I sold my Def Tec SC1 (liked it a bunch, blame it on upgrade-itis!), and it's now time to move on. The aforementioned are the three I'm down to. Bout 50/50 music/movies, but I do place a bit of a premium on music.

Honestly, I'm leaning towards the SVS, ATM. I can pick all of them up within a couple hundred dollars of one another, so cost is thankfully a non-issue.

Honest advice/experience appreciated.

James

I have not heard of one person not LOVING their PB-13 Ultra.

I for one am continually amazed at how well it does every aspect of bass. Extension and pressure while still giving amazing punch and accuracy. It really does it all! Even the music aspect is impressive....it really just makes things sound so realisitc.

I have not heard of one person not LOVING their PB-13 Ultra.

I for one am continually amazed at how well it does every aspect of bass. Extension and pressure while still giving amazing punch and accuracy. It really does it all! Even the music aspect is impressive....it really just makes things sound so realisitc.

thanks, I have also noted a similar consensus and that has a lot to do with my early "leaning".

James

I give a biased thumbs-up to the PB13.

I'd give a slight nod to the ULS-15 on music and the PB13-Ultra on Home Theater. Keep in mind you can run the PB13 in sealed mode for music. I would also consider the Rythmik DS15 subs sold by Ascend:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/subs/subintro.html

They are some of the tightest, most articulate subs out there, and they dig down to 12hz.

I have two ultras and I love them

i give a very biased 6 thumbs up for the Ultra :D

(i can't seem to afford to get the ULS-15, things just keep coming up)

Two thumbs up for the Ultra!

An Ultra rout for the Ultra?!

The Ultra is a great sub, and has been out longer than ULS-15, more have experienced it, and what you are seeing is indicative of that. As far as I can tell, those that have recommended the Ultra in this thread, have not heard the ULS-15.

IMO, at anything below their limits, the ULS sounds better. The Ultra can definitely play louder. What I think people are finally figuring out, those that have bought Rythmiks and ULS-15's and have had higher output subs before, is that they did not use the extra output capability(or the new subs had at least as much) and are enjoying the better sound quality.

How large is your room? How loud do you listen to your material?

Is the PC13-Ultra getting lots of rave?

I have the Ho with charger and mbm, but I have an itch to upgrade.

Tony

The PC and PB are both getting rave reviews. It all depends on if you need a box or a PC for your space because they are going to perform virtually 99% the same.

The Box version goes maybe 2hz lower in extension with all 3 ports open because of the bigger enclosure. That is really it.

I have had a ULS for around three weeks and it performs very well. For music the best thing I can say about it is that I don't hear it. It blends in very well.
Never being a person to leave well enough alone I got a second ULS. The bass crack dealers on this site of course encouraged the second unit. The way HSU does it is nice, if you buy one and try it out you can buy a second within 30 days for the dual (discounted) price.

I did not have a great deal of time to spend with them. I set the subs symmetrically in the room. My placement was based on crawling the room for one sub. I dialed down the sub(s) gain from 12 o'clock to 10 o'clock. I set the ULF trim to 50hz. I then ran Audyssey.
For listening I played WOW heat ray, Master and Commander first canon battle and the Hulk sound cannon scene.

I have never heard a PB13 so I can't comment on its performance. I can say one ULS-15 is impressive and duals are very impressive. With a MV of -10, dynamic eq on and the sub level left at what Audyssey had set it at, I was hitting 114db peaks (uncorrected) from my main seating 10 feet back. The base is powerful has great punch and is tight. Like I said though I have not has a lot of time to experiment.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three you have listed.

Good luck and report back what you get and your impressions.

If you want output the Ultra.For everything else the ULS.

I have had a ULS for around three weeks and it performs very well. For music the best thing I can say about it is that I don't hear it. It blends in very well.
Never being a person to leave well enough alone I got a second ULS. The bass crack dealers on this site of course encouraged the second unit. The way HSU does it is nice, if you buy one and try it out you can buy a second within 30 days for the dual (discounted) price.

I did not have a great deal of time to spend with them. I set the subs symmetrically in the room. My placement was based on crawling the room for one sub. I dialed down the sub(s) gain from 12 o'clock to 10 o'clock. I set the ULF trim to 50hz. I then ran Audyssey.
For listening I played WOW heat ray, Master and Commander first canon battle and the Hulk sound cannon scene.

I have never heard a PB13 so I can't comment on its performance. I can say one ULS-15 is impressive and duals are very impressive. With a MV of -10, dynamic eq on and the sub level left at what Audyssey had set it at, I was hitting 114db peaks (uncorrected) from my main seating 10 feet back. The base is powerful has great punch and is tight. Like I said though I have not has a lot of time to experiment.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the three you have listed.

Good luck and report back what you get and your impressions.
I am very happy with my dual ULS-15's. I have not heard the Ultra but believe cacihome might be correct on output. The ULS's do rock my 1200 sq ft room very well. Ultimately both would be great additions. Good luck!

Batman Dark Knight is a great bluray to audition speakers and subs. The audio and video quality is exceptional.

If you want output the Ultra.For everything else the ULS.

1 ultra = 2 uls, for output?

At and above 25Hz (which covers most music/movie content), a single ULS actually has good max output capability, even compared to most single driver larger ported subs. It is generally near the port tuning where the larger ported single driver subs have significantly more raw max output capability. Dual ULS will have prodigious max output capability at and above 25Hz compared to most traditional single driver ported subs. And quad ULS, well, you get the picture :D

4 uls...is formidable. finally the limitation is not my setup, but my ears and house! when i initially set the 4 uls up, had the gain a bit on the high side - was playing hulk, the scene where the the military was shooting the acoustic cannons at it, the air in my sitting room was coupling to the sub output that my sheetrock walls were flexing and making noise - these subs will cause structural damage! :eek:

LOL, that's a brilliant way to describe it Slowcar! :) When I experienced quad's at Ron's house, the impact and quality was pretty staggering. I am pretty envious of you guys :D

"Staggering" is putting it lightly!

You are so right Curtis...his system could play cleanly without audible distortion at SPL levels way above what I could comfortably handle in that space :D

You are so right Curtis...his system could play cleanly without audible distortion at SPL levels way above what I could comfortably handle in that space :D

hi Pete, seeing that the ULS is a low frequency dweller (probably with high Le) ... how is it at playing 100-150hz? what is it's max output at those frequencies?

If you want output the Ultra.For everything else the ULS.

For everything else ULS.

Have you even heard an Ultra my friend. This kind of statement is just absurd.

hi Pete, seeing that the ULS is a low frequency dweller (probably with high Le) ... how is it at playing 100-150hz? what is it's max output at those frequencies?

Seeing that its an xbl^2 driver. I would guess the Le is actually fairly low. They generally have fairly short coils.

Seeing that its an xbl^2 driver. I would guess the Le is actually fairly low. They generally have fairly short coils.

thanks! :D

Hi mike,

hi Pete, seeing that the ULS is a low frequency dweller (probably with high Le) ... how is it at playing 100-150hz? what is it's max output at those frequencies?

