The New SVS PC12-Plus - Page 3

Any owners of the previous 20-39 PC+ have reviews of the PC12 Plus in comparison?

A quick question for anybody who has a New PC12-Plus: the photo of the amp on the SVS web site shows speaker level inputs, but the owner's manual shows a different amp backplate that does not have speaker level inputs. Which is correct? I'm using a stereo receiver with no preamp outputs/main amp inputs.

My pair of PC12 Pluses just arrived today--despite a fair bit of box trauma, the insides were safe and sound--great packing and service SVS!

The subs actually look much better in person than in the web pics. The fabric covering is like a very thick velour. I was surprised: it's not just like fabric covering a cylinder. Rather, the thick fabric appears to be melded to a 3/4 inch black layer that wraps around the sub. It does not look cheap at all to me, and the appearance screams "high tech" and "deep and loud"

I do think that while they take up less floor space, the subs look big in my room (8 ft ceilings) due to their height, so it's certainly not for folks that want to hide their home theater. Having said that, they are pretty easy to move around during placement.

A couple of tips if you are planning to order one: it's good to have a vacuum handy when opening the box, as the rubbing of the packing material during transit leaves black dust all over the inside of the box and the outside of the bag enclosing the sub. Also, once you tip the box on it's side, it's easiest to open the side of the box with the serial number sticker on it--after you remove the top layer of packing, the sub just rolls right out with no fuss.

Oh, and yes, there are speaker level inputs on the sub.

Thanx for the info. Now it's time to let Mrs. Chainsaw know what she's getting me for Xmas.

My PC12-Plus arrived today!

The packaging looked to be top notch. My box showed few signs of outside damage and the sub looks to be untouched upon initial inspection.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to hook it up and play with it yet. I may use my Denon AVR to calibrate it tonight.

The PC12-Plus's size definitely caught me off guard. My room is on the small side so it makes to sub seem even bigger. The smaller footprint should make it easier to place it, while a traditional boxed sub might have a little more "bling" effect.

For what it's worth, my girlfriend said it looked like a trash can! LMAO! It does look like I expected though. Very nice and subtle in my opinion. My only dislike is the ease with which the fabric moves when you touch it. It concerns me with moving it since constant relocation might damage it if not done with the upmost care.

Pictures coming soon and reviews on the sound. This is my first true sub, so I'm sure I'll have a huge grin on my face.

It's not a delicate as you might think. This is also not an iPod. You're not supposed to carry it around in your back pocket.

If the sock slides around while you move it, just use your hand to smooth it out.

BTW, when you do lift it, don't squeeze too tight. The cylinder can stand higher, consistent pressure, but you cause pressure points with your arms and you can collapse the tube. I used to wrap my arms around it but use my hands to lift with the lip that overhangs the amp.

I also received my new SVS PC 12+ sub today via UPS (United Puncture Service) with only one 357 magnum hole through the side. But the sub was untouched thanks to superb packaging as mentioned previously. I'm going to start off quick with setup using the microphone attached to my Yamaha 663 and this weekend I'll use my spl meter. Can't wait to hear it go off!

SVS shipped out my replacement baseplate today. Just emailed them about it yesterday afternoon so pretty quick turnaround.

Patiently waiting for this sub to make it's appearance on Sonicboomaudio.com for us Canadians.

I received an e-mail from Mason of Sonicboomaudio on Nov 30 stating that he "should have the new PC12 plus in stock and ready to ship in about 2-3 weeks." Also that "the price for it will be $1279, exactly the same as the current US price after accounting for the exchange rate. There will be a preorder savings of $100 available on it as well for any order that we receive before the subs arrive at our place."

I mailed him back inquiring when it would appear on Sonicboomaudio so I can preorder. Still no word.

It will be nice to finally have a decent sub to go with my 2 pair Infinity IL50's and my IL36Center, all with 10"subs. I've been missing all the subwoofer channel audio in my movies for years now. Mind you 5X10" subs provide a decent amount of low end, just not the same though without a good sub for .1 LFE.

Next I'll have to debate going 7.1. That's another can of worms though.

So what factors had you folks choose the PC12-Plus over the PC12-NSD? The $400+ price difference is pretty big.

I'm a fan of the cylindrical design and am considering one as well and was just wondering what drove you folks up to the Plus.

Sorry if this is more appropriate for the main SVS thread but most of the chatter there is about the boxes and I wanted to know the opinions of owners.

thanks
BigRob.

Price and footprint were my two factors.

Hi dreamstate,
They are both 16" diameter and the NSD is 400 bucks less. Perusing the SVS web site I see that they show graphs but my untrained eye doesn't see much of a difference. Approx 200 watts doesn't get you that many more db, does it?

thanks,
BigRob.

Those graphs are to show frequency response only. They have nothing to do with maximum output.

....or distortion, or group delay, or....

Right. I'm just picking through the svs site. I haven't been able to google up any direct comparison between the NSD and Plus and was wondering what the new owners found compelling.

Thanks,
Rob.

I'd be interested to see those impressions as well. Unfortunately, I'd doubt many people have both the PC12-NSD and PC12-Plus. It might be awhile before we see actual first-hand comparisons of both subs.

I am struggling with this same issue. A few weeks ago I e-mailed svs basically asking whether to go with the Plus or 2 NSDs (roughly about the same cost). The guy at SVS wrote back:

"If you can handle the 40" height of the new PC12-Plus, it'd certainly be the way to go. About 50% more output than the PC12-NSD, along with things like variable tuning (with a sealed mode), a more advanced driver, and better resistance to overloadit's almost impossible to push into audible distress."

