SVS PB12-NSD - #2

**Ilkka** · **12-22-07, 03:36 PM**

Manufacturer: SV Sound
Model: PB12-NSD
Provided by: SV Sound
Manufacturer link: SV Sound, L-Sound
Price: 711 EUR, 599 USD (+shipping)

Manufacturer specs:
• SVS designed/built long-throw 12" driver
• Full-featured 325 watt BASH digital amp
• Computer Assisted Design (CAD) enclosure
• Dual CNC'd internal braces
• Three color choices with removable grill
• Front-firing woofer/port for easy installs
• Built-in, flush-mount amp configuration
• Compliant floor mounts (six)
• Patented 4" high-flow flared porting (in and out).
• Extra heavy-duty removable 8 foot power cord
• "Seamless" cabinet design in three colors
• +/-3dB 18Hz-200hz anechoic extension
• Size: 18" wide x 21" high x 25" deep.
• Weight: 74 pounds

Configuration as tested:
Phase: 0 degrees
Crossover: Bypassed
Orientation: Woofer and port facing the mic

**Ilkka** · **12-22-07, 03:36 PM**

+/- 3 dB points: 15.3 Hz - 62 Hz (crossover min)

+/- 3 dB points: 25 Hz - 146 Hz (crossover max)

**Ilkka** · **12-22-07, 03:36 PM**

**Ilkka** · **12-22-07, 03:36 PM**

**eugovector** · **12-22-07, 07:54 PM**

Pretty stunning what $600 can get you.

**Sonnie** · **12-23-07, 02:41 AM**

Really... 15Hz from a 12" sub at 600 bucks... ridiculous!

**SteveCallas** · **12-23-07, 12:30 PM**

SVS has really stepped it up as of late.

**eugovector** · **12-23-07, 04:51 PM**

Yeah, I keep an "wishful thinking" list, and I've just updated it from a single SVS 20-39+ tube to 2 - PB12-NSD. Now all I need is someplace without shared walls and a little more floor space.

**E-A-G-L-E-S** · **12-23-07, 07:14 PM**

This is the same PB-12NSD that has been out for some time now replacing the ISD, correct? Or did I miss that they re-did the NSD?

Edit: Nevermind, I see it was just a new from factory nsd as opposed to a used one. Sorry.

**Geoff Gunnell** · **12-23-07, 09:34 PM**

Ilkka has tested two versions recently, one had an 'improved' amp -- SVS has not commented on exactly what is shipping currently.

**Ed Mullen** · **01-04-08, 07:48 AM**

Quote:

Geoff Gunnell wrote:

Ilkka has tested two versions recently, one had an 'improved' amp -- SVS has not commented on exactly what is shipping currently.

The first PB12-NSD Ilkka tested was privately owned. When we saw the FR, we knew there was a problem with the amp. We contacted the customer through Ilkka and replaced that amp for the customer.

We discussed testing another PB12-NSD for his next shoot-out. Our Euro dealer L-Sound servicing Finland sent Ilkka a new production PB12-NSD from their inventory. It was not tested prior to being sent to Ilkka.

We did upgrade the amp in the PB12-NSD several months ago and the unit Ilkka tested has the newer amp. The new amp had been shipping for a few months and was in-stock with all dealers at the time Ikka tested the 2nd PB12-NSD.

**02-11-08, 02:11 PM**

Quote:

Ed Mullen wrote:

The first PB12-NSD Ilkka tested was privately owned. When we saw the FR, we knew there was a problem with the amp. We contacted the customer through Ilkka and replaced that amp for the customer.

We discussed testing another PB12-NSD for his next shoot-out. Our Euro dealer L-Sound servicing Finland sent Ilkka a new production PB12-NSD from their inventory. It was not tested prior to being sent to Ilkka.

We did upgrade the amp in the PB12-NSD several months ago and the unit Ilkka tested has the newer amp. The new amp had been shipping for a few months and was in-stock with all dealers at the time Ikka tested the 2nd PB12-NSD.

Is it possible for you elaborate on the upgrade to the amp?