The ULS does fine in the 100-150Hz region (frequency response is flat out to 200Hz and beyond), but the MBM-12 is still significantly better and more suiteable for this range of frequencies! I'm really not sure what is the max output of the ULS at those frequencies. Sometime next year (hopefully before June) we will be doing a marathon measurement session with all of our subs, so that will be informative. We are pretty swamped right now though.

Hi mike,



The ULS does fine in the 100-150Hz region (frequency response is flat out to 200Hz and beyond), but the MBM-12 is still significantly better and more suiteable for this range of frequencies!

i see. thanks Pete. :)

(still saving - BAH humbug)

Take your time my friend, we are running low on quantity anyway, and building these units is a lot of work! :D

1 ultra = 2 uls, for output?

I have an A7S-450 for reference...which is similar in output to an Ultra, if not better...

THe Ultra cannot be 2 times the output without audible distress than a ULS. The ULS is just so clean that even if you are at 1 feet from the driver, and the driver is at full excursion you cant hear any bad noises at all.
I would rate my A7s-450, before showing audible distress, in mid bass duties, as 1 Uls and a half maybe...In bass below 20hz the ULS laugh at the A7S-450.It just kills it. The ED simply just cant take too much deep bass without making sounds...

For everything else ULS.

Have you even heard an Ultra my friend. This kind of statement is just absurd.

No. I haven't heard an Ultra.

I was meaning that since the Ultra is bigger, is more expensive, isn't wireless, some claim has less SQ than a ULS,etc...the uls might be best suited for everything else...unless you want just the loudest sub of the two.

No. I haven't heard an Ultra.

I was meaning that since the Ultra is bigger, is more expensive, isn't wireless, some claim has less SQ than a ULS,etc...the uls might be best suited for everything else...unless you want just the loudest sub of the two.

What about distortion levels? Would you consider low distortion to be important to SQ? What would you guess the distortion level might be of a ULS when playing a 20hz tone at, let's say, 105db (outdoor GP)? First, can it even play a 20hz tone at 105db? Of course there aren't any tests out there, but I doubt very much that it can. If it can, do you think the distortion level would be under 5%? What about the same question about distortion at a much more modest 100db? Again, I'd bet against.

The bottom line is that the ULS-15 is a fine sub. I'd love to have a pair of them doing what I have my SB12's doing, but it can't do what the 13Ultra can do. It has certain laws of physics working against it.

Mike.....that is when you are pushing the sub to its limits. The majority of the time, you are not playing 20hz.....it is a small fraction of the material out there.

The majority of the time...in anybody's setup, you are not pushing the system to its limits. If you are, then you have the wrong system.

No one is saying that the Ultra isn't better when louder at those depths(also remember the steeper rolloff of ported subs), but what about the majority of the time on all material in room?

if all you want is loud at 20hz, the ULS is not the sub to get.

For everything else ULS.

Have you even heard an Ultra my friend. This kind of statement is just absurd.

Have you ever heard the ULS? Perhaps not. I have not heard an Ultra so I can't make unequivocal claims. I can say a single ULS is impressive and clean and two is equally clean and has incredible output.

But in the end it is a moot argument. I am comfortable with my purchase and you are comfortable with yours. I would bet if we were to watch the same scenes in the same room with both the ULS and Ultra they would both be impressive. Each has advantages and strengths.

Mike.....that is when you are pushing the sub to its limits. The majority of the time, you are not playing 20hz.....it is a small fraction of the material out there.

The majority of the time...in anybody's setup, you are not pushing the system to its limits. If you are, then you have the wrong system.

No one is saying that the Ultra isn't better when louder at those depths(also remember the steeper rolloff of ported subs), but what about the majority of the time on all material in room?

if all you want is loud at 20hz, the ULS is not the sub to get.

This is why I also posed the question at 100db. That is really not that extreme especially when you take HT into account. Take a look at some of the waterfall charts up on the bass movie thread. Asking a sub to put out 20hz@100db is not that unusual a request if you watch those sort of movies. For music of course, it is much less relevent.

Caci accurately pointed out that the ULS-15 is smaller and less expensive that the 13Ultra. What happens to those advantages when you need to double up to get sufficient levels to do justice to HT?

I'm not really here to argue the point of which is a better sub. I can't because I've never heard a ULS-15. They are different and have different strengths and weaknesses. They also have different design aspects which affect their respective SQ for better or worse. I disagree with Caci in that I see no clear winner in that regard.

i agree w/ mike. what we have are two awesome subs to pick from. Eitherway, you will be very happy i think.

caci: do you have an eq for the a7s-450? i have a pair and then got the eq2 from eD. it helped a lot down deep.
i also have the RDES from av123, but didn't use it; too much work to get it set up (i'm lazy)

This is why I also posed the question at 100db. That is really not that extreme especially when you take HT into account. Take a look at some of the waterfall charts up on the bass movie thread. Asking a sub to put out 20hz@100db is not that unusual a request if you watch those sort of movies. For music of course, it is much less relevent.

Caci accurately pointed out that the ULS-15 is smaller and less expensive that the 13Ultra. What happens to those advantages when you need to double up to get sufficient levels to do justice to HT?

I'm not really here to argue the point of which is a better sub. I can't because I've never heard a ULS-15. They are different and have different strengths and weaknesses. They also have different design aspects which affect their respective SQ for better or worse. I disagree with Caci in that I see no clear winner in that regard.
Understood....that's why argueing opinions never gets very far here.

BTW...IMO...20hz at 100db, still very uncommon at reference, and an extremely small fraction of what a sub would ever be possibly asked to do. While the LFE channel is spec'd to 115db, most do not exceed 105dB.

I wholeheartedly agree that these subs were designed with different goals.

BTW...IMO...20hz at 100db, still very uncommon at reference, and an extremely small fraction of what a sub would ever be possibly asked to do.



I don't know about that. I couldn't watch a movie like "Cloverfield" without exceding 100db in the LFE almost constantly. Take a look at the waterfalls for this movie. So much of the bass energy is centered around 20db.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=755493

Yeah. I agree with almost everything everyone of you have said.We all share the same opinion in the end. Note that I didnt said winner mike...You all have very valid points there, and I respect them.

That was why I said that if you dont need that extra output the Ultra has over the
ULS...The ULS is very very very tough to beat because its price vs SQ vs size...

As for the EQ on the ED...
It will make things even worse. Remember that it is a sealed sub, so at lower freqs it will need even more direct xmax if I try to EQ the lower freqs(raise them in this case to match the ULS clean output) to make it sound with more authority...
The driver on the ED cannot handle high xmax without audible distortion from the driver...That is why they are making a new 18".Even with a subsonic filter the big 18", in the deep bass, sounds like a powerful 12" sub.

I don't know about that. I couldn't watch a movie like "Cloverfield" without exceding 100db in the LFE almost constantly. Take a look at the waterfalls for this movie. So much of the bass energy is centered around 20db.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=755493
OK...that's one....over 100dB in room at 20hz. I'll take your word for it. You know the director intended it to have that kind of output, or could it be how you have things setup?

