Velo SPL1200R Or SVS SB12-Plus Price aside

[antman27]

Hello all PRICE aside
what sub is the better choice the
SVS SB12-Plus OR the Velo SPL-1200R ?
Thanks ~

[Ferres]

Svs looks good. lighter than I expected. The velo has a remote if that is a factor.

[antman27]

yea the EQ on the velo looks nice
They are booth about 14x14 x16
the vello is 53 lbs and the svs 40 lbs

[TJEli]

What are you using it for and how big is your room?

-Eli

[ManicMiner]

Svs looks good. lighter than I expected. The velo has a remote if that is a factor.

The weigth difference is down to that the SB12's weigth is its net weight, and the SPL1200 it's shipping weight.

I think most of us by now know that SVS have a different approach to specs :)

[antman27]

Well my room is 13 x 25 it is divided half with a diningroom
My sub now is a paradigm PDr8 and is is OK for HT But I want a better sub for music
The EQ on the velo looks nice
What approach does SVS spec have ??

[ManicMiner]

They are dead honest when it comes to specs. Like I already said the specced weight is the net weight, not the shipping weight. The frequency response is the subs anechoic response, not how deep it goes with optimal room gain.

[antman27]

So nobody realy is leaning either way ??

[ransac]

In most setups the remote would not be a selling point. Once your system is properly calibrated, the subs volume should be controlled by the AVR's master volume. I haven't heard of many people using the preprogrammed curves in the Velo. I have heard several say they like the Jazz setting and that is where they leave it.

Without any real listening pro reviews of the SB12, it is hard to say how it will compare to the SPL in sound quality or output. Those that have heard it say it sounds very good, but that is from a consumer's perspective. The real advantage to the SB12 is the price vs the Velo. With the Velo you are paying more for electronics you may or may not use. The SB12 could have external EQing added, but at additional cost. If you were to add the SMS-1 it would make the price comparable to the SPL. For less, you could add the BFD. Or, you may like it as is and save the cost of the electronics.

I hate paying shipping costs, but the price difference is enough that I might take a chance on the SB12. If it performs well, you just saved several hundred dollars. If it doesn't, send it back and go with the SPL.

[antman27]

Thanks ransac
Its not the remote that got me undecided its the EQ & all of the features of the spl R
I could also look at a used spl V II and save a bunch of $$

[Ferres]

I personally like more bang with movies so I tend to dial up the subwoofer volume during showtimes and dial it backdown for music.

[antman27]

see for me my PDR8 is OK for movies But Lacks for music

[antman27]

OK So I ordered a SVS SB12-PLUS this weekend Cant wait to get it and crank up some tunez
I Hope it is a major improvement over my PDR8

[ookiedukes]

I have a 11x20 room with a cathedral ceiling, and I'm happy with my SVS SB12 Plus.
Excellent for music, as well as home theater. I think your going to like it.

[antman27]

So I have been using my sb12+ for a while now and I still find a lack of lows for music
I do like alot of bass for music so I am wondering if the velo would have been a beter choise
I may look into getting 2 sb12+to even out the lows
I think since my room is open and I like alot of bass when I turn up the sub I can tell it is comming from the front right of the room and does not blend -that is why I may try 2

[Confusedsoul]

They are dead honest when it comes to specs. Like I already said the specced weight is the net weight, not the shipping weight. The frequency response is the subs anechoic response, not how deep it goes with optimal room gain.


Specs for the PB10-NSD state 60lbs. Shipping weight according to UPS is 75lbs.

[dumdum12]

So I have been using my sb12+ for a while now and I still find a lack of lows for music
I do like alot of bass for music so I am wondering if the velo would have been a beter choise
I may look into getting 2 sb12+to even out the lows
I think since my room is open and I like alot of bass when I turn up the sub I can tell it is comming from the front right of the room and does not blend -that is why I may try 2

if you like more bass then you might have to go with two SVSs. I found Velo to be very musical and descent for movies. And I like it that way.

[AdilM]

In most setups the remote would not be a selling point. Once your system is properly calibrated, the subs volume should be controlled by the AVR's master volume. I haven't heard of many people using the preprogrammed curves in the Velo. I have heard several say they like the Jazz setting and that is where they leave it.

