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HSU Research ULS-15 vs. PC/PB13-Ultra

post #1 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
How does a single ULS-15 compare to a single PC/PB13-Ultra for movies and music? I've read that the PC/PB13-Ultra has more output (but how much more output I don't know and hope someone can give me some numbers). Is the ULS-15 better than the PC/PB13-Ultra for low extension?
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post #2 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

How does a single ULS-15 compare to a single PC/PB13-Ultra for movies and music? I've read that the PC/PB13-Ultra has more output (but how much more output I don't know and hope someone can give me some numbers). Is the ULS-15 better than the PC/PB13-Ultra for low extension?

In the 15 Hz mode the PB-13 gives up very little (compared to the 20 Hz mode). The PB-13 is very capable even down below 15 HZ.

While I can't supply you with numbers for the HSU taken in the exact same conditions. You may have seen these numbers for the PB-13:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...formation.html
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post #3 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:22pm
how large is the room where the sub will be used?

If it is a larger room and/or more so for HT use, definitely go with the PB13U. If it is a medium sized or less room, I would go with the sound quality of the ULS-15.
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post #4 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
The room is sealed and the dimensions are about 15 feet long x 11.5 feet wide x 9.5 feet high.

Are you saying the sound quality is better with the ULS-15? Any estimation of how much output I'll be missing by getting the ULS-15 over the PC/PB13-Ultra? Is it true that the ULS-15 actually has more output down low?
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post #5 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:39pm
HT and Music 50/50?
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post #6 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:44pm
In that room...I would go with the ULS-15. Yes, IMO, the ULS-15 sounds better.

Since the ULS-15 is sealed, and the PB13U is ported, their FR profiles are different. Below the port tuning of the PB13, it rolls off much faster than a sealed box. So it depends on how low and the tuning of the PB13.

As for output between the two, if both subs are calibrated, and you do not listen at insane levels, you won't need the extra output of the SVS in that room IMO.
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post #7 of 90
3/18/09 at 12:57pm
How much is shipping to Dubai?
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post #8 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gov View Post

HT and Music 50/50?

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

In that room...I would go with the ULS-15. Yes, IMO, the ULS-15 sounds better.

Since the ULS-15 is sealed, and the PB13U is ported, their FR profiles are different. Below the port tuning of the PB13, it rolls off much faster than a sealed box. So it depends on how low and the tuning of the PB13.

As for output between the two, if both subs are calibrated, and you do not listen at insane levels, you won't need the extra output of the SVS in that room IMO.

Thanks, but is it true the ULS-15 actually has more output down low? Secondly, will I have any problems reaching reference levels in my room with a single ULS-15?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

How much is shipping to Dubai?

I'm still waiting on HSU to give me a shipping quote for the ULS-15 but for the PC/PB13-Ultra quotes are as follows:

PC13-Ultra door-to-door: $415
PC13-Ultra door-to-airport: $295

PB13-Ultra door-to-door: $495
PB13-Ultra door-to-airport: $370
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post #9 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

Yes.

Secondly, will I have any problems reaching reference levels in my room with a single ULS-15?

How many cubic feet is your room? This will be the primary factor in determining this. I can get to reference level pretty easy with duals in my 5500 cu ft area. A single Ultra just had to work too hard. I'm fairly certain a single Ultra will be capable of more output from 20 Hz up. Although this is speculation based on what I've read.
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post #10 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by croseiv View Post

How many cubic feet is your room? This will be the primary factor in determining this. I can get to reference level pretty easy with duals in my 5500 cu ft area. A single Ultra just had to work too hard. I'm fairly certain a single Ultra will be capable of more output from 20 Hz up.

As I stated a few posts up, my room is about 15 feet long x 11.5 feet wide x 9.5 feet high.
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post #11 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

As I stated a few posts up, my room is about 15 feet long x 11.5 feet wide x 9.5 feet high.

You may be better asking a professional from HSU, but I can say that a single Ultra would be able to get pretty close based on my experience, but it may be close to max output.
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post #12 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:46pm
Since your room is sealed and medium sized, I think you would be fine with the HSU. Both subs will give plenty of output in that room throughout the frequency spectrum.
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post #13 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

Thanks, but is it true the ULS-15 actually has more output down low? Secondly, will I have any problems reaching reference levels in my room with a single ULS-15?

Reference level being 115dB peak for the LFE channel? Depends on the room interaction. I am pretty sure the PB13 will be able to do it. Do you know how loud that is? Do you listen at those levels?

As far as down low output, it depends on the tune of the PB13 and how low. In 20hz tune, the PB13 will have more output at 20hz than the ULS-15, but at 12.5 hz it probably won't.
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post #14 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

Reference level being 115dB peak for the LFE channel? Depends on the room interaction. I am pretty sure the PB13 will be able to do it. Do you know how loud that is? Do you listen at those levels?

As far as down low output, it depends on the tune of the PB13 and how low. In 20hz tune, the PB13 will have more output at 20hz than the ULS-15, but at 12.5 hz it probably won't.