So what percentage is that within that particular movie, and all movies?

Yeah. I agree with almost everything everyone of you have said.We all share the same opinion in the end. Note that I didnt said winner mike...You all have very valid points there, and I respect them.

That was why I said that if you dont need that extra output the Ultra has over the
ULS...The ULS is very very very tough to beat because its price vs SQ vs size...

As for the EQ on the ED...
It will make things even worse. Remember that it is a sealed sub, so at lower freqs it will need even more direct xmax if I try to EQ the lower freqs(raise them in this case to match the ULS clean output) to make it sound with more authority...
The driver on the ED cannot handle high xmax without audible distortion from the driver...That is why they are making a new 18".Even with a subsonic filter the big 18", in the deep bass, sounds like a powerful 12".That is not good.
i am not saying the ed does not have output in the deeper bass, but on the contrary when it does make that output at low freqs it makes audible distortion sounds.

re the eq: i think that's if you use the eq to boost the deep frequencies. then i would agree. rather, i'm talking about using it to flatten the output curve. If you are already playing it loud enough to cause audible distortion down deep, you need to get a bigger sub, or add another a7s :-)

^Exactly.

OK...that's one....over 100dB in room at 20hz. I'll take your word for it. You know the director intended it to have that kind of output, or could it be how you have things setup?

So what percentage is that within that particular movie, and all movies?

I picked that movie (Cloverfield) to illustrate my point because it features powerful deep bass through most of it. It is one of the more extreme examples, but by far not the only one. Hulk and Iron Man are a couple of others that also feature very powerful bass through much of the movie. These movies feature bass like that by intention, not as a result of sub setups that happen to be run hot. If the bass is not reproduced fully, you would actually be missing some of the director's intentions.

I wouldn't consider it to be like that in a huge percentage of all movies. It's mainly present in movies with special effects and action. Dramas, love stories, etc., need not apply.:D

I picked that movie (Cloverfield) to illustrate my point because it features powerful deep bass through most of it. It is one of the more extreme examples, but by far not the only one. Hulk and Iron Man are a couple of others that also feature very powerful bass through much of the movie. These movies feature bass like that by intention, not as a result of sub setups that happen to be run hot. If the bass is not reproduced fully, you would actually be missing some of the director's intentions.

I wouldn't consider it to be like that in a huge percentage of all movies. It's mainly present in movies with special effects and action. Dramas, love stories, etc., need not apply.:D
Come on Mike...even in action movies it is small percentage that have >100dB at 20hz or below scenes.

You do realize that most theaters....or even screening rooms that directors use, do not have that capability.

I'd consider a pair of ULS 15s an upgrade over a single Ultra. I would expect similar to slightly better performance down low and more headroom up high. That said, I've got no complaints with the Ultra's flexibility, SQ or output. I'd like another one, but don't need it. Price wise a pair of ULS would be an affordable alternative. I also, can't conceive of giving up the output I already have, by adopting a single, even if I subjectively might prefer the sound. So from the OPs standpoint, if I were going to buy a single sub, the PB13 would be it. If I wanted a pair, the ULS15s would get my attention and likely my money.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/ULS15Woofer-big.jpg

Or

http://www.svsound.com/products/subs/pb13ultra_pcultra/SVS_Ultra-13_woofer_front_sq_comp.jpg

http://www.svsound.com/products/subs/pb13ultra/SVS_Ultra-13_woofer_back_sq175_comp.jpg

So what does that tell you?:rolleyes:

Come on now.

Come on Mike...even in action movies it is small percentage that have >100dB at 20hz or below scenes.

You do realize that most theaters....or even screening rooms that directors use, do not have that capability.

I very much realize that most theaters are lacking. With the exception of Imax and very few others, it is quite noticeable. I've grown used to the fact that movie sound is better at home than in most theaters. Just because most theater sound sucks, there's no reason not to be able to do it better at home. Other than Imax, I'm almost always unimpressed by theater sound. Screening rooms I have no idea about, but that doesn't matter to me since it isn't where I watch movies. Do you think Lucas or Spielberg's screening rooms lack that capability? Don't bet on it.

Do you know why very low frequencies are lacking in most theaters? Because it would be nearly impossible to keep those deep lows played at very high volume from bleeding into the adjacent theaters in multiplexes. It isn't because it's not in the soundtracks. Also, most moviegoers don't really give a damn anyway.

I just saw "The Day The Earth Stood Still" today at Imax. Very impressive sound. The Imax I occasionally go to lacks nothing in bass or output. It puts almost all other theaters to shame.

Again Mike....with Lucas and Spielberg, that is a small fraction.

Oooh...I want to see that movie.

I'd consider a pair of ULS 15s an upgrade over a single Ultra. I would expect similar to slightly better performance down low and more headroom up high. That said, I've got no complaints with the Ultra's flexibility, SQ or output. I'd like another one, but don't need it. Price wise a pair of ULS would be an affordable alternative. I also, can't conceive of giving up the output I already have, by adopting a single, even if I subjectively might prefer the sound. So from the OPs standpoint, if I were going to buy a single sub, the PB13 would be it. If I wanted a pair, the ULS15s would get my attention and likely my money.

A pair of ULS-15's could and should very well outperform a single 13Ultra. If two very capable, not inexpensive 15" subs cannot outdo a single 13.5" sub, it would be surprising. Also the mutiple placement is an advantage as well.

So what does that tell you?:rolleyes:

Come on now.

That Ultra looks wise is a thing of beauty.

The HSU looks like a Dayton Titanic to be honest. ;)

That Ultra looks wise is a thing of beauty.

The HSU looks like a Dayton Titanic to be honest. ;)

Guess looks are subjective because to be honest, I prefer the aesthetics of the ULS driver over the Ultra. That said, they both look like very well built drivers and I think it's safe to say that in the applications for which they've been designed, each driver is quite capable :).

That Ultra looks wise is a thing of beauty.

The HSU looks like a Dayton Titanic to be honest. ;)
Stamped steel? Guess it depends on your biases. ;)

I wouldn't be surprised if the Hsu was made by the same OEM as the Dayton....it also looks like an Adire driver, which makes sense since it has XBL^2.

A pair of ULS-15's could and should very well outperform a single 13Ultra. If two very capable, not inexpensive 15" subs cannot outdo a single 13.5" sub, it would be surprising. Also the mutiple placement is an advantage as well.Yah, I know...just trying to bring this thread back to some sort of conclusion for the OP. Arguing semantics about the respective benefits of drivers or designs isn't going to help him make a decision. It's really about 1 or 2.

You are right Ron.

And the poor Supercube isn't getting any play.

For me, if the ULS-15 had been out when I first got my first Ultra, I probably would have gotten the ULS-15 due to its size and wireless capabilty. That being said, I am very, very impressed with the PB13-Ultra. This sub has continually performed and amazed me musically, and in ht applications. Running duals is even more enjoyable from the added headroom. I like the uniqueness of the Ultra driver's design. That chrome motor assembly and blue basket are very cool.