Without any real listening pro reviews of the SB12, it is hard to say how it will compare to the SPL in sound quality or output. Those that have heard it say it sounds very good, but that is from a consumer's perspective. The real advantage to the SB12 is the price vs the Velo. With the Velo you are paying more for electronics you may or may not use. The SB12 could have external EQing added, but at additional cost. If you were to add the SMS-1 it would make the price comparable to the SPL. For less, you could add the BFD. Or, you may like it as is and save the cost of the electronics.

I hate paying shipping costs, but the price difference is enough that I might take a chance on the SB12. If it performs well, you just saved several hundred dollars. If it doesn't, send it back and go with the SPL.

You are definitely "confused" on this.
It has a 6 Band Auto EQ with mic. This accounts for the room and the user can tailor the bass the way he wants.
The remote can be programmed into a universal in case he wants to make changes on the fly.

SVS SB12 was reviewed in S&V.
Here are some Velodyne Reviews:
http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/news/reviews.aspx?sid=584u130h
I would extrapolate from the Velodyne in the S&V comparison using the specs on their website.


Since, he decided to throw the MSRP price out the window you have to assume he can get them for similar prices.

Ransac, IMO that was not good advice :). You got the major advantage of the Eq wrong and you focused on price which the poster said to ignore.

[btillman]

I use to own the spl1200R and currently have the spl1500R. I loved the 1200 because of the amount of bass you get out of the small enclosure. The eq on this sub is what sets it apart because it allows you dial it in without much fuss.Once the auto eq did its thing the only setting I changed was the level, I tend to run my subs a little on the hot side. The 1200 is also great for music. I like my sub to pick up where my nearly full range speakers leave off. I switched to the 1500 because it has the same qualities as the 1200 with way more output.
I can't comment on the SVS because I've never owned one.

[OrangeTJ]

Is floor space at a premium or is there some other reason you're looking at the SB12 rather than one of the larger PB subs from SVS? If you like SVS and you're after a lot of bass, it would seem that the best bet would be to go with one of the larger SVS subs - like a PB12Plus, a PB12Plus/2 or PB12NSD/2. On their own site, SVS recommends going for one of the larger enclosure subs unless you absolutely must have the smallest possible enclosure.

[antman27]

Is floor space at a premium or is there some other reason you're looking at the SB12 rather than one of the larger PB subs from SVS? If you like SVS and you're after a lot of bass, it would seem that the best bet would be to go with one of the larger SVS subs - like a PB12Plus, a PB12Plus/2 or PB12NSD/2. On their own site, SVS recommends going for one of the larger enclosure subs unless you absolutely must have the smallest possible enclosure.
I do like alot of bass and room lay out does not alow me to have a corner placement so when I turn up the sub to the level I like it becomes directional
I can tell the lows are coming from the right front of the room
So I just think 2 subs would give much more lows evenly through the room
Dont get me wrong for HT the SB12+ sounds great but its music I am having a problem with

[antman27]

Some Pix

[AdilM]

How about the corner between the couches?

There are options to decouple the sub from the floor, but many people like the vibrations from the floor.

It's a fine point, but I doubt you are localizing the sub. You are probably localizing the indirect movement of things around the sub.

Nice thing about the Velodyne is that it would have remained relatively flat despite where you put it. You can always add the Velodyne SMS-1 to the SVS you have.

[antman27]

How about the corner between the couches?

There are options to decouple the sub from the floor, but many people like the vibrations from the floor.

It's a fine point, but I doubt you are localizing the sub. You are probably localizing the indirect movement of things around the sub.

Nice thing about the Velodyne is that it would have remained relatively flat despite where you put it. You can always add the Velodyne SMS-1 to the SVS you have.

Problem with between the couches is there is a doorway in the way to run the cable
My floor is a carpet on a slab so not sure how a room on a concrete slap comes into play
I do have a sms-1 and it has helped with the curves but I can still tell the sub is coming from that front right.

[LTCJack]

Hello all PRICE aside
what sub is the better choice the
SVS SB12-Plus OR the Velo SPL-1200R ?
Thanks ~

I am trying to decide between the same two subs...svs costs $750; Velo costs $1050...don't really care about the money just want best sounding sub...like to listen to rock...U2, Bruce, Clash...room is 2200 cubic ft, but there is an opening in the back of room to another 4000 cu. ft. will also be placing sub in front right corner of 2200 cu ft room...caddy corner from the small opening in rear left...