I've hit 122 dB with my current setup without a subwoofer on a certain bass-heavy scene from Transformers with the mains running as Large. I want a subwoofer that can keep up with the rest of my setup. Even though I don't listen at those levels all the time, I would like to have the headroom.

Does the ULS-15 offer a "punch in the gut" feeling? How does the impact and slam compare between the ULS-15 and the PC/PB13-Ultra?
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post #15 of 90
3/18/09 at 2:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

I've hit 122 dB with my current setup without a subwoofer on a certain bass-heavy scene from Transformers with the mains running as Large. I want a subwoofer that can keep up with the rest of my setup. Even though I don't listen at those levels all the time, I would like to have the headroom.

Does the ULS-15 offer a "punch in the gut" feeling? How does the impact and slam compare between the ULS-15 and the PC/PB13-Ultra?

A 122db without a subwoofer!!! You better get the Ultra (maybe two!) then
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post #16 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:00pm
I can safely say you will need dual Ultra's to get to 122 dB (and probably dual ULS 15s).
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post #17 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:04pm
Thread Starter 
I think I read somewhere that a single PC/PB13-Ultra has the output of two ULS-15s. Is this true?
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post #18 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:08pm
May I suggest this: http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/sealeddragon.html
I think two of them would give you lots of SPL for the money.
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post #19 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:10pm
That room is only about 1639 cu.ft. Depending on how far you sit from the sub, I'd bet those levels can be hit by one Ultra. Of course a pair is always better.
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post #20 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mojomike View Post

That room is only about 1639 cu.ft. Depending on how far you sit from the sub, I'd bet those levels can be hit by one Ultra. Of course a pair is always better.

Yeah, a single Ultra would have little to no headroom at 122 dB in that room.
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post #21 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gov View Post

May I suggest this: http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/sealeddragon.html
I think two of them would give you lots of SPL for the money.

Unfortunately Epik Subwoofers does not sell/ship subwoofers outside the US.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mojomike View Post

That room is only about 1639 cu.ft. Depending on how far you sit from the sub, I'd bet those levels can be hit by one Ultra. Of course a pair is always better.

What about a single ULS-15? Would I get able to hit those levels with a ULS-15 (also depending on placement)?
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post #22 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

I think I read somewhere that a single PC/PB13-Ultra has the output of two ULS-15s. Is this true?

I've read that too, but there are no third party measurements of the ULS15 to confirm this, while there are several of the Ultra.
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post #23 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post


What about a single ULS-15? Would I get able to hit those levels with a ULS-15 (also depending on placement)?

I'd bet against unless you were within a couple of feet. Two would do nicely.
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post #24 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:36pm
122dB? Freaking loud!! Go with the Ultra if that level is normal for you.
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post #25 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

122dB? Freaking loud!! Go with the Ultra if that level is normal for you.

No kidding! I want to know what speakers he's using that allowed him to hit 122dB in-room WITHOUT A SUB! And if that was 122dB measured at the LP.
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post #26 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cschang View Post

122dB? Freaking loud!! Go with the Ultra if that level is normal for you.


Yeah, that's very loud indeed.
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post #27 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:42pm
Thread Starter 
I know some of you might be startled at the 122 dB figure, but it was only done once by me to see the capability of my setup. Plus, most of the sound coming out during the demo was bass (no high frequencies that are more damaging to the ear).

However, back on topic. I'm a little confused between the ULS-15 and the PC/PB13-Ultra. People say the ULS-15 has better sound quality while the PC/PB13-Ultra has more output. How much "better" does the ULS-15 sound compared to the PC/PB13-Ultra?
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post #28 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lalakersfan34 View Post

No kidding! I want to know what speakers he's using that allowed him to hit 122dB in-room WITHOUT A SUB! And if that was 122dB measured at the LP.

My main speakers are the Klipsch RF-7s powered by the beastly Harman Kardon AVR 8500 (or AVR 8000 as it was named in the US). And yes, the measurement was taken at listening position.
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post #29 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

I know some of you might be startled at the 122 dB figure, but it was only done once by me to see the capability of my setup. Plus, most of the sound coming out during the demo was bass (no high frequencies that are more damaging to the ear).

However, back on topic. I'm a little confused between the ULS-15 and the PC/PB13-Ultra. People say the ULS-15 has better sound quality while the PC/PB13-Ultra has more output. How much "better" does the ULS-15 sound compared to the PC/PB13-Ultra?

At normal listening levels, I really doubt you will hear a huge (if any) difference between these subs if they are set up the same way. Note: this IS ONLY my biased opinion..
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post #30 of 90
3/18/09 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kain View Post

How much "better" does the ULS-15 sound compared to the PC/PB13-Ultra?

How do you qualify something like that? The Ultra sounds very good....by all accounts it is an excellent sub. IMO, the transients sound better with the ULS-15. Also, there is a seamless transition when playing the lower notes since there is no transition to ports to create the tones.

Without comparing for yourself, I think you would be happy with the sound quality of either.
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