The ULS-15 or the Ultra?...difficult choice, but at least I've narrowed it down to two...:D

For me, if the ULS-15 had been out when I first got my first Ultra, I probably would have gotten the ULS-15 due to its size and wireless capabilty. That being said, I am very, very impressed with the PB13-Ultra. This sub has continually performed and amazed me musically, and in ht applications. Running duals is even more enjoyable from the added headroom. I like the uniqueness of the Ultra driver's design. That chrome motor assembly and blue basket are very cool.

The ULS-15 or the Ultra?...difficult choice, but at least I've narrowed it down to two...:D

Funny, these are the same two subs I am pondering at this moment, but heavily leaning towards the Ultra cylinder. This may be the weekend I actually buy it.

:eek:Has anyone noticed the OP hasn't been in this thread since 12/9?

:eek:Has anyone noticed the OP hasn't been in this thread since 12/9?Well pop my altruistic balloon, why don cha :p

:eek:Has anyone noticed the OP hasn't been in this thread since 12/9?

Party pooper!!!!:)

Well pop my altruistic balloon, why don cha :p
I don't have a dog in this fight, so I figured I'd shoot all the other dogs.:D

Too funny...12/9...the day he started the thread.

Too funny...12/9...the day he started the thread.
Just figured this was going nowhere when none of the Ultra folks called you on your 'Stamped steel' remark.;)

Just figured this was going nowhere when none of the Ultra folks called you on your 'Stamped steel' remark.;)
LOL! That's what it looks like to me though.

Actually, I think lalakerfan stopped where that was heading. :)

Just figured this was going nowhere when none of the Ultra folks called you on your 'Stamped steel' remark.;)

The basket is actually aluminum. :)

LOL! That's what it looks like to me though.

Actually, I think lalakerfan stopped where that was heading. :)Actually, it's die cast aluminum. When I inspected an old SVS 12.2 driver, I found the stamped steel basket to be very rigid. Guess the better construction method isn't how it looks, but which is more dimensionally stable during temperature extremes. I don't know if that would be stamped steel, die cast aluminum, or sand cast iron.

Thanks for the info....now I wonder why no one remarked to my post.

I am pretty sure, if done correctly, any one of those materials would suffice as far as performance is concerned. Its just that some are more marketable than others. :)

Yah, I know...just trying to bring this thread back to some sort of conclusion for the OP. Arguing semantics about the respective benefits of drivers or designs isn't going to help him make a decision. It's really about 1 or 2.

Actually, this argument might be exactly the pro and con that could help the op decide what is best for him. We're pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of a couple of the better subs out there. It's up to him to consider what characteristics best suits him.

Thanks for the info....now I wonder why no one remarked to my post.

I am pretty sure, if done correctly, any one of those materials would suffice as far as performance is concerned. Its just that some are more marketable than others. :)

agree completely.

Actually, this argument might be exactly the pro and con that could help the op decide what is best for him. We're pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of a couple of the better subs out there. It's up to him to consider what characteristics best suits him.

Yep, this is useful information for the OP IMO.

Anyone else have thoughts on this?

I am debating these two subs myself as they have simillar costs.
I like the ULS-15 due it it's smaller size and weight as well as it's wireless. So I will be able to experiment with placement mush easier as there are no wires and I can move it by myself.

I like the pb 13 ultra because of it's good reviews and I think the woofer material is much nicer looking but it is so heavy and big.

Also, I live in a townhouse so sheer spl is not super valueable to me.

Anyone else care to provide an opintion on this?

Anyone else have thoughts on this?

I am debating these two subs myself as they have simillar costs.
I like the ULS-15 due it it's smaller size and weight as well as it's wireless. So I will be able to experiment with placement mush easier as there are no wires and I can move it by myself.

I like the pb 13 ultra because of it's good reviews and I think the woofer material is much nicer looking but it is so heavy and big.

Also, I live in a townhouse so sheer spl is not super valueable to me.

Anyone else care to provide an opintion on this?

In your case, the ULS-15 is probably the logical choice.

Thanks for the imput Mojo.
Is your opinion based me not being overly concerned with sheer output?

Also, Does anyone know if the ULS-15 comes with feet?...pics?

Thanks for the imput Mojo.
Is your opinion based me not being overly concerned with sheer output?

Also, Does anyone know if the ULS-15 comes with feet?...pics?

That has something to do with it. The 13Ultra and the ULS-15 are both great subs with excellent sound quality and deep bass capabilities. The primary advantage of the 13Ultra over the ULS-15 would be output capabilities which you may not be able to fully utilize. It also seems as though the wireless feature is of use to you.

The ULS comes with 4 brass points

Thanks for the imput Mojo.
Is your opinion based me not being overly concerned with sheer output?

Also, Does anyone know if the ULS-15 comes with feet?...pics?
It does come with 4 brass spikes for carpet installs. I highly recommend placing felt for hard surface installs. I wish I had! I wasn't to happy to see the scratches on the bottom of my subs. The Rosenut finish is very nice.

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp82/monken62801/IMG_7871.jpg
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp82/monken62801/IMG_7872.jpg
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp82/monken62801/IMG_7874.jpg

you murdered your rosenut ULS! :D ouch.

you murdered your rosenut ULS! :D ouch.
Mike

I checked out your sub opinions and I am quite impressed! Are you still considering the ULS-15's? I am very interested in your opinion. I researched subs online but didn't hear any prior to ordering the HSU's. I have a small touch of your "problem" as I ordered a second ULS-15.

Mike

I checked out your sub opinions and I am quite impressed! Are you still considering the ULS-15's? I am very interested in your opinion. I researched subs online but didn't hear any prior to ordering the HSU's. I have a small touch of your "problem" as I ordered a second ULS-15.

yes i am actually, but sudden expenses keep me from ordering one or two right now. plane tickets, christmas gifts, bonus and salaries for those that work for me ... :(

yes i am actually, but sudden expenses keep me from ordering one or two right now. plane tickets, christmas gifts, bonus and salaries for those that work for me ... :(

yes but remember bonuses make employees happy. Which make or should make them work hard . Then you make more $$ for subs in the spring:eek::)

yes but remember bonuses make employees happy. Which make or should make them work hard . Then you make more $$ for subs in the spring:eek::)

i wish they worked for me to make me more money :)

Thanks for the pics Dirtman.

So how do you like the sub? Do you have it in a big room?
How loud can it play lower frequencies like 10hz-20hz without audible distortion?

Thanks for the pics Dirtman.

So how do you like the sub? Do you have it in a big room?
How loud can it play lower frequencies like 10hz-20hz without audible distortion?
I am fairly new to Home Theater at this level. I have two ULS-15's in my "party room" in the basement. Bar, pool table, foos ball, etc and the theater is in one corner. This room in the basement is around 1200 sq feet with 8.5 ft ceilings and all hard surfaces. The staircase is also open so the sound escapes in many directions. I like to listen between 0 and -10. Batman Dark Knight definitely rocks the place. I am very happy with my ULS-15's but honestly didn't audition any other subs. My only comparison is a weak one. My very open floor plan great room has Bose Acoustimass 6. I am running Definitive Technology Mythos ST main speakers. They have racetrack subs with amp built in.

