SVS order advice needed - I want my SVS ! (1 Viewer)

[Michael D. Bunting]

SVS and fellow HTF members,
I'm interested in purchasing a SVS subwoofer. I just don't know which one...
Here is my current (apartment) setup:
Denon AVR-3802
JBL NSP-1 speaker set (5)
No subwoofer :frowning:
In the next year or so I hope to be buying/building a home. But for now...I am doomed to live the apartment lifestyle - for just a little while longer anyway. I'm also in the US Military (Air Force), and after just having moved here to Washington state, may soon find myself on the move again here in a few months.
I am very close to ordering the JBL PB12 from J&R.com ($299) - But deep down in my heart I want to give SVS a shot before trying the JBL, especially after reading all the rave SVS reviews here on the HTF and elsewhere.
I, like many other apartment dwellers wanting a SVS sub, have some concerns about how my neighbors may react. I think I'll be able to control myslef and keep the volume turned down....so this isn't really a sticking point to not buy SVS for me. I hope
I would like to keep my spending limit to no more than $600-$700 (including shipping - or less).
What can you all recommend for me?
I probably will not have the funds...anytime soon for a seperate amp. So it's subwoofer only at this time. Is this a bad move? Or can you recommend a good sub/amp package to me that's within my budget? Can I bypass the separate amp all-together since I have the Denon 3802?
Alot of questions I guess....so, any help and/or recommendations for me are much aprecciated!
Best Regards!
Mike Bunting

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

I forgot to mention that I really like the 25-31CS with Samson S700 deal.
I still would like to hear your recommendations please. I want to make a wise move...something I won't regret down the road. Thanks.
http://www.svsubwoofers.com/2531description.htm

 

[Mark KU]

Have you looked at the new PCi series? Sounds about perfect based on what you're describing. The 25-31 PCi is only 549 plus shipping.

I have dual 20-39CS with a Fidek 2x300 amp. Compared to my old sub, well, there's really no comparison. It was an AudioSource SW-15 and I went from loud and boomy to deep and tight. Whereas the SW-15 sounded loud, the SVS feel loud. No complaints whatsoever.

edit - stupid typos.

 

[Art_C]

I would also recommend the 25-31PCi. Order one myself a few weeks ago and I can't wait until they start shipping. Anyway, unless you plan on going to a duel sub system the 25-31CS with S700 would be more expensive for you.
BTW, I would stay away from the PB10 and PB12's. I looked into them a while back but there are a lot of reports of reliability problem with it. Apparently there is some quality issue with a circuit board on the amp that would cause the amp to die prematurely. Go on to audioreview to read up on user reviews.
The other subs that I would recommend for you are HSU VTF-2 ($449 shipped) or Adire Audio Rava ($399). They are some of the favorites for the members on this forum.

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

Okay fellas...I'm real close to submitting my order to SVS for the 25-31PCi
Any last comments for me before I hit SUBMIT ?

 

[Leif Wall]

Michael:

I just went from a pb12 to a 20-39cs. One of the best upgrades I've ever made. When I was living in an apartment and had the pb12 I almost got evicted because of it. It does well in smaller rooms, but it won't cut it in big rooms. Never had an issue with reliability. I love my 20-39 more though, it's just plain awesome. I'm considering on going with dual 20-39s to truly satisfy my appetite.

Whatever SVS you get, you'll be happy just like the rest of us.

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

Too late....
SVS Invoice
Order #2826
SV25 - 31PCi

 

[DevinL]

I'm actually in a similar situation and would like some advice also. I'm planning to buy either a 25-31PCi or 20-39PCi soon.

I know that the two are more alike than different, but I want to know how the two differ at 20hz?

If I'm listening at -20db below reference, will the 20-39 be more audible at low frequencies than the 25-31? My apartment ht room is 10x12 and opens up to a foyer and kitchen. The walls of the building is relatively thin so I can't play too loud either.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is: Will the 25-31 still perform well at >25Hz? Or am I better off with the 20-39?

 

[Steve Stogel]

The 25-31 actually gives you more output >25Hz than the 20-39. The lower the tune, the more headroom you give up in the more frequent bass range. Of course, the lower the tune, the deeper the sub goes before it rolls off.

A nice compromise (and what I have) is a 22Hz tune in the 25-31. Makes it a 22-31, and you give up a little above 25Hz but get a bit more extension. Same price as the 25-31, you just have to request a 22Hz tuning. I believe it still outguns the 20-39 above 25Hz (maybe even 22?) but gets closer to the 39s tuning point. Plus you save some buckage. It's even sweeter when considering PCi's as there's a $100 price gap between the 39 and 31. I think either way you'll be happy, but if you're wanting a bit more extension, go for a 22Hz tune. My $0.02.

Steve

 

[Phil Iturralde]

Congrat's Michael D. Bunting on your 25-31PCi pre-order! The 25-31PCi will blend in with the JBL NSP1's very nicely since the N24's usable lower frequency = 89 Hz -2.7 dB per Sound & Visions benchmark!!! Now, all that's left is, . . . the wait!!

DevinL - Michael D. Bunting suggestion, considering the option of lowering the tune = 22Hz, was one option I did consider! After searching all the previous HTF SVS / 22Hz discussion threads, . . . I still couldn't honestly decide if I should request this option or not! So, . . . I did the next best thing, . . . after placing my 25-31PCi pre-order, I emailed Tom Vodhanel ~ (a.k.a. the subhuman) Director of Research and Development SV Subwoofers and asked him if I should request a 22 Hz retune?? To aid his recommendation, I provided him the size of my HT/family room, ceiling height and foundation floor details. Early next morning, I received his email response and his recommendation was to leave it @ the designed 25 Hz tuning, which I will! If the "Master" recommends leave it @ the designed tuned 25 Hz, . . . then 25 Hz it is.

So, if you're still in a quandary what to do, I recommend emailing Tom your question and room specifics. Based on your supplied INFO, he can provide you a reasonable answer.

Phil

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

Thanks again for all the info guys...I can't wait to get my SVS!
I have a spot all picked out for it allready

 

[DevinL]

Thanks. I guess I'll just ask the SVS guys. I'm sure either way I'll be happy.

 

[Michael D. Bunting]

Steve

I meant to also thank you for recommending the 22 HZ tune procedure. I emailed Tom from SVS and he told me it would be no problem to tune my 25-31PCi down to 22Hz.

Thanks again...man I can't wait for this thing to ship!

 

[Steve Stogel]

No problem, Michael.
I think the 22Hz tune is an awesome compromise. Gets you down near the 20-39 while (I would think) at least matching the 39's output above 22 or 25Hz and definitely producing more bass above 22/25 than the 46. Throw in the fact it costs 50-100 bucks less than a 39 (depending on model), and it seems like a win-win situation to me.
I think you'll love your 31PCi. I've got the older 31 tuned to 22Hz pushed with 150W. Considering your new driver and twice the amp power, you're probably going to get at least double the bass (and more likely 8-10dB, so call it 1-1/2 times the bass ) that I'm getting, and that would be impressive. For $550, I just can't imagine. Good luck.
Steve