Antman any regrets??

[ribbit]

SVS SB12 Plus
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/5769-svs-sb12-plus.html

Velo SPL1200 II (not R)
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/8146-velodyne-spl-1200-mk2-new.html

this is honestly a tough choice.

velo pros:
auto EQ
remote
goes lower
DSP settings that let you set higher subsonic filters and boost certain frequencies

sb12 pros:
more input and output options (speaker level outs with high pass, balanced, etc.)
cheaper by almost 50%, just a little more you can buy a second one
magnetic grill holder on the premium models

[LTCJack]

sounds like if it's too close to call, I should get the SVS and use the $300 difference for a Music Hall turntable!

Will they both be fine for music? Is one of them more suited for HT than music?

[warpdrive]

Is one of them more suited for HT than music?

Not really, they are both high output sealed compact subs. They both achieve similar performance with the Velo being a bit better. Both have very high quality drivers, and stiff heavy cabinets. Both are overbuilt to achieve satisfying home theater demands, but work well for good "musical" performance.

The real advantage of the Velo is the definitely the EQ which means you will likely get better sound out of it without a lot of fuss, and it has more options (presets) to tailor the sound to your liking.

But I agree that saving the $300 and putting it toward other stuff may be a good route. You can always get a second SVS for the price saved

[LTCJack]

Not really, they are both high output sealed compact subs. They both achieve similar performance with the Velo being a bit better. Both have very high quality drivers, and stiff heavy cabinets. Both are overbuilt to achieve satisfying home theater demands, but work well for good "musical" performance.

The real advantage of the Velo is the definitely the EQ which means you will likely get better sound out of it without a lot of fuss, and it has more options (presets) to tailor the sound to your liking.

But I agree that saving the $300 and putting it toward other stuff may be a good route. You can always get a second SVS for the price saved

Warpdrive,

Thanks. You have been absolutely quite helpful. If the Velo is slightly better, why did you buy the SVS? Just curious? Is it solely the $300.00 difference? To where shall I send your consultant fee?:)

[mailiang]

I think most of us by now know that SVS have a different approach to specs They are dead honest when it comes to specs.

Like I already said the specced weight is the net weight, not the shipping weight. The frequency response is the subs anechoic response, not how deep it goes with optimal room gain.:rolleyes:

In defense of my friends at Velodyne, they do not measure their subs like that. However, as I've noted many times on this forum, there is no set industry standards for measurement. If you want to know what a sub can really do, audition it or read a professional review. Velodyne has faired just a well as SVS, when their ratings were compared to actual ground plain measurements taken out doors, or in large or acoustically neutral environments, by Tom Nousaine (S&V), Ed Mullen and John Johnson (Secrets).

http://home.comcast.net/~frank_carter/Nousaine.htm

Ian

[warpdrive]

Warpdrive,

Thanks. You have been absolutely quite helpful. If the Velo is slightly better, why did you buy the SVS? Just curious? Is it solely the $300.00 difference? To where shall I send your consultant fee?:)

I would have bought the Velodyne if I needed the extra EQ functions of the Velodyne.

I already had one of these (http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/acoustics/velodyne-sms-1-subwoofer-parametric-eq-system) so I would be paying for extra functions that I don't need. I didn't need any more output so the SVS was fine

[LTCJack]

I would have bought the Velodyne if I needed the extra EQ functions of the Velodyne.

I already had one of these (http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/acoustics/velodyne-sms-1-subwoofer-parametric-eq-system) so I would be paying for extra functions that I don't need. I didn't need any more output so the SVS was fine

So, since I don't have one of those parametric eq systems, you think the Velo would be a better choice for me, don't you? How will I know how to use it? I am not an audiophile or an engineer!!!

[warpdrive]

So, since I don't have one of those parametric eq systems, you think the Velo would be a better choice for me, don't you? How will I know how to use it? I am not an audiophile or an engineer!!!

Yes I think the Velo is worth it over the SVS for that reason alone.

It's not hard to use. You pretty much just plug the microphone in and press a button. It's completely automatic.

[LTCJack]

Yes I think the Velo is worth it over the SVS for that reason alone.

It's not hard to use. You pretty much just plug the microphone in and press a button. It's completely automatic.