I am curious what are reference levels on music and home theater?

4 uls...is formidable. finally the limitation is not my setup, but my ears and house! when i initially set the 4 uls up, had the gain a bit on the high side - was playing hulk, the scene where the the military was shooting the acoustic cannons at it, the air in my sitting room was coupling to the sub output that my sheetrock walls were flexing and making noise - these subs will cause structural damage! :eek:

Yep.:) I love my Quad set up.

I actually found the limit of my ULS-15. During the cave scene in Iron man and a few scenes in Superman Returns, my ULS would bottom out and flap. It was very nasty sounding... (the gain was at about 11 o'clock at the time too)

The sound quality of this sub is great and it messes woth my PSb Synchronies very well, but the limits are pretty sad here...

Looks like you need dual drive.

I actually found the limit of my ULS-15. During the cave scene in Iron man and a few scenes in Superman Returns, my ULS would bottom out and flap. It was very nasty sounding... (the gain was at about 11 o'clock at the time too)

The sound quality of this sub is great and it messes woth my PSb Synchronies very well, but the limits are pretty sad here...

Sounds like one PB13U might be better than one ULS15...

Sounds like one PB13U might be better than one ULS15...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15403650&postcount=16

i have an SVS PB13-u, and when that scene (cannons) came up, my sub made a loud pop as well. i am running mine +1.5db hot. so i turned the volume from the receiver down from -15.0db to -25.0db to see what was going on... re-watched the scene and studied the sub this time. let me tell you, someone at the studios must thought it might be funny to shoot out a 10hz note of some kind.... even at low volume the subwoofer was working its butt off... it didnt pop once congifured to normal -0.0 and corrected with the spl meter @ 75.odb. but i cant watch that scene at reference level with any setting that is (hot) so far. still looking into what is actually going on in that sonic scene. it seems to only effect it when they first turn the machines on...

btw, i also have watch most movies at reference level and have not run into this problem before. i can say for sure the sub on its half "is" bottoming out on my end. because once turned down to a lower level it works just fine. everything has a limit, and i have found mine and have adjusted for future preperation...

this is just my opinion and .02
__________________
I'm "THE" big fat panda! -------> skadoosh!

I actually found the limit of my ULS-15. During the cave scene in Iron man and a few scenes in Superman Returns, my ULS would bottom out and flap. It was very nasty sounding... (the gain was at about 11 o'clock at the time too)

The sound quality of this sub is great and it messes woth my PSb Synchronies very well, but the limits are pretty sad here...

these lossless soundtracks really test the limits of subs...

Has anyone compared two ULS-15s vs a single PB13? I'm going to be buying a sub soon for a 15x20 sealed space. It's going to be for ht use only. It's not a huge space so I'm thinking two uls-15s might be the ticket.

Another scene that bottoms out my sub is in Superman Returns when the first drop the crystal fragment in the water, before anything happens, ther is a subsonic "boom" and it rattles the hell out of my sub...

Would it be bad to run 2 different subs? I mean, could I add a PB13U, or MFW-15 to the ULS 15 and still have it sound good?

I actually found the limit of my ULS-15. During the cave scene in Iron man and a few scenes in Superman Returns, my ULS would bottom out and flap. It was very nasty sounding... (the gain was at about 11 o'clock at the time too)

The sound quality of this sub is great and it messes woth my PSb Synchronies very well, but the limits are pretty sad here...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15403650&postcount=16

i have an SVS PB13-u, and when that scene (cannons) came up, my sub made a loud pop as well. i am running mine +1.5db hot. so i turned the volume from the receiver down from -15.0db to -25.0db to see what was going on... re-watched the scene and studied the sub this time. let me tell you, someone at the studios must thought it might be funny to shoot out a 10hz note of some kind.... even at low volume the subwoofer was working its butt off... it didnt pop once congifured to normal -0.0 and corrected with the spl meter @ 75.odb. but i cant watch that scene at reference level with any setting that is (hot) so far. still looking into what is actually going on in that sonic scene. it seems to only effect it when they first turn the machines on...

btw, i also have watch most movies at reference level and have not run into this problem before. i can say for sure the sub on its half "is" bottoming out on my end. because once turned down to a lower level it works just fine. everything has a limit, and i have found mine and have adjusted for future preperation...

this is just my opinion and .02
__________________
I'm "THE" big fat panda! -------> skadoosh!

User number one did not tell us if he is running at reference level or not...also these are very different scenes.

I am not at reference level. I am at -12db and my receiver has the sub set at -3.5db and I have the gain on the sub at 10 o'clock

I am not at reference level. I am at -12db and my receiver has the sub set at -3.5db and I have the gain on the sub at 10 o'clock

That sound you describe does sound like the sub is bottoming though...maybe it's time for the dual drive...:) Also, have you measured the sub's level with a SPL meter?

Slowcar,
Don't you have quad uls-15's as well? Why don't you run one ULS-15 and then try the ultra so you can give your opinion of 1 vs 1. Also, I would run the ultra in sealed mode to have a relative apples to apples comparsion in the same exact location. I am now biased to multiple sealed subs. My subs rolloff naturally roll off at 18 hz and with my room go all the way down to 5 hz without any filters or EQ.

Slowcar,
Don't you have quad uls-15's as well? Why don't you run one ULS-15 and then try the ultra so you can give your opinion of 1 vs 1. Also, I would run the ultra in sealed mode to have a relative apples to apples comparsion in the same exact location. I am now biased to multiple sealed subs. My subs rolloff naturally roll off at 18 hz and with my room go all the way down to 5 hz without any filters or EQ.

Slo don't have no Ultra....:) He's quoting a dude who does.

MK: the guy who has the 13 is wudchuk...not me - i just copied and pasted this post: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15403650&postcount=16

i like multisub too...uniformity and intensity of pressurization is just phenominal, i went 10dB louder than comfortable yesterday and there is still headroom to spare :D

playing well into subsonics is scary...walls flex and make noise :eek:

Slowcar,
Don't you have quad uls-15's as well? Why don't you run one ULS-15 and then try the ultra so you can give your opinion of 1 vs 1. Also, I would run the ultra in sealed mode to have a relative apples to apples comparsion in the same exact location. I am now biased to multiple sealed subs. My subs rolloff naturally roll off at 18 hz and with my room go all the way down to 5 hz without any filters or EQ.

hey MK, are you happy with your switch over to sealed ?

Slowcar,
Don't you have quad uls-15's as well? Why don't you run one ULS-15 and then try the ultra so you can give your opinion of 1 vs 1. Also, I would run the ultra in sealed mode to have a relative apples to apples comparsion in the same exact location. I am now biased to multiple sealed subs. My subs rolloff naturally roll off at 18 hz and with my room go all the way down to 5 hz without any filters or EQ.


