2 Polks or 1 SVS (1 Viewer)

[autoengineer_70]

So my Phase Tech Octave Power 12 sub gave it up a few weeks ago. It’s about 10 years old so it had a good run and I’m ready to upgrade now. I’ve talked the wife into spending about $750. Both Polk and SVS have some discounts going on. So what’s the better move. Get 1 SVS PB-2000 for $700 or get 2 Polk HTS 12s for $375 each? It’s possible I could go PB-2000 now and add another PB-2000 down the road, but with a daughter starting college this fall, probably not any time soon.

 

[JohnRice]

When it comes to subs on a budget, my opinion is that better is better. A lot of people seem to disagree. But two lesser subs just play slightly louder then one lesser sub. A better sub is simply better.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Listen to John, he's a wise man.

Here is something to think about.

SVS is factory-direct, so there is no retailer markup. You’re getting their products for the equivalent of wholesale. Despite this they don’t feel they can make a good sub for less than $500 (their cheapest sub). On the street through a dealer that sub would probably cost at least $600.

Polk is sold through dealers. The one you’re interested in is $375, which reflects a profit for both Polk and the retailer. How could it possibly be better than even the cheapest SVS sub?

Polk subs have traditionally had a reputation on the audio forums as bottom-feeders. However, it appears their subs have improving drastically in recent years. I found a review of the Polk here. While it is generally a very positive review, the reviewer noted that it was down 5 dB at 20 Hz. By contrast, SVS rates the ported 2000 as having output down to 16 Hz. That will make a difference if you’re a fan of action flicks.

Get the SVS. You won’t be sorry.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[JohnRice]

FWIW, I upgraded the sub in my living room system last year. I went from a BIC F-12 to a SVS SB-2000. The BIC is pretty comparable to the Polk you’re looking at. There’s just no comparison between the two subs. The SVS is cleaner, can be crossed over at a higher frequency if needed, is more dynamic and goes lower. Of course, the SVS I got is sealed, so it’s a little different from the ported one. I preferred to go with the better control of the sealed option.

 

[Edwin-S]

I'd spend the money on one good sub versus two mediocre ones. I was originally going to try a two sub system, but I find for the average room that one good quality sub is more than adequate for the job. I did spend quite a bit on the sub that I bought and found that it had enough kick to cause pictures to shift on my walls and knick knacks to start dancing across shelves. The sub itself would "walk" on my hardwood floor. I had to turn it down a lot and it still gives a pretty good thump at low levels: enough to still cause rattles. If I had had two of them, I probably would have had things falling off the walls.

 

[Mike Frezon]

Scott: Welcome to the HTF!

I think you've been given some sound advice (by some of our most knowledgeable members).

I have an SVS PB-1000 (being the budget-minded guy I am) and have been thrilled with its output.

 

[Foxman]

Get the SVS. Seasons of life are like the ebbs and flows of the waves in the ocean. You may find yourself able to add a second SVS sometime sooner than you think. Even if not though, the satisfaction of quality far outlives the bitter taste of poor quality.

 

[autoengineer_70]

Thanks for the advice guys. I’ve definitely decided against that particular pair of polks BUT I’ve been doing some looking around on the web and the HSU’s have kind of intrigued me. Never heard of the company before but I”ve read a lot of good things. (The last time I shopped for a subwoofer, Velodyne was all the rage!)

Any thoughts on HSU subwoofers?

 

[JohnRice]

HSU is a good choice as well.

 

[autoengineer_70]

it’s basically down to the HSU VTF-2 mk5 and the SVS PB2000. The HSU with shipping is about a $100 cheaper even with the $100 off SVS is now offering.
I’m pretty sure, either one will blow away my 125 watt Phase tech octave 12 I had.

 

[Dave Moritz]

For your situation go with the SVS

5 Year Unconditional Warranty
45 Day risk free in home trial
Free Shipping & Returns
60 Day Guarenteed Price Protection

SVS Customer Bill of Rights

Read our customer bill of rights and find how SVS stands behind its products. Find the best home theater speakers and subwoofers for less from SVS.

www.svsound.com

I like Polk but I do not think you will get this from Polk!

 

[tajalan]

Along the lines of this thread, I'm looking to add some desperately needed bass to my home system (Yamaha receiver + Polk Monitor 40/60s). My budget is ~$300. Currently available in my used market are

1. Polk HTS 12 - $200. Good condition.
2. Klipsch R-120SW - $250. Mint condition.
3. SVS 20-39 PCi - $320. Rough condition
4. SVS 25-31PCi - $350. Mint condition

All work properly; I'm referring to cosmetic condition. I'm leaning towards the SVS 25-31PCi, although it's stretching my budget. My hope is to use it as a stop gap until my financial circumstances have improved and perhaps I could take advantage of an SVS Black Friday event. Your thoughts?

 

[Mike Frezon]

Taj:

Personally, I think that's sound thinking. Stay away from the Polk sub. That was one of the first pieces of advice I got here when I first joined the HTF. (And I currently am using Polk RTi 6's as my fronts and Polk RTi 4's as my surrounds and a Polk CSi 5 as my center.)

Stretching a few extra $$ for an SVS sub would make you very happy, I'm pretty sure.

Please be sure to report back here how things go.