Thanks. Maybe I can talk the wife into a black sub, and get the 1500r and then its a win-win. The B&W guy just slammed Velo...said they were bankrupt and then began whor**g cheap stuff through circuit city. said the quality was lousy. For "$1900" retail, it can't be too bad.

[warpdrive]

The B&W guy just slammed Velo...said they were bankrupt and then began whor**g cheap stuff through circuit city. said the quality was lousy.

WTH? Man, I would choose a different dealer if I heard stuff like that being uttered. No wonder people are turning to Internet Direct brands, when you don't have to deal with salespeople trashing other brands they don't sell (since of course, what they don't sell must be bad)

[mailiang]

Thanks. Maybe I can talk the wife into a black sub, and get the 1500r and then its a win-win. The B&W guy just slammed Velo...said they were bankrupt and then began whor**g cheap stuff through circuit city. said the quality was lousy. For "$1900" retail, it can't be too bad.

Actually it's Circuit City that may go bankrupt, not Velodyne.


Ian ;)

[davidcrowe]

after adding a second svs pb-12plus/2, we now have sound you can feel two floors up. the overstock/black friday sale was just too good to pass up.

[ribbit]

after adding a second svs pb-12plus/2, we now have sound you can feel two floors up. the overstock/black friday sale was just too good to pass up.

I missed the part how this is relevant to this thread.

[Tim Benoit]

I just got a DLS 5000R and the wife says its to big so Im thinking about taking it back and getting a SPL 1200 I hope it still sounds about the same the stor where I got the DLS 5000R does not carry the SPL 1200 so I cant even hear how it sounds


Thanks Tim

[ribbit]

I just got a DLS 5000R and the wife says its to big so Im thinking about taking it back and getting a SPL 1200 I hope it still sounds about the same the stor where I got the DLS 5000R does not carry the SPL 1200 so I cant even hear how it sounds


Thanks Tim

how big is the room/area in terms of cubic feet? is it open to other areas?

what is your budget? if you only need to satisfy your wife's 'size' restriction and not price restriction, there are better options.

[Tim Benoit]

my room is 18x13 witch opens into dinning room 14x13 and kitchen 12x13 also we have vaulted ceilings 10ft at the peek my price range is around $1000


Thanks Tim

[LTCJack]

I bought a new Velodyne 1500R for $1199 delivered:)

[swgiust]

Your complaint about lack of bass on music but not on HT may not be the sub. Most music does not have that much low bass.

Spend some time on set up and you may find that you have your sub too high, not too low.

What are your main speakers and what do you have the sub crossed over at?

[JackB]

I'm going to be buying the Velo shortly and was wondering how you integrate the automatic equalizing setup into the Audessey setup that my new receiver has. Am I right in assuming that you run the Velo calibration first and then the Audessey? My thinking here is that the Audessey only adjusts the volume and doesn't mess with the curves as the Velo process does. Am I right?

Jack

[LTCJack]

I'm going to be buying the Velo shortly and was wondering how you integrate the automatic equalizing setup into the Audessey setup that my new receiver has. Am I right in assuming that you run the Velo calibration first and then the Audessey? My thinking here is that the Audessey only adjusts the volume and doesn't mess with the curves as the Velo process does. Am I right?

Jack

I would like to know this too. Help Warpdrive.

[warpdrive]

I'm going to be buying the Velo shortly and was wondering how you integrate the automatic equalizing setup into the Audessey setup that my new receiver has. Am I right in assuming that you run the Velo calibration first and then the Audessey? My thinking here is that the Audessey only adjusts the volume and doesn't mess with the curves as the Velo process does. Am I right?

Nope, Audyssey does everything, adjust the levels, and EQ's over several frequency ranges. It's very sophisticated.

Kal from Stereophile always advises to do the sub adjustment first using the sub's functions, and then runs Audyssey. That's what I do now in my own system.

If some of you find the bass a bit too low after all the auto EQ, I would suggest running the sub "hot", that is, after you run all the Auto EQ (both on the sub and then Audyssey), go into the receiver settings and bump up the bass level. It gives me better feel for the bass at lower volumes. This is the same line of thinking that is along the lines of running a house curve.

There is one line of thinking that says you should run a house curve
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/rew-forum/96-house-curve-what-why-you-need-how-do.html