Paradigm Servo 15 or SVS (1 Viewer)

[Junie]

Hello everyone! I'm in the market to replace my current sub and I have been looking at the Paradigm Servo 15. This is an awsome sub but before I drop any coin on it I wanted to see how it compares to SVS. I was thinking of the PB 12 Ultra / 2 or the PC Ultra Cylinder Series. I have not had the pleasure of hearing any of the SVS models and I'm not sure which model to go with, but from what I've read on this site they proform well and I could save some money. The Servo 15 costs about 2200.00 for the new v2. I currently use Paradigm speakers in my set up now but my options are open for the sub. My current sub is not that great (Cerwin Vega ) but it has served its purpose and now it is time to move on.

 

[Greg Gable]

Here are some specs if you like that kind of thing. I had the Servo-15 and the PB 12 Ultra / 2 in my house at the same time to decide what I would keep. Now, by my signature you may think the Servo won me over but that's not really the case. If it was up to me and I didnt mind the size of the SVS it would have won based on price. I couldnt tell much difference between the two; if anything the Servo may have sounded a little better for music and the SVS may have sounded a little better for movies. I was able to get the Servo at a comparable price to the SVS and I like the size better so I went with it. If I had to pay full price the SVS would win hands down.

Servo - 40HZ/100dB = 1%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/100dB = 1%
DD15 - 40Hz/100dB = 1.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 40Hz/100dB = 2%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 40Hz/100dB = 1%

Servo - 30HZ/100dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/100dB = 4%
DD15 - 30Hz/100dB = 2.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 30Hz/100dB = 4%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 30Hz/100dB = 5%

Servo - 20HZ/100dB = 5.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/100dB = 14.5%
DD15 - 20Hz/100dB = 9.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) - 20Hz/100dB = 7%
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) - 20Hz/100dB = 28%

Servo - 40HZ/105dB = 1.5%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/105dB = 1.5%
DD15 - 40Hz/105dB = 2.25%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/105dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/105dB = 7.5%
DD15 - 30Hz/105dB = 3%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/105dB = 7%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/105dB = 30%
DD15 - 20Hz/105dB = 13.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 105db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 105db ratings not available

Servo - 40HZ/110dB = 2.25%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 40Hz/110dB = 2.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/110dB = 4.5%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 30Hz/110dB = 3.75%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/110dB = 7.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/110dB = 110db ratings not available
DD15 - 20Hz/110dB = 13.5%
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 110db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 110db ratings not available

Servo - 40HZ/115dB = 3%
PB12+2 - 40HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 40Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

Servo - 30HZ/115dB = 4.75%
PB12+2 - 30HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 30Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

Servo - 20HZ/115dB = 9.5%
PB12+2 - 20HZ/115dB = 115db ratings not available
DD15 - 20Hz/115dB = 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (12Hz) 115db ratings not available
20-39 PC Plus (20Hz) 115db ratings not available

 

[John Garcia]

Hey Greg, nice to see you found a thread right up your alley here Welcome.

Note too, just in case you haven't seen the news Junie, SVS has NEW Ultras coming soon.

 

[Junie]

Greg thanks for the detailed information! this will help a lot. How much did the Servo Cost you? Here in Atlanta the price is 2500.00. Why did SVS DC the ultras? Were there issues?

 

[John Garcia]

No issues, they are just coming out with bigger, badder Ultras

 

[Greg Gable]

Junie,

The MSRP for the Servo, here in Texas, is the same you quoted . I was able to get $1000 off the price but this was a special circumstance so I wouldnt expect you to be able to get it down to that.

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Hi Greg,

Can you explain the measurement process and the equipment you used to gether the data? The Servo15 numbers look incredibly high while the SVS numbers look uncommonly low(compared to published objective measurements on both units in the past).

For example if you look at the avtalk measurements(ground plane, 2 meters)…

Plus/2 101dB/20hz/15% thd and 97dB/20hz/7% thd
Servo15---didn’t produce those output level---maxxed out at 93dB/20.

So if we take the 93dB/20hz level....the THD was 9-10% on the servo15. So the plus/2 had 4dB more output with 2-3% less distortion.

If you look at the other frequencies tested(at avtalk) I believe you’ll find many more instances like this.

Tom V.
SVS

 

[Greg Gable]

I believe the results are from Hometheaterhifi but to tell you the truth "you caught me with my pants down" I pasted the results from an arguement at a different website (you know the one) it is under Paradigm subwoofer. If you read through the threads over there you will soon realize that I am one of your biggest advocates. I dont care about graphs and numbers; I care about biggest bang for the buck with true, clean power. As you can see; I couldnt tell much difference in the two but like the price of yours. I just mainly prefer to buy from local dealers. I probably have no business posting specs but I put it out there anyway. Sorry if they are wrong or you disagree; like I said...I dont care what the numbers are.

