Impressed with SVS Ultra

So, my father was looking for a way to upgrade his sound system.  He has a Marantz AVR and 10-15 year old Boston Acoustics speakers from the VR series and a JBL sub.  It sounds pretty good, much better than tv sound, but not really impactful like a bigger system.  He asked me for advice on how to fix it.  And, one major requirement is that he has a large built-in bookshelf on a wall where the TV is.  Everything has to fit in the bookcase, be within a $4k budget.

I ordered him an SVS setup with two Ultra bookshelf speakers, an Ultra Center, and Ultra surrounds.  And, I added an SVS PB4000.  Well, after thinking about it, I thought that with the bookshelves, and his large room (25x30x9), perhaps twin subs would work better, and the PB4000 is quite large.  So, I called SVS and talked to a few guys.  All were so patient, knowledgeable and friendly.  I was really impressed with the service, and after talking with Engineer Ed, I settled on 2 PB2000 instead of the PB4000.  No problem for them to pull the shipping pallet and make the swap.

Then came installation day.  Everything was delivered within a few days, and the packaging was impeccable.  Free shipping, and no tax, BTW.  Those PB2000s are monstrous!  I can't believe how big they are in person.  The 4000 would have been major overkill.  All the speakers are well built, and heavier than I expected.  The piano finish is super nice, and I was very impressed with the quality of the speakers.

I put the bookshelf speakers and center in the built-in.   I had to adjust shelves to fit the subs, but they went into the shelves as well.  And, the surrounds on the back wall.  Then some listening and tuning with the Audessy, and watch some TV.  It sounded really good, and I thought it just might work well.  

Next day, after letting things settle in for about 12 hours of listening, and we fired up a UHD movie... Kingsman... and turned up the volume a little bit.  Well, we were all blown away!   The sound filled the room, the bass was impactful but very well blended with the rest of the system.  I was shocked that for this money, his system sounded like a real theater!  Dialogue is clear, voices sound very natural, music sounded great, and smooth response overall.  I'm totally convinced that two subs made all the difference!  But, even those bookshelf speakers really pumped it up!   I don't know how these would hold up to my Revel F208s for music, but for a movie or Netflix, this setup is fantastic.  I think the Revels have much more finesse and "texture" for music, but the SVS setup sounds pretty good.

Just sharing because I have to admit I thought it would be good, but when all was done I would call it great!  $4k isn't a small budget, but what this system delivers sounds like much bigger systems.  I'm totally impressed with the whole experience and would definitely recommend SVS.  And, if you didn't know... SVS has a full refund and free shipping policy, so if you don't like it, send it back and you're out some time but no money.

No, I have no affiliation to SVS.  Just an impressed customer.  Had to share!