**Ed Mullen** · **02-11-08, 04:00 PM**

Quote:

Mr772 wrote:

Is it possible for you elaborate on the upgrade to the amp?

We worked with Indigo and spec'd a few changes to improve response linearity, but we won't publicly discuss details beyond that. We make improvements/changes to all our amp platforms on a routine basis.

**mike c** · **03-04-08, 12:14 AM**

Quote:

Ilkka wrote:

+/- 3 dB points: 15.3 Hz - 62 Hz (crossover min)

+/- 3 dB points: 25 Hz - 146 Hz (crossover max)

is the number in red correct? or a typo?

**BTT917** · **03-06-08, 08:01 PM**

Quote:

mike c wrote:

is the number in red correct? or a typo?

Yes, it's correct. Since it is being run with basically no crossover, there is output at higher frequencies than the first FR spec. Therefore, the -6dB point (from maximum output) occurs at a higher frequency.

In other words, when you look at the FR plot, the "crossover min" has a maximum output of ~90dB @ about 37Hz. With the "crossover max", the maximum output is greater than before at ~92dB, and occurs at ~73Hz. So to find the "+/- 3dB" range you have to find the frequency which is 6dB lower than maximum.

**mike c** · **03-06-08, 08:53 PM**

Quote:

BTT917 wrote:

Yes, it's correct. Since it is being run with basically no crossover, there is output at higher frequencies than the first FR spec. Therefore, the -6dB point (from maximum output) occurs at a higher frequency.

In other words, when you look at the FR plot, the "crossover min" has a maximum output of ~90dB @ about 37Hz. With the "crossover max", the maximum output is greater than before at ~92dB, and occurs at ~73Hz. So to find the "+/- 3dB" range you have to find the frequency which is 6dB lower than maximum.

thanks! now I understand

**Blaser** · **03-15-08, 04:18 PM**

Great Job SVS!!

Actual Tune seems about 20 Hz+. Did you measure itIlkka?

**Ilkka** · **03-16-08, 09:59 AM**

Quote:

blaser wrote:

Great Job SVS!!

Actual Tune seems about 20 Hz+. Did you measure itIlkka?

Actual tuning frequency is around 17 Hz.

**Blaser** · **03-16-08, 03:25 PM**

So why are THD curves minimal at 20-21 Hz??

**Ilkka** · **03-16-08, 04:26 PM**

Quote:

blaser wrote:

So why are THD curves minimal at 20-21 Hz??

That's just how the Helmholz resonator works, and also because the port doesn't work optimally when the air speed rises (=port compression). The THD minimal isn't exactly at the tuning frequency but instead a few hertz above it. You can see the same phenomenon with pretty much every ported subwoofer I have tested.

**Sam AV** · **03-17-08, 11:05 AM**

Ilkka,

What is your opinion of the PB12-NSD (new version) vs the HSU VTF-3.3.

Thanks.

**Ilkka** · **05-18-08, 12:45 PM**

Quote:

Sam AV wrote:

Ilkka,

What is your opinion of the PB12-NSD (new version) vs the HSU VTF-3.3.

Thanks.

Sam,

Having measured both of them outdoors and also heard both in my own room, I'd say they are really close when it comes to pure performance or sound quality. Since the size and finish are pretty much identical, I'd get the one that I can get for less $.

**Sam AV** · **05-18-08, 01:14 PM**

Thanks Ilkka. I actually went with the PB12-NSD a couple of months back and I have been very happy with it. I paired it up with speakers from Ascend Acoustics and the two (SVS and Ascend) mesh great with each other.

**Ilkka** · **05-18-08, 01:27 PM**

Quote:

Sam AV wrote:

Thanks Ilkka. I actually went with the PB12-NSD a couple of months back and I have been very happy with it. I paired it up with speakers from Ascend Acoustics and the two (SVS and Ascend) mesh great with each other.

Aah, sorry about the late reply, but I think you made a very good choice.

**Sam AV** · **05-18-08, 08:56 PM**

Quote:

Ilkka wrote:

Aah, sorry about the late reply, but I think you made a very good choice.

Better late than never! You test measurements were actually what pushed me over the edge towards SVS, so thanks for your hard work.

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