SVS PB13-Ultra 15 Hz tune

[Ilkka]

Manufacturer: SV Sound
Model: PB13-Ultra
Provided by: SV Sound
Manufacturer link: SV Sound, L-Sound
Price: 1630-1751 EUR, 1499-1699 USD (+shipping)

Manufacturer specs:
• Exclusive SVS Ultra-13" high-output woofer
• 750 watt BASH amp with room compensation
• Computer Assisted Design (CAD) enclosure
• Front-firing configuration with co-located vents
• Distinctive magnetic SVS grill and badging
• "Stackable" form factor allows easy dual subs
• 3.5" high-flow flared ports CURVE (TM) tuning
• Assembled in the Ohio SVS factory
• Choice of wood veneers, gloss or textured black
• Selectable Sealed, 20Hz, 15Hz or 10Hz modes
• +/- 3 dB 18 Hz-150 Hz (anechoic) in 20hz mode
• Size: Approx. 27” D x 20.5 " W x 22" H (w/o grill)
• Warranty: 3 year "bumper to bumper" coverage
• Support: Free 7 day/week customer service
• Weight: 155 pounds

Configuration as tested:
Phase: 0 degrees
Crossover: Bypassed
Tuning frequency/Subsonic filter:15 Hz (one port plug)
Room Compensation: Off
Orientation: Woofer and ports facing the mic

[Ilkka]

+/- 3 dB points: 14.1 Hz - 54 Hz (crossover min)

+/- 3 dB points: 13.5 Hz - 143 Hz (crossover max)

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

[AngelEyes]

As always I am still learning how to interpret these graphs but it looks like the 15hz tune gives a good balance of depth with minimal distortion. Would you agree or are these levels of distortion unlikely to be audiable anyway?

Thanks,

Adam

[Ilkka]

AngelEyes wrote:

As always I am still learning how to interpret these graphs but it looks like the 15hz tune gives a good balance of depth with minimal distortion. Would you agree or are these levels of distortion unlikely to be audiable anyway?

Thanks,

Adam

Yes, the 15 Hz tune is a very balanced option. It looses 1-1.5 dB in clean output compared to the 20 Hz tune above ~20 Hz, but gives more extension and higher output below ~20 Hz. If one doesn't constantly push the subwoofer to its limits, I think the added extension of the 15 Hz tune will be more beneficial than the slightly higher output of the 20 Hz tune.

Unless the PB13-Ultra is being overdriven, its distortion won't be audible to most people. The absolute amount of THD stays very low even at high output levels, and it also consists out of low order harmonics so it's very hard to hear.

[AngelEyes]

Ilkka wrote:

Yes, the 15 Hz tune is a very balanced option. It looses 1-1.5 dB in clean output compared to the 20 Hz tune above ~20 Hz, but gives more extension and higher output below ~20 Hz. If one doesn't constantly push the subwoofer to its limits, I think the added extension of the 15 Hz tune will be more beneficial than the slightly higher output of the 20 Hz tune.

Unless the PB13-Ultra is being overdriven, its distortion won't be audible to most people. The absolute amount of THD stays very low even at high output levels, and it also consists out of low order harmonics so it's very hard to hear.

Thanks for the reply Ilkka, I am glad I finally seem to be getting a feel for these graphs.

[TheGovernment]

I've heard the 13u at all the different settings at my friends place and we agree that the 15hz setting was the best in his ht room also.

[takumi]

Ilkka wrote:

Yes, the 15 Hz tune is a very balanced option. It looses 1-1.5 dB in clean output compared to the 20 Hz tune above ~20 Hz, but gives more extension and higher output below ~20 Hz. If one doesn't constantly push the subwoofer to its limits, I think the added extension of the 15 Hz tune will be more beneficial than the slightly higher output of the 20 Hz tune.

Unless the PB13-Ultra is being overdriven, its distortion won't be audible to most people. The absolute amount of THD stays very low even at high output levels, and it also consists out of low order harmonics so it's very hard to hear.

my room is 22'x15'x11'hight should i get one SVS PB13-Ultra or 2 svs pb12-nsd?

[russ.will]

Some will disagree, but I would advocate one good sub over two lesser examples. Room tuning issues aside, the better sub will offer greater levels of bass texture and detail. In the case of the subs you're asking about the 13U is a far superior music performer too.

Russell

[takumi]

russ.will wrote:

Some will disagree, but I would advocate one good sub over two lesser examples. Room tuning issues aside, the better sub will offer greater levels of bass texture and detail. In the case of the subs you're asking about the 13U is a far superior music performer too.

Russell

thanks, also would I benefit from 2 ultra 13s or would that be overkill.

[tonyvdb]

takumi wrote:

thanks, also would I benefit from 2 ultra 13s or would that be overkill.

Not at all, Your room is a perfect candidate for two PB13 Ultras. My romm is even bigger and I wish I had two but I am going to have to make due for the time being.

[russ.will]

takumi wrote:

thanks, also would I benefit from 2 ultra 13s or would that be overkill.

As to whether they would be overkill, is to a degree dependent on the capabilities of the rest of your system. It's all too easy to get sucked into 'sub bass is everything' and forget that its only part of the AV experience. Let us not forget the majority of the frequency range, not to mention the small issue of the picture. Get two, but the idea that two will immediately perform better than one is a myth. If you have the kit to measure and ensure the integration of two subs, then there are benefits, but you have to assure that that the time alignment of both subs is considered.

That said, two properly setup subs will exceed the capabilities of a lone example, but then that assumes that say, two $1000 subs are capable of exceeding the quality of a $2000 sub and to a degree that is dependent on the room and your listening preferences. In my smaller European room, I've found that the PB13U for all its prowess was bested in all quality measures by an Aerial Acoustics SW12 that in the open air, looks considerably worse on a graph or on paper specs. Okay, it's a much more expensive sub, but I'm just illustrating a point.

The other issue with dual subs is that whilst they can provide a flat response over a wider listening area, they are not immune to the EQ issues of a single sub where the main room modes are concerned plus, you have to be assured of being able to time align them and that isn't a simple matter of applying EQ. This means a bit more than simply assuring a flat frequency response at the listening position as a result of the combined output. It means that both have to be equidistant if you don't have the capacity to set individual delays for each sub.

Russell


Russell