Power Sound Audio XS15

Dale Rasco · Oct 2, 2012

Power Sound Audio XS15

Read the review here!

Manufacturer Specs:

Spoiler

Manufacturers Published Measurements

HTS Results

Setup Images

Frequency Response

Max Output Before Compression

Spectral Decay

Group Delay

Waterfall

Spectrogram

Harmonic Distortion

Click the Spoiler button for the REW notes from each individual frequency

Spoiler

Picture_Shooter · Nov 3, 2012

Hi Dale,

Thank you for taking the time and doing the measurement tests on the XS15.

Since I really do not get graphs much will you be doing an overall written review on the XS15 just like you did with the X-ref12?

If I am looking at this graph correctly it seems that the X-ref12 is very close competitor to the XS15 or am I way off?

Thanks for your input.

~ Mike

Dale Rasco · Nov 3, 2012

Hey Mike, I sure will and I'll be posting it Monday as a matter of fact!

Picture_Shooter · Nov 3, 2012

Dale Rasco said:
Hey Mike, I sure will and I'll be posting it Monday as a matter of fact!

Perfect timing; I'll be waiting

Thanks for the quick reply back

BD55 · Nov 5, 2012

Ha ha, what do your neighbors say when they see you setting up a sub test in the middle of the cul-de-sac? Though I'm guessing you have already enlightened them well in the need for a good sub.

Dale Rasco · Nov 5, 2012

My neighbors are more than happy about it because they know if the subs are rolling out, so is the barbecue pit and they don't have to cook dinner that night! :T

Dale Rasco · Nov 5, 2012

Picture_Shooter said:
Hi Dale,

Thank you for taking the time and doing the measurement tests on the XS15.

Since I really do not get graphs much will you be doing an overall written review on the XS15 just like you did with the X-ref12?

If I am looking at this graph correctly it seems that the X-ref12 is very close competitor to the XS15 or am I way off?

Thanks for your input.

~ Mike

Hey Mike, the rolloff on the XS15 is much more gradual than the Emo. The Xref takes around 20 db between 30Hz and 20 Hz. The XS15 drops less than 10 db.

gtpsuper24 · Nov 6, 2012

While its much different price points, how would you compare the XS15 to the EP800? How would a pair of stacked XS15s match up to the EP800?

I'm actually thinking about getting a pair of the XS15s.

Dale Rasco · Nov 6, 2012

That's a great question and I would have to say that while I love the fact that I can get the EP800 flat down to 12 Hz in my room, I do not think that the extra 4 Hz is worth $900. I was able to get the XS15s down to 15.5 Hz and that really is plenty IMO. My only concern would be with the size of room you have. I think I would probably need four XS15s in my room. I currently run an EP800 and two EP350's.

raynist · Nov 8, 2012

Hi Dale, curious about something. Since this is a downfiring sub, do you think the results would be different if the bottom plate was removed and the woofer pointed towards the mic? I am thinking that I room it would make no difference, but out in open space would the downfiring disperse much out the output in the other 3 directions away from the mic?

Thanks!

Dale Rasco · Nov 8, 2012

Hey Ray, I think it would make a difference but to what degree I'm not really sure. Maybe 5%? :dontknow:

raynist · Nov 8, 2012

Thanks.

How did the in room freq response of this sub compare to the SB13 Ultra?

I see a graph for the XS15 but did not see one for the SB13. I have 2 of the SB13+'s and have thought of adding 2 sealed subs to a different room. Seeing that the XS15 is less than half the price of the SB13 ultra I am wondering how they compare.

Dale Rasco · Nov 8, 2012

First of all, my bad on the in room for the SVS. I will get one done this weekend and post it.

What type of setup is in your second room?

raynist · Nov 8, 2012

just a music setup.

2 EmpTek Towers and a denon 1712.

Room is about 3500 cu ft

Kblev · Jan 10, 2013

Hi Dale,
Love what you did to your street! It appears you like the Axiom subs. Considering budget, would you get EP350 or XS15? Nothing else considered. Maybe a second down the road. I've been in sub dilemma for close to a year now. Movies/music %50/50. I don't want to have to change things when I go between the two. Keep it simple. Thinking about svspb12 nsd, and hsu vtf3 mk4. that is pretty much it.
Thanks

Dale Rasco · Jan 10, 2013

Well for my application in our family living room, wife approval factor was 50% of the decision. Aesthetically the EP350 was much more appealing. If it was for performance and response only in my home theater I would have chosen the PSA XS-15's. hope that helps.

Kblev · Jan 10, 2013

Thanks for a quick reply Dale, I appreciate it. Just one more thing. Any other thoughts on the other subs mentioned compared to the XS15?
Thanks

Dale Rasco · Jan 11, 2013

My favorite sub so far this past six months has got to be the SVS SB 13 Ultra. But that is in terms of sound quality and response. The PSA XS15's however are, IMO, a better overall value. I also really enjoyed my time with the KEN KREISEL DXD12012. Absolutely incredible response in room, but at a premium.

Kblev · Jan 11, 2013

Thanks for your input Dale. One more thing, my mains are Vandersteen 2Ce sig. Would that make you lean in one direction or another? The Kreisel's are definitely at a premium!

Dale Rasco · Jan 11, 2013

I think with the response of the Vandersteen's I would go sealed for a smoother more accurate response. It's not as if your speakers can't provide a majority of the mid-range bass. XS15s

Power Sound Audio XS15

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