the Servo 15 has over 50% more cone area than the Seismic 12, a bigger amp, and a bigger box. Review over on Secrets for the Seismic 12 if you're curious.

If it's not worth waiting until the last minute to do, then it's not worth doing.

KevinVision 7.1 ...

Robert_Dufresne

David

Have you considered the Signature servo from Paradigm


BTW It is true that sealed subs have a reputation of being more accurate. The down side is that you need a more powerful amp to drive them. Porting an enclosure is a way of amplifying the bass output at certain frequencies. It allows companies to get by with less powerful amps. That is also wy most hi-end subs are sealed.

\"and if my grand-mother had wheels she\'d be a wagon\" Montgomery Scott Eng. USS Enterprise

David Barteaux

Not sure of the advantage the signature servo would have over the reference servo-15 other than exotic cabinet finish. The specs look identical for both subs.

Rob Bird

I mean, they don't just have a reputation for being more accurate, they _are_ more accurate. Both phase and group delays greatly favor sealed enclosures. You might consider a low Q (large)sealed enclosure with something like a Tumult, and a good eq and stout amp. It should price similarly and lay waste to the Servo 15.

frank manrique

quote:

That is also wy most hi-end subs are sealed.
__________________________________________________ _______

Not in all cases; vide Wilson's way overpriced and overrated "Puppy" sub, for example: is a vented design (as is their obsecenely priced 18" bass driver-based subs).

In any case, it isn't true that just because a sub might be sealed automatically makes it "accurate." That's taurine poo-poo; dog droppings; water buffalo spoor.

And while am at it...accurately designed and executed vented systems can be, and usually are, very, very "musical," far more than adept at reproducing musical SOUNDS. Period...

-THTS

"...hi, my name is Frank...and am an SVS bassaholic..."