What is the forums opinion of SVS subs?


What is the forums opinion of SVS?

I have been thinking about adding a sub and started studying Rel. Then I saw an add for SVS and l gave them a look.

I have seen time and again this forums praise of Rel. So then when I was looking at Rel's specs compared to SVS, It APPEARS at on paper that SVS digs deeper at -3 db than Rel at -6 db, at a lower cost. But how do the two compare in their sound?

Thanks

 

marshinski15

My experience is with a Plus and an Ultra, both 8-10 years old:

The main issue was the volume control, which blasted when barely cracked. I trained many different methods to employ them, to no avail. I had them with 3 different speakers. It took years of advertising them FS until someone bought them for his Video system, which is what the company originally was based on. So, if you're looking to use them in a  channel system ask before you buy

hth

SVS makes really good subs and they have great customer service and they are reliable.  I have 3 of them, one SB-12 NSD in a bedroom system and two SB-13 Ultras in my main system, combined with two Rythmik F25 subs. 

I have heard Rel subs and think they are great, but I have a hard time justifying the price difference between Rel and many other brands.  There isn't enough sound "difference" IMHO to pay twice as much or more for the same level of output/performance.  

I'm scratching my head a bit about the comment about them being too loud.  The two in my main system have the volume set at something like -14 and -15.  When I bought my Rythmik subs, I bought them pre-owned.  The owner said something like "I have them set neutral" which in his mind meant that he had his AVR set at 0, but I don't think they were in any way calibrated or "neutral".  They were overwhelming.  You probably could have heard them half a block away the way he had them set up.  In my setup, the volume is at about 9 o'clock. 

Having them set up so that the volume control can be set low is a good thing.  That means that when called on, they will respond with ease and have lots of overhead and when they are not a prominent part of the musical content you may not even realize they are there, when properly integrated.

Having lots of overhead is generally not considered a bad thing when discussing subwoofers.  Some subs can be too big for the space, which is why there are multiple models in every sub manufacturer's lineup.  

If a sub isn't good for music, it's not going to be good for home theater either and vice versa.  I do however prefer to stick to sealed models for music.

Before you purchase either a Rel or SVS, I would suggest looking at Rythmik.  I like their servo technology and would recommend them over SVS and you'll get more value for your dollar than you will with Rel.

@marshinski15

I have one SVS 2000Pro in my system and it does everything I want. I have it in the back of my room, because I didn’t have a good place to put it in the front. I’m also using their Soundpath wireless setup, so no long RCA and it works very good as well. But I have to tell you, the app is where it’s at! From my listening position I was able to dial the 2000 Pro in, easy Peasy!

All the best.

@lemonhaze I have limited space and that model is pretty compact so when two were available for $400 total I couldn't pass it up. I was under the impression matching subs was preferred so good to know that's not always the case as good deals on that model are hard to find.

Have two separate systems. Rock and Roll only. Smaller system, SVS SB 3000, and larger system SB 4000. Great price, warranty, and SOUND!  Blue tooth for dialing in,  GREAT!!!!