XV30 Mini Review
So going back about 7 years ago or so, my first HT sub was 2 / VTF3MK2 and then dual Klipsch RW-12D, back then I thought it sounded excellent, but my VTF2 and Klipsh subs weren't giving me that slam and impact I had been looking for, I decided to look for replacement. I and did lots and lots of research on AVS’s forum. I was drawn to the XV30 because of it's value. you can't ignore the price, I pretty much made up my mind (and leap of faith) that XV30 going to be my next dual subs.
I was blown away! As I watched LOTR Trilogy, the XV30s had plenty of opportunity to flex its muscle. The movie is filled with lots of high-energy action and LFE channel activity. The XV30s had no problems coupling with and energizing my 3800+ cu-ft. Bass extension was deep and powerful, providing tactile sensations. I then loaded up a movie I have watched many time before, Iron Man 2; this soundtrack has lots of deep bass in connection with a variety of explosions and special effects.
I then watched Saving Private Ryan another action movie with lots of low-frequency energy. The attack scene is filled with numerous explosions and gunshots that gave the SV30s a real workout. The explosions as reproduced by the SV30s reached low, shaking my sofa pant legs flapping and causing buzzes, rattles and in my room. The firing of the heavy machine guns produced bass that was not as deep as the explosions but much sharper and more defined.
I wanted to see if the XV30s could do so with enough finesse to fit into a first-class music, the Eagles’ Hotel California (DTS, DVD). The drums on this album are well-recorded, with solid impacts and a detailed note. The biggest difference was that, on the decay notes, the XV30s was much more natural and lifelike
Pro: You will not be disappointed with the output level of this beast! I feel that the VX30 outdoes it in all aspects, mid-upper bass, bass extension, musicality and home theater slam, especially when one considers the 10% discount price! If you have the room for this thing and are considering a sub, this would be a fantastic way to go. You can certainly get similar performance from other subs out there, but you're looking at a considerable jump in cost.
Con: I’m using Pioneer VSX-1021-K with MCACC for room calibration.
But somehow MCACC doesn’t calibrated XV30s correctly, so I have to use shack's spl meter for calibration. What baffles me is why I need so much more volume on the AVR to compensate the gain on sobwoofer.
but I could be mistaken
Anyone with Pioneer receiver better watch out.
2 Proprietary 15" high excursion drivers
XV30, VTF3-MK2, Klipsh RW-12D
to give you all an idea of the scale, here's a pictures of xv30s next to 70" TV
Edited by av addiction - 9/4/12 at 12:26pm 
!!
Tom actually sent me the picture. He thought I would like to see what the inside of the sub looks like before I actually take this one apart (something he seemed to know I was going to do). When I write my review I'll have a bunch more pictures. Stay tuned...