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Hi Greg, no worries at all. Someone else emailed me a link to that thread and after looking it over I believe I see what the problem is. The person(s) making this chart used the avtalk data(from what I can gather) but they didn't seem to realize that you cannot simply "chart" the distortion sweeps. You also have to compare the distortion sweep to the actual output generated by the subwoofer udring that sweep. That is a much more time consuming method, by the only way to be accurate when "charting" data like that.

Anyway, the servo15 has been an excellent subwoofer for a long time now, I have no doubts it will continue to serve you well for many years to come..

Tom V.
SVS

 

[Greg Gable]

By the way; I have had a few conversations with Ron and maybe you too and I have to commend you on your friendly customer service and helpful hints. I wish you the best.

 

[John Garcia]

That data gives them a level playing field for testing, however does that data really tell you anything that is useful to draw real conclusions from?

 

[Parker Clack]

Tom:

What sub would you recommend to Junie instead of the PB 12 Ultra / 2 as they are being replaced?

Parker

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Hi Parker,

If he can talk the local Paradigm dealer into allowing a weekend "loan" of a servo15 to try in his own HT, he might find it a good fit. From SVS, I would need to know details like...

1)room size(and if there are any large openings to other areas of the home)
2)assoicated gear(receiver/speakers)
3)listening habits(will he push the system to reference levels on occasion...or will it be kept to a more common 9-15dB under reference?

If he had a chance to compare the servo15 and the PB12nsd I think he would find them very close in extension, output capabilities, and sound quality.

Tom V.
SVS

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Hi John,

Not sure if that was directed at me? If so, I do believe one can draw many conclusions from objective test data gathered on subwoofers(and speakers). Nothing beats auditioning the unit for yourself(preferably in your own home) though.

Tom V.
SVS

 

[Greg Gable]

Knowing John, he was implying that the data I provided doesnt mean too much and he would get the SVS if it was up to him...lol...

 

[John Garcia]

Yes Tom, that one was for you. The data provides some info for comparison, but what I mean is, does it translate into something that is can meaningfully be used when comparing one sub to another? It obviously doesn't tell you how it will perform in a given room, nor how that sub sounds? I guess I'm asking how important are those measured specs vs actual listening, and do some of them affect clearly audible differences?

 

[Junie]

If he can talk the local Paradigm dealer into allowing a weekend "loan" of a servo15 to try in his own HT, he might find it a good fit. From SVS, I would need to know details like...

1)room size(and if there are any large openings to other areas of the home)
2)assoicated gear(receiver/speakers)
3)listening habits(will he push the system to reference levels on occasion...or will it be kept to a more common 9-15dB under reference?

If he had a chance to compare the servo15 and the PB12nsd I think he would find them very close in extension, output capabilities, and sound quality.


HeyTom thanks for the input. The room that my system is in is my family room. It is about 26x19 and open to my kitchen and second floor. Dispite the size and openess I get great sound there. However I know I am lacking in the bass dept. I have a Rotel 1075 amp and a Rotel 1068 processor for the front speakers I have Paradigm Studio 20's v2 for the center I have a Paradigm CC 370 For the rears I have a set of Phase Technology bipole/dipole ( can't remember the model at the moment) but they have really come to life since I switched over to the Rotel products. I have a Cerwin Vega LW15 sub. I listen to about 70% movies 30% music and I do push it to reference levels when I can.

 

[John Garcia]

Switch over to a matching Studio center and it will come even more alive That is a pretty big room, so I think the subs you're looking at are in the right category, but maybe a Plus/2 would be a better choice from SVS?

 

[Junie]

Yeah John I see your point the center is left over from when I had the mini monitors but I will upgrade it in the future. The only thing is I may have to Place it on top of the entertainment center and tilt it down toward the listing area. Its too big to fit on the shelf above the TV. Not a big issue though. Some day I will have a dedicated HT room

The Plus/2 is looking good and the price is right. Thanks for all of the info and input........

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Hello Junie,

In that room size John is correct, the PB12plus/2 would be the better choice from SVS. If you could place the Plus/2 in/near a corner of the room within say...3-4 meters of the key seating positions it should be fine down to the 17-19hz range with 115-121dB of solid output(in 20hz mode). If you like your bass calibrated a little on the hot side AND occasionally push the system to full reference levels(which can require 125+ from the subwoofer(s))...you might even find yourself considering a second Plus/2 down the road.

Tom V.
SVS