I'm kind of curious myself as to how well the 13Ultra performs in-room in sealed mode. I've tested it very little in that mode because my room give me hardly any deep room gain to support the very low frequencies. I'm intrigued however by something that Ed Mullen said earlier:
"In an enclosed and well-constructed mid-size room which exhibits some decent gain, the Ultra in sealed mode can/will measure flat well into the single digits. You'd need a few of them to reach meaningful levels of output at/near single digit frequencies, but the potential is certainly there."

Oh, I thought maybe he was just testing other subs. Either way I wonder how the sealed ultra would sound against the HSU. Again, multiples is the way to go(if one can do it). Also, the eD 18 inch driver does just fine with ultra low frequencies in my 5.63 internal cubic foot enclosure with my Ada equipment. My sealed subs will naturally extend lower from my bigger enclosure(3-5 hz) than the A7s -450. Room gain for sealed subs is a thing of beauty. I would love to hear the comparsion of the ultra and hsu, both sealed.

I'd love to hear that comparison too. They should sound different because the Hsu is eq'd to flatness while the Ultra in sealed mode has a true low-Q 2nd order acoustic roll-off according to Ed.

mojo:how big is your room?

Yes, I love sealed. I keep saying this but I watch movies and it seems that everything is more articulate and blends seamless together. It also seems less powerful because of this but when I take the reading it is higher than ever. I had the subs hot at first and put in the beginning of transformers with the helicopter shadow and my walls and body were in jeopardy, I ran to the processor and turn it down. Damn it was beautiful. Never heard so much power and articulation at the same time, unfortunately the walls or something(including me) were going to break. Not the subs though.

I'm kind of curious myself as to how well the 13Ultra performs in-room in sealed mode. I've tested it very little in that mode because my room give me hardly any deep room gain to support the very low frequencies. I'm intrigued however by something that Ed Mullen said earlier:
"In an enclosed and well-constructed mid-size room which exhibits some decent gain, the Ultra in sealed mode can/will measure flat well into the single digits. You'd need a few of them to reach meaningful levels of output at/near single digit frequencies, but the potential is certainly there."

really. :o never tried the sealed mode. then again, i don't think i have much room gain in my 4-5k room.

I'd love to hear that comparison too. They should sound different because the Hsu is eq'd to flatness while the Ultra in sealed mode has a true low-Q 2nd order acoustic roll-off according to Ed.

er...what does that mean?

mojo:how big is your room?It's 6000+ cubic ft. and wide open to my entire house.

er...what does that mean?

It describes the natural rolloff characteristics of a sealed sub that is not eq'd. How high up the rolloff begins depends on how large the enclosure is compared with the size of the driver.


http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index....t=0&rid=0&SQ=0

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...ealed-new.html

really. :o never tried the sealed mode. then again, i don't think i have much room gain in my 4-5k room.

I think at least as important as the size is whether the room is closed or open.

It describes the natural rolloff characteristics of a sealed sub that is not eq'd. How high up the rolloff begins depends on how large the enclosure is compared with the size of the driver.


i bet if you adjust the ULS15 ULF trim. you can get the same un-EQ'ed low end.

I think at least as important as the size is whether the room is closed or open.

it's sealed. but looking at SMS-1 graphs and playing with 20 and 15hz tunings, it looks like my gain starts below 15hz

It describes the natural rolloff characteristics of a sealed sub that is not eq'd. How high up the rolloff begins depends on how large the enclosure is compared with the size of the driver.


http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index....t=0&rid=0&SQ=0

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...ealed-new.html

linky not working...

6000+! sounds like you need a IB setup or a bunch of maelstrom x

i bet if you adjust the ULS15 ULF trim. you can get the same un-EQ'ed low end.
You are probably right and you would most likely also gain a good deal of headroom.

Let's try those again:
http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=22955&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/8147-svs-pb13-ultra-sealed-new.html

6000+! sounds like you need a IB setup or a bunch of maelstrom x

How about an IB WITH a bunch of Mal Xs !!!!!!

127938

linky not working...

6000+! sounds like you need a IB setup or a bunch of maelstrom x

I'd love an IB up in my attic, but I'm concerned about it transmitting ridiculous bass to every room of my house.

How about an IB WITH a bunch of Mal Xs !!!!!!

127938

how much volume is it pressurizing??

Ribbit,
My room gain is about at 5 hz and works wonders for the sealed alignment. Just give it a try, you may like the sound better. I also think that once you get used to a certain spl it is hard to go lower even if it sounds a little better. I always say double up on the sealed to get the same output as what you are used to from ported. If you like the sealed sound, you can always buy more to get back the spl.

I have absolutely found the limits of the ULS 15 and it has not really been as high as I had hoped... :( I went dual drive, but the amp on my second sub died and I am not too happy about that...

Even when I had both subs running, the output of the two subs was not as high as I had hoped either.

I like the sealed sub sound, but what ar better subs in the sealed category? IS the JL F113 going to have more output than the ULS-15? What about the Velodyne DD subs? Thanks!

Ribbit,
My room gain is about at 5 hz and works wonders for the sealed alignment. Just give it a try, you may like the sound better. I also think that once you get used to a certain spl it is hard to go lower even if it sounds a little better. I always say double up on the sealed to get the same output as what you are used to from ported. If you like the sealed sound, you can always buy more to get back the spl.

your room gain starts at 5hz? that's what i'm afraid mine would be ... though through longest room length, mine should be in the high teens. but it's not that way in actuality. i'll probably get some sealed subs just to do the subsonics :) (i'm also afraid, that would mean 8 sealed subs) :)

I have absolutely found the limits of the ULS 15 and it has not really been as high as I had hoped... :( I went dual drive, but the amp on my second sub died and I am not too happy about that...

Even when I had both subs running, the output of the two subs was not as high as I had hoped either.

I like the sealed sub sound, but what ar better subs in the sealed category? IS the JL F113 going to have more output than the ULS-15? What about the Velodyne DD subs? Thanks!

The f113 is likely to have more output down to about 20hz or so where it is eq'd to, but then it rolls off pretty sharply. Below that point, the ULS would most likely have more output. The Velodyne DD's are not likely to have any more output than the ULS. For big output from sealed subs, I'd suggest a couple of eD A7s-450's or DIY.

I'd love an IB up in my attic, but I'm concerned about it transmitting ridiculous bass to every room of my house.
I thought that would be something you liked. :)

Even when I had both subs running, the output of the two subs was not as high as I had hoped either.
How large is your room? What kind of output are we talking about?

I thought that would be something you liked. :)

The way my house is layed out, I can currently crank it up pretty good in my entertainment room at one side of the house at any time of the night while my wife can be watching something else or even sleeping at the other side of the house in the bedroom with the door closed. I don't think the IB in the attic could be isolated unless part of the attic was walled off. I'm not really wanting to get into any major construction.

