SVS PB12-Plus/2 25 Hz tune (dB12.1)

[Ilkka]

Manufacturer: SVSound
Model: PB12-Plus/2
Provided by: JaniH
Manufacturer link: SVSound - Box Subwoofers
Price: $1199 (black), $1399 (wood veneer) (dB12.1 woofers not available anymore)

Manufacturer specs:
• Proprietary TC-Sound 12" high output woofers
• SVS designed, full-featured 900 watt BASH (R) digital switching amp
• Premium finishes ship with on board Parametric EQ (PEQ)
• Built-in, flush-mount amp configuration
• Down-firing woofers with distinctive SVS integrated base-plate
• Compliant floor mounts, ultra low center of gravity
• Three tuned, patented 4" high-flow flared porting (in and out)
• Assembled and tested by SVS in its Ohio factory
• Extra heavy-duty detachable 8 foot power cord
• 6 wood-finishes
• Selectable 16Hz, 20Hz or 25Hz extension with included port plugs
• Size: 48 cm wide, 67 cm tall and 71 cm deep.
• Weight: 64 kg
• Frequency Response: +/- 3dB to 20hz anechoic
• 3 years warranty

Configuration as tested:
Phase: 0 degrees
Tuning frequency: 25 Hz (no port plugs)
Subsonic filter: 25 Hz
Orientation: Standard down-firing, ports facing left
This unit uses dB12.1 woofers

[Ilkka]

+/- 3 dB points: 22 Hz - 85 Hz

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

The older version of the second-largest SVS showed a typical frequency response for an SVS subwoofer - excessive deep bass output compared to the upper bass output. That isn't a good thing because it will result in an excessive amount of deep bass output, which will make the sound too bottom heavy unless external EQ is used. The built-in crossover works as promised and the slope is steep enough for 2-channel use. The subwoofer shows a respectable mid/upper bass output, though not extremely good when considering it has two 12" woofers in a rather large vented enclosure. It just breaks the 110 dB barrier in 30-50 Hz range. Deep bass output is naturally a little bit compromised due to the 25 Hz tuning frequency, though still a very good performance in this test group. THD stays quite low all the way close to the tuning frequency, though rising quite a lot in the upper bass range at the highest output levels; luckily it’s mainly 2nd order. Group delay grown rather large below ~35 Hz. Spectral decay shows quite a lot of ringing around the tuning frequency. Spectral contamination test shows high output capability with lower than average overall distortion. The overall build quality is good, and the black vinyl finish is durable, but looks a little bit cheap.

+ Pretty good extension
+ High overall maximum output capability
+ Low overall distortion
+ Overall price/performance ratio

- Shape of the frequency response
- Somewhat high deep bass distortion
- High upper bass distortion at high output levels
- High deep bass group delay and ringing around the tuning frequency