Hardware Review SVS SB17 Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Review (1 Viewer)

[John Dirk]

The new SVS 17 Ultra series consists of the PB17 and SB17, which are 17 inch ported and sealed subwoofers respectively, and the new flagships of the SVS subwoofer line. Both also carry the badge of “R|Evolution” and I believe by the end of this review, you will understand why. As with their predecessor, the 16 Ultra series, it would appear the “PC,” or ported cylinder variants have not been carried over, at least for flagship products. This new generation also loses the front panel controls found on both the SB 4000 and 16 Ultra series and replaces the previous metal grills with non-magnetic fabric.

Overview​

The “17 Ultra R|Evolution” series can be ordered with either gloss black or black oak finishes for the same price. For this review, SVS was kind enough to send me two of their sealed 17 Ultra’s in gloss black, which I thought would allow for a nice comparison with my reference dual SB 4000 configuration. Despite the vast difference in on-paper specs, I was surprised to find the SB17’s only marginally larger [20″ x 19.5″ x 21.2″ compared to 18.3″ x 17.8″ x 20.9”] than my current subs. The unboxed weights are 124 and 102.3 pounds respectively which is, again, not what I was expecting. Thoughtful packaging made positioning and setup easier than one might expect, but make no mistake, it’s still a two-person job. Read on and you’ll see SVS has packed an unbelievable amount of performance into their new sealed standard bearer

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[Sam Posten]

Terrific review John. I’m very happy with my single 17, maybe I will have to double down at some point

 

[John Dirk]

Thanks, Sam. It is definitely worth considering.

 

[Clinton McClure]

Excellent review. I’m hoping that one day, I’ll be able to upgrade from my 1st generation Paradigm Servo 15 and its anemic 400w amp to an Ultra 16 or 17.

 

[JohnRice]

Terrific review John. I’m very happy with my single 17, maybe I will have to double down at some point

It will depend on the room, but the benefit I got with dual SB-16s was an almost perfect smoothing of in-room response. Using (your favorite) REW, I could see some peaks and valleys with individual subs, but with proper placement, once I had both tuned in, the curve is virtually flat down to 15Hz.

 

[John Dirk]

Excellent review. I’m hoping that one day, I’ll be able to upgrade from my 1st generation Paradigm Servo 15 and its anemic 400w amp to an Ultra 16 or 17.

Thanks, Clinton.

I realize the timing may not be right for you but, with the introduction of the 17 series, SVS has aggressively priced both the 4000 and 16 Ultra series but I don't think it will last much longer.

 

[JohnRice]

Thanks, Clinton.

I realize the timing may not be right for you but, with the introduction of the 17 series, SVS has aggressively priced both the 4000 and 16 Ultra series but I don't think it will last much longer.

Definitely worth jumping in now, if that’s the plan.

 

[DaveF]

Terrific review John. I’m very happy with my single 17, maybe I will have to double down at some point

Hey, I know a guy who did a podcast with his audiologist, you’d find it interesting, can I send you the link?

 

[Colin]

Great review! It making me consider an SB17 Ultra R|Evolution as an “end game” sub for my theater room.

 

[JohnRice]

Great review! It making me consider an SB17 Ultra R|Evolution as an “end game” sub for my theater room.

It definitely qualifies as an "End Game" sub.

 

[John Dirk]

Great review! It making me consider an SB17 Ultra R|Evolution as an “end game” sub for my theater room.

Thanks, Colin. One of the really great features of this sub is it's switched mode power supply. Unlike other large, power-hungry subs, you can easily get peak performance out of this one on a standard 15 amp household circuit.