My peak in room is around 8-9 hz, well according to REW. Mojo, my room is setup the same way and an IB would go throughout as well.

The f113 is likely to have more output down to about 20hz or so where it is eq'd to, but then it rolls off pretty sharply. Below that point, the ULS would most likely have more output. The Velodyne DD's are not likely to have any more output than the ULS. For big output from sealed subs, I'd suggest a couple of eD A7s-450's or DIY.

Hmmm... A7s-450? how low is that going to play? Will it have more output thatn dual drive?

How large is your room? What kind of output are we talking about?

My room is 3200^3ft, and it opens up to the kitchen and hallway...
I want it to be able to keep the room filled with bass and vibrations..lol I want to hear i and feel it without it bottoming out on me all the time.

Maybe a sealed sub is not going to like your room when it comes to output. You might need many no matter which one. Does your room have gain?

My room is 3200^3ft, and it opens up to the kitchen and hallway...
I want it to be able to keep the room filled with bass and vibrations..lol I want to hear i and feel it without it bottoming out on me all the time.
Interesting....we cranked one up with WoTW in my 2300^3ft with standard doorway openings to three other rooms with no signs of problems.

i dont know what the deal is then... I like the deep bass, but I just cat see to make it perform the way I want...

Looking at Craig's rankings, maybe I should look into a Trinity... Suggestions? Comments? Concerns?

Hmmm... A7s-450? how low is that going to play? Will it have more output thatn dual drive?


I'm not sure about it's response curve which depends on whther there is any internal eq applied, but it should be capable of playing very low and with more output than a single ULS. More than dual drive? I don't know. Sealed subs are inefficient when it comes to output. That's their weakness.

So, if I went the eD route than I would also need to add their eq to it as well? Also, I am pretty sure that the 1300W amp is also necessary... Anything else?

Also, has anyone actually heard that sub?

i dont know what the deal is then... I like the deep bass, but I just cat see to make it perform the way I want...

Looking at Craig's rankings, maybe I should look into a Trinity... Suggestions? Comments? Concerns?

A Trinity is going to perform sonically like a ported sub, not a sealed sub. In other words, it will give you big output down to it's tuning point, and then will drop off sharply.

Perhaps a ported sub or two with a low tune may be just the ticket for you. When you say you like the deep bass, how deep are you talking about?

So, if I went the eD route than I would also need to add their eq to it as well? Also, I am pretty sure that the 1300W amp is also necessary... Anything else?

Also, has anyone actually heard that sub?

Take a look at the eD thread and you will find more responses from those who have the sub, Whether you need the eq or not depends on your room. I'd say generally it's a good idea to have the eq.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=953081&page=174

can I mix and match subs if I use more than 1?

You can mix and match but it really complicates proper setup and calibration. I've done it by giving subs of different designs different jobs to do.

If someone is looking at dual uls-15's another option would be the submersive.

I have absolutely found the limits of the ULS 15 and it has not really been as high as I had hoped... :( I went dual drive, but the amp on my second sub died and I am not too happy about that...

Even when I had both subs running, the output of the two subs was not as high as I had hoped either.

I like the sealed sub sound, but what ar better subs in the sealed category? IS the JL F113 going to have more output than the ULS-15? What about the Velodyne DD subs? Thanks!


Jrunr I am running dual drive and your statements confuse me based on my experience.

I have two questions:

1.) How big is the room, is it sealed?

2.) How did you set the gain on each sub?

the room itself is about 3300^3ft and it opens up to the kitchen and hallway. The gain on each sup was set at the 10-11 o'clock position. The second ULS-15 seemed to have more outputthan the first, but I had to level match them for obvious reasons. The first sub would bottom out quickly and left much to be desired. when I went dual drive, I got more uniform bass, but the output was still limited and it was disappointing...

This is why i am considering going with a different brnad of subwoofer. I could keep one od the ULS subs and get another, higher-output sub tomate with it, but I am not sure how that will sound...

It depends on your room. If your room has good gain down low then dual A7S-450's would work well. Without room gain then they will gradually roll off at 22 hz. The HSU has built in EQ so it helps out the low end so would be better than the eD. One guy likes the HSU better than the eD down low. I personnaly don't like EQ because of the way it takes away dynamics but I would use it if necessary. I am lucky my room does not need it. Your room seems like it does not have much room gain and is difficult to handle so either 4 sealed or 2 ported subs(SVS ultra) maybe in your future. BTW, I have no experience with any of the subs mentioned.

Again... this is where the trinity sparks my interest... I am really wondering what that would be like in my system...

Add two more ULS's... hehehe

Again... this is where the trinity sparks my interest... I am really wondering what that would be like in my system...

The Trinity would have characteristics like other high-output ported subs even though it's a passive radiator design.

Hmmm... A7s-450? how low is that going to play? Will it have more output thatn dual drive?



My room is 3200^3ft, and it opens up to the kitchen and hallway...
I want it to be able to keep the room filled with bass and vibrations..lol I want to hear i and feel it without it bottoming out on me all the time.

Buy 4 MFW's for the price of 2 ULS or less. I think 1 MFW should equal 1 ULS.

Hey guys, the OP has returned. I had an unfortunate family matter arise, so I apologize for my quasi-desertion.

At any rate, what I concluded rather quickly (really immediately:)) is that either the SVS or HSU will almost certainly be well beyond capable for my current 1600 cu. ft application. I just want something that will be more immune to "upgraditis" upon my inevitable venture into a larger space.

It's disappointing that a one on one demo of the two is a near impossibility, as it would be, if nothing else, a literal BLAST.

In the end, I think I'm gonna stick with my initial inclination and nab an Ultra. It is VERY unlikely that I'll be bumping up to 2 subs anytime soon, and my hunch is that my money is "best" spent on one Ultra, even though I'm certain either would yield 95-97/100 results.

I thank all those who contributed and I'll return (fillings intact, hopefully) with my result, ASAP.

All the best,
James

the room itself is about 3300^3ft and it opens up to the kitchen and hallway. The gain on each sup was set at the 10-11 o'clock position. The second ULS-15 seemed to have more outputthan the first, but I had to level match them for obvious reasons. The first sub would bottom out quickly and left much to be desired. when I went dual drive, I got more uniform bass, but the output was still limited and it was disappointing...

This is why i am considering going with a different brand of subwoofer. I could keep one od the ULS subs and get another, higher-output sub to mate with it, but I am not sure how that will sound...

I am not convinced that this is not going to work yet. You said you level matched the subs. How did you do it? If it did not come out correctly you would not get the benefit of dual subs. I question that one sub would bottom out and not both. Here is some information I posted on another thread, Peter Hsu posted a similar description somewhere but I can not find it. Peter also stated that the knob can easily be pressed on the gain pot differently for every sub. I would get with Peter HSU before you make any decisions.

"I made the mistake of setting the gains on my dual drive equal thinking the output would be the same. I believe that was a tip I picked up from the how to set two subs thread a while back. I found out that was not true. Ultimately with HSU's help I set the subs (2 ULS) using test tones with the SPL meter 6" from the cones putting both subs in exactly the same spot in the room. You would think at 6" it wouldn't matter but it did the room has an effect."