That quote was taken from a response to some direct questions about room placement issues I had.

Of course, either the plus or the NSD would be an improvement over what I have now - but also, one of the things I notice most audiophiles say is that they would rather have 1 good sub over 2 mediocre ones.

That said - I am still on the fence and am very curious to read about a direct comparison. Who knows - funds permitting, perhaps I will be the guinea pig -

Price, footprint and company reputation.

Personally, I asked the guys here what they would recommend for my room size (medium), listening level (moderate), situation (apartment), space requirement (small footprint) and budget ($500 or so). They recommend the PCI line which is now the NSD. If my budget was higher they thought I would be very happy with a plus or ultra. SVS had the same response as the guys here.

After debating it with myself or maybe more appropriately convincing myself. I decided to spend the extra bit and go with the PC12+. My logic, flawed or not, was/is that a PCI(NSD) might be fine now but will I keep reading reviews and want something more? Also, when I move and can really push it will I be disappointed and need to upgrade or pick up a second one? Decided to try and future proof by uping my budget.

I guess the math would be shorter to read and more to the point.

Lets assume (1)PC12Plus = (2)PC12NSD. Obviously they don't exactly but for my purposes I saw that as the two future options. At current pricing that's $999 v 2x$549 meaning in the long term I actually saved $100. Did the preorder so ignoring shipping I really saved $200.

Sorry for the long winded response but that was my reason. The PC12+ is exactly what I wanted. Would I be disappointed in the NSD? Probalby not but I'm glad I went a step up rather than wondering "what if" every time I watch a movie.

Did everybody have to install their driver separately? Mine came in 2 boxes and then SVS forgot to include the screws. Bummer... Good news is that they are sending me the screws ASAP.

You ordered a sub and they sent you one that wasn't assembled? That sounds strange.

Is it because you are in Germany and it saved on shipping costs?

Yes, the shipping was the reason behind the separate boxes. I originally wanted the PC Ultra, but USPS wont ship anything that heavy APO to me, so I settled for the PC12 Plus.

So... I am running one 20-39 PC Plus and waiting to get the PC12 Plus running with it. They both look identical except for the driver, big difference between the 12.2 driver and the 12.4 The amps are different because of the new PEQ avail on the PC12 Plus so the layout looks longer. Badge designs of the SVS logo are different, base plate now has 4 post instead of the 3 from the 20-39 PC Plus.

The 12.4 driver looks much more massive and the basket design is definetly much stronger built than the previous 12.2 driver. Although I did order the upgrade to a 12.3 for the 20-39 PC Plus.

May have been easier to get through customs when they can just look inside. The Gestapo stole the screws.

How long did it take for USPS parcel post to deliver your sub? I ordered my Sierra-1's before thanksgiving and I still don't have them. My PC12+ was shipped parcel post too, the waiting game sucks..

My PC12 Plus took about 2 1/2 weeks to come in via APO. However, when I bought my 20-29 PC Plus from a forum member, it took about a month. I am still waiting for my new amp replacement and 12.3 driver upgrade to come in from SVS. The amp some how took a dump but it was still under warranty. At the time of getting my replacement amp I decided to upgrade the driver to.

Apparently SVS Priority shipped my screws for the PC12 Plus... so I have two subs waiting to be used.

Since you are still stateside you are lucky, PC12 Plus is the heaviest you can go for USPS. So I am hoping after everything is calibrated that these two subs will give me enough bass?

I'm actually stationed at Osan, so I guess I have some witing to do.

I really wanted the Ultra but it was too heavy to ship to an APO. They told me the PC12+ would be shipped without the driver in it to meet the parcel post weight requirement, I think 130 inches total (l+w+h) and no more than 70 pounds.

The installation is very easy, the way they designed the new driver basket makes the wiring a snap. No soldering or crimping. Just a phillips screwdriver and patience so you don't scratch anything. The speaker will come in the older model box, there should be a slip inside assuring you have the new design PC12 Plus.

Hopefully they wont forget the driver screws like they did to me, so that is what I am waiting for right now.

I flew on P3s for the Navy, been to Osan AB in 2000. Got out and now my wife stayed active duty AF here at Ramstein AB.

I had a SB12-Plus here a couple of weeks and just couldn't seem to get enough bass. Had to choose because of WAF. Called SVS and Ed Mullen recommended the PC12-plus because of the small footprint for the living room, easier to place. Well I have had the PC12-Plus for about a week and played a number of movies and Wow what a difference. I have a friend who has the PB12-Plus and he wishes he would have got this instead. This baby is unbelievable. If you really want to see how it performs, put the movie "Underworld" with Kate Beckinsale in and turn it up. Shake,rattle and roll. AV receiver gain way below reference level (-25 on my Yammy RXV) and it rumbles the couch and my insides real good. 2200 cubic foot room with 2 openings for kitchen and hallway to bedrooms with plenty of furniture. I highly recommend this sub. SVS started their business and became popular with the cylinder sub, and I understand why.

I am considering this sub and have a couple of questions. Any of the owners have an irregualr open room? Like open to a kitchen or on the 2nd floor that is open to the 1st. If so, how does it sound. I have 2nd story loft that's open to the staircase and overlooks the 1st floor, curious how this sub would sound in such a setup. If you had to do it all over again, would you go the ultra route or is the plus more than enough? Appreciate the feedback.