SVS SB17 Ultra R|Evolution
The SB17 Ultra series is a game changer in subwoofer design due to its dual voice coils and unprecedented DSP prowess. The SB17 Ultra series is clearly worthy of the moniker “R|Evolution” because it’s overall design and specs are, indeed, groundbreaking.
WE LIKE
WE DON'T LIKE
- Massive 17" driver
- Dual voice coils
- Unprecedented DSP engine
- No magnetic grills
- Auto-EQ feature not yet available
WE LIKE
- Massive 17" driver
- Dual voice coils
- Unprecedented DSP engine
WE DON'T LIKE
- No magnetic grills
- Auto-EQ feature not yet available
Table of Contents
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
As stated above, the 17 Ultra series appears to mark the end of the front panel display and basic controls found on both the SB4000 and SB16 Ultra lines. Also gone is the IR remote included with those models. Instead, the SB17’s volume display and controls are discreetly located on the rear cabinet. The display does include a clever “flipping” feature for easy upside-down viewing. While the vast majority of owners will probably use the excellent SVS app exclusively anyway, I for one will miss the front panel controls, although I understand why SVS wasn’t able to include them while also accommodating the massive, all-new 17 inch driver.
Here’s a non-exhaustive look at what’s ”under the hood” of the SB17 Ultra.
- All- new 17 inch long-throw, high-precision driver
- 55 pound toroidal ferrite magnet
- Sledge STA-2800 Watt Class D amp in dual mono configuration
- Dual 8 inch voice coils – (Which SVS says “capture power delivery from the dual mono amp into each single voice coil” for delivery to the driver)
- Switch Mode Power Supply [SMPS] with on-board line conditioner and power factor correction
- 295 Mhz Analog Devices DSP – This allows for an incredible 6 onboard, independent Parametric Equalizers [PEQ’s]. DSP is also employed for a variety of power management functions to ensure continuous clean voltage is delivered to and from the SMPS. According to SVS, the unprecedented DSP prowess of the 17 Ultra series will soon allow for Auto Room EQ [via over-air app update] using either a smartphone mic or external mic such as the MiniDSP UMIK-1.
- Both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs
- USB port [for SVS Soundpath wireless adapter – sold separately]
- 12V trigger or auto-sensing power-on control
- 3.5mm IR jack for control systems integration
- Range – 15Hz – 320Hz +/- 3dB
Performance
I said earlier, I “thought” I’d be able to compare the SB17’s to my reference SB4000’s. Both are incredible subs, capable of pressurizing even large rooms with realistic and heart-stopping bass but I found the SB17’s to be in another class altogether, making meaningful comparisons academic. The 18 inch, 3100 Watt “900 LFC” from Meyer Sound is the only similarly-sized subwoofer I am personally aware of which sports a more powerful amplifier than the 17 Ultra and that is a commercial sub intended for arenas and other large venues. I’ve included compression tests here to illustrate this, however the SB17’s never showed any serious signs of compression, even well above 100dB. In practice, this means you’ll either suffer hearing damage or things will start falling down around you well before you even approach the physical limits of this sub.
In listening sessions the SB17’s were clearly more authoritative at lower volumes than my SB4000’s but I was not able to push them anywhere near what I know they must be capable of for fear of damaging my room’s structure. Having spent several weeks with them now, I’ve had the chance to sample varying styles of music including but not limited to Classical, Rock and Hip Hop. The latter can contain extreme bass and, in a well-recorded track, it is spectacular to hear.
For theatrical sessions, I called up my “go-to” film selections for speaker and subwoofer reviews, the Tom Cruise classics, Edge of Tomorrow and Oblivion. The former contains an opening scene all bass enthusiasts are familiar with, which is a formidable workout for any subwoofer. My SB4000’s handle the scene just fine but the SB17’s barely broke a sweat with this demanding sequence, even with peaks exceeding 106 dB! For the SB17’s I also wanted to hear Odin’s scepter drops in the coronation scene from Marvel’s original [2011] Thor and the extended escape scene in John Wick 2 immediately after he successfully completes his primary mission. Bass was consistently punchy, tight and effortless with all of my selections. The SB17 Ultra’s opened a new, even more authoritative level of depth and realism I’d not experienced before and it was clear they could do more than I would ever reasonably ask them to.
Competition
There are more than a few excellent subwoofer companies out there and your ultimate choice will likely be somewhat personal. For my money, I believe SVS builds some of the best subs available at any price. If you want slightly better low frequency extension and raw power, there is the Seaton Submersive line. Their F18 will set you back $3495.00 and you’ll have to wait a while to even get one. On the other end the Rythmic F18 Direct Servo is also another excellent overall sub. It can be had for as low as $1949.00 depending on choice of finish, but its 900 Watt [RMS] amp is simply no match for the SB17. Finally, there’s the mighty 190 pound Legacy Audio Goliath XD which sells for over $10,000 and tops out at 150 Hz. If the price here doesn’t deter you, the typical 6 month waiting period probably will.
Support
As with any SVS product, you’ll also get industry-leading support, which includes a 5-year unconditional warranty, 45-day free in-home trial, free shipping and return shipping and free lifetime tech support via phone, chat or email. SVS even offers a 1 year “trade up” program where you’ll receive full value towards the purchase of a higher-end product. As of today, however, no such product exists.
Conclusion
The 17 Ultra series is a game changer in subwoofer design due to its dual voice coils and unprecedented DSP prowess. I generally frown upon companies releasing products with features not yet available as SVS has done here with Auto Room EQ. I was really looking forward to testing this feature and am disappointed I wasn’t able to include my impressions here. That said, SVS has a stellar reputation in the industry and I have no doubt this feature will be available “soon,” just as promised. As referenced at the onset of this review, the 17 Ultra series is clearly worthy of the moniker “R|Evolution” because it’s overall design and specs are, indeed, groundbreaking. It’s like the original Boeing engineers were tasked with designing the ultimate, no-holds-barred subwoofer, before the bean counters took over.
At this point in my life, I only consider “end-game” gear for my Home Theater and the SB17 Ultra R|Evolution is just that. If it is within your budget and space constraints, I’d recommend buying one [or more] and never realistically having to worry about subwoofers again.
The less you know the better. You may be asked to testify.
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