If you set it from your listening position and one sub had a null at the frequency you were using you could have one sub over driven and one sub loafing. Before you send it/them back you may want to try this. Equal them as described above then set the level with the receiver test tones from your listening position.

Both of the gains on my subs are set differently, they are both around 7 o'clock. My room is small but there is MASSIVE bass. I don't think you have it dialed in correctly, or maybe the sub that failed was not putting out normal output before it failed.

Good luck

Bill,

It ended up that I had a bad sub. After talking with Pete numerous times he actallywalked me through a few tests to tell me what was wrong, and we came to the conclusion that I had a bad amp in my sub. After taking this sub out of the equation and setting things up, again, I actually got much better results from using one sub to its potential (Not as much bass, but at least it sounded good and did not bottom out)

I am still going to need two subs, so I am going to end upgetting another ULS-15. I was wondering why people praised these so much when all I have been is disappointed with mine. After using only the "good" sub, I can see what I was missing. I love the sound, and I have been quite impressed by it thus far. Now I cant wait to get my second one replaced...

Thanks for all of your help everyone!

Hey guys, the OP has returned. I had an unfortunate family matter arise, so I apologize for my quasi-desertion.

At any rate, what I concluded rather quickly (really immediately:)) is that either the SVS or HSU will almost certainly be well beyond capable for my current 1600 cu. ft application. I just want something that will be more immune to "upgraditis" upon my inevitable venture into a larger space.

It's disappointing that a one on one demo of the two is a near impossibility, as it would be, if nothing else, a literal BLAST.

In the end, I think I'm gonna stick with my initial inclination and nab an Ultra. It is VERY unlikely that I'll be bumping up to 2 subs anytime soon, and my hunch is that my money is "best" spent on one Ultra, even though I'm certain either would yield 95-97/100 results.

I thank all those who contributed and I'll return (fillings intact, hopefully) with my result, ASAP.

All the best,
James

James - you won' be disappointed. Everyone has their own opinions/preferences for subs and what they want. For me, it's all about the output. IMO that's what you buy a subwoofer for. I don't use one for music, tightness, etc. I want one that will shake my couch and rattle my wifes dishes in the cupboards downstairs when there's an explosion. My PB13 does that. The fact it is tight, musical, and subtle when needed is just an added (and was a very pleasant surprise) bonus!

If I want tight, accurate, 'musical' bass in the 30 hz and up range, my front speakers do that just fine without a sub - more than fine actually. Getting a sub to do that would be a waste of money for me. So to each their own I guess. You won't get upgraditis though - and the PB 13 is far more flexible in terms of how you can tune it than most other subs out there.

Congrats and enjoy!!!

So, I have been wondering... where would the ULS-15 rank in Craigsub's report? How much DB would one put out at 20hz, etc... does anyone have an idea here?

depends on your room size
where the sub is placed
whether the room is sealed...
whether the room has acoustic treatment...

So, I have been wondering... where would the ULS-15 rank in Craigsub's report? How much DB would one put out at 20hz, etc... does anyone have an idea here?

This sub has no third party measurements (like Illka's) that I'm aware of.

Buy 4 MFW's for the price of 2 ULS or less. I think 1 MFW should equal 1 ULS.

Above 20hz maybe...Below that..The ULS will feel stronger and cleaner.

Hey guys,

Quick ? on the Ultra: does it have screw-in "feet"? Surely you don't place this veneered-beauty right on the floor like a cardboard moving box?

None of the pics or specs on the SVS site seemed to produce an answer.

thanks,
James

Hey guys,

Quick ? on the Ultra: does it have screw-in "feet"? Surely you don't place this veneered-beauty right on the floor like a cardboard moving box?

None of the pics or specs on the SVS site seemed to produce an answer.

thanks,
JamesSVS puts rubber pads on all their subs. this makes it difficult to slide on bare floors or carpeting. You either need to lift it into place or use something under it that can slide.

Hey guys,

Quick ? on the Ultra: does it have screw-in "feet"? Surely you don't place this veneered-beauty right on the floor like a cardboard moving box?

None of the pics or specs on the SVS site seemed to produce an answer.

thanks,
James

It has little rubber feet.

This sub has no third party measurements (like Illka's) that I'm aware of.


Here are the links to the reviews of the ULS-15 that are available. I believe that Dr. Hsu has commented that the review by Dr. Johnson has a room related artifact that detracts from the findings published.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/reviews.html#uls15

Did they discontinue the HO? If so, why?

It was too close in performance to the VTF-3 MK3

>and the PB 13 is far more flexible in terms of how you can tune it than most other subs out there. <

i'm new to subs and am debating PB13 Ultra vs a sealed design like the Ascend/Rhythmik or the ULS15.

can you elabotrate a little on what the tuning flexibility means?

In the case of the 13Ultra, it can be operated four different ways:
1. 20hz tune for maximum output
2. 15hz tune for a balance of high output and deep frequency response
3. 10hz tune, even deeper response, but a noticeable loss of efficiency
4. Sealed. This is the least efficient, but response can continue down into the single digits.

In the case of the 13Ultra, it can be operated four different ways:
1. 20hz tune for maximum output
2. 15hz tune for a balance of high output and deep frequency response
3. 10hz tune, even deeper response, but a noticeable loss of efficiency
4. Sealed. This is the least efficient, but response can continue down into the single digits.
Mike, which mode do you think has the best transient response?

Mike, which mode do you think has the best transient response?

That I can't really tell, but in my room the one setting that sound/feels best for both music and movies is 15hz.

As far as transient response goes, this is more important for music than for movies. The truth is that for 2ch music, my little pair of SB12's are actually doing most of the work. My ported subs are running also, but for much of the music you can't tell if they are on or off.

I keep forgetting that you run a combo of subs.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15403650&postcount=16

i have an SVS PB13-u, and when that scene (cannons) came up, my sub made a loud pop as well. i am running mine +1.5db hot. so i turned the volume from the receiver down from -15.0db to -25.0db to see what was going on... re-watched the scene and studied the sub this time. let me tell you, someone at the studios must thought it might be funny to shoot out a 10hz note of some kind.... even at low volume the subwoofer was working its butt off... it didnt pop once congifured to normal -0.0 and corrected with the spl meter @ 75.odb. but i cant watch that scene at reference level with any setting that is (hot) so far. still looking into what is actually going on in that sonic scene. it seems to only effect it when they first turn the machines on...

btw, i also have watch most movies at reference level and have not run into this problem before. i can say for sure the sub on its half "is" bottoming out on my end. because once turned down to a lower level it works just fine. everything has a limit, and i have found mine and have adjusted for future preperation...

this is just my opinion and .02
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+1....First time I watched it as well....

Audessy set my sub at -11db & I had the sub gain set at 12 oclock....running the receiver at -10....I backed my receiver down to -15 for the rest of the movie.