HSU Ultimate 1 vs SVS SBS-01 w/ PB12-NSD/2

The Ultimate one looks pretty good, and so does the SBS-01 packages. But SVS will soon release a mini tower, and that is going to make a buzz on the net too.

I have been thinking of these two setups as well. The only way to know.....is to listen.
I don't know of anyone who has done side by side reviews of these two, you could do us all a favor and do it for us!

I may do it soon my self, but soon may be 2-3 months, and hopefully the mts will be out from SVS by then.

As likely with many here, I have not heard either system. Although I can't believe you'd be going wrong with either, I'd have to think the HSU system would be noticeably better and regardless of how that is defined. I'd be surpised if someone who has heard both would say different.

That's HSU's top of the line system, and it's newer than the SVS. It's way too hard for me to imagine HSU coming out with a new system that's aimed directly at SVS at each price point (as well as others speaker companies) and HSU not intend for it to out perform them. There's probably a review or two out by now on the HSU system that may help you decide.

The short answer is no. The performance difference of these subwoofers is only one component to be considered. How these subwoofers would compare directly would best be discussed in the subwoofer forum. You do know the HSU system has a "mid-base module", right? That alone changes everything since the HSU sub will be free to better handle the lower frequencies. Nonetheless, it's the overall system's performance that should matter the most. Picking a system solely on a comparison of subwoofers would not be wise IMO. And anyway each are likely to be more than adequate for your HT room.

Good question. Never gave it a thought. Definitely would want to call HSU on that one or at least check their site.

You should be fine.

You have a very large room and you will need as much bass output as you can get. It is my understanding the VTF3 HO will outperform a PB12-Plus2 which should out perform a NSD/2, you may want to ask on the sub forum. The addition of the MBM should further enhance your experience.

The HB-1s are quite a bit more sensitive than the SBS-01s which may be a plus depending on how loud you like to listen and how far you are from the speakers.

I just purchased a Hsu system similar to the Ultimate setup. The exceptions were that I only purchased a 5.1 system and I got the VTF 3 MK 3 with Turbo instead of the HO. I am very pleased with this system.


If your receiver has a pre-out for the sub you just get a splitter for the cable. Run the cable to the MBM and then split it out to the VTF. I got a splitter at Best Buy.

By "seem" do you mean you have listened to them?

They are two very different speakers. The SBS are an acoustic suspension design, whereas the HBs are bass reflex with a horn. How do you want to place your speakers? Wall mount? Stands?

The SBS are less efficient, but my understanding is that this will not be much of an issue.

SVS has published a good amount of data on the SBS speakers. I am not aware of any equivalent from HSU. The SBS speakers also have a number of professional reviews and has been widely praised. The HBs are much newer, so the reviews aren't out yet. HSU has a very good rep, so it is unlikely the speakers are anything other than good.

What intrigues me about the SBS is that, at least on paper, it looks to be perfect for a 2nd order/4th order subwoofer crossover at 80 Hz. (THX standard.)

I doubt you are wrong, and that's the way the HB-1's look to me too.

Thanks for the interest, guys! Reviews of the HB/HC-1's are coming, just not ready for publishing quite yet. This is really some of Dr. Hsu's best work in terms of value for the money, I can honestly say!

1time, if you have a chance over the next couple days, swing by our room at St. Tropez (Suite 2104) at T.H.E. SHOW. The demo system includes HB-1's, HC-1, MBM-12, VTF-3 Mk3, etc.

Enjoy!

RANT: Why does everyone call him "Dr. Hsu"? I'm in grad school myself and work with phd's all the time in statistics, and we never, ever use such a formal(and pretentious) means of addressing someone.

It really gets annoying to read that: just call him "hsu" for christ's sake, or should we start saying, "dr. einstein", "dr. feynman's lectures", etc etc?

Anyway, the really smart guys go to caltech, not MIT :P

Heh good point. When I was in grad school (I have a PhD in chemistry) it was customary to call your thesis advisor "Dr" and usually the other faculty.

Until I saw what "Dr" Hsu looked like, my mental image was of a wizened old man, perhaps like that guy from Kill Bill who taught the secret Kung Fu stuff. It turns out he looks like he is 35, 40 tops.

Contrasting Hsu and SVS (and again, I don't own products from either), HSU seems much more a "cult of personality". This is not to be perjorative, as that is a valid marketing philosophy, especially with smaller businesses. SVS seems more spec. and measurement driven. By all accounts Dr. Hsu is a very pleasant man to deal with and knows a hell of alot about subwoofers (and other loudspeakers too, it seems.)

It is possible cschang has, you might try PMing him.

to add to the which one factor, there is a post in the SVS SBS thread about a 7.1 SCS setup that was at CES. It was said to sound pretty nice, that setup maybe the additional umpf I was hoping for. SVS still has a mid tower to come out this year, to be fair it was to come out last year too! Having something (LCR) to upgrade to is nice, if it matches well with the SBS that is.

Something else to consider... I think I read recently that the SVS system at CES used center speakers all the way around, not the smaller satellites. It probably would be best for you to wait until getting a few opinons from those who went to CES and heard both systems. Lots of luck.

1time, I think you said the same thing I said one post up. But to restate, the SCS is the small center channel speaker.

Yes, and I recall reading SVS used all SCS speakers in their set-up at CES, not their satellites.

The main listening area used the SCS's at least for the front soundstage. In that room they played movies off of Bluray using a Sony PS3 I believe.

A secondary listening setup near the door used the SBS-01's for LR/surrounds, and the SCS for center. I got to hear this system with my own music. It sounded good. The setup used a PB-Ultra sub with the new SVS/Audessey bass EQ. Ron also switched it over to a SB-12Plus for us to hear as well.

What, no comparison to HSU's system?

That one sounded good too.....but it was at the St. Tropez.

1Time....all this stuff was under your nose and you didn't make an attempt to go listen?

The SBS-01's and HB-1's are not expensive, and easy to ship. I suggest ordering a pair of each and compare at home.

For your intended use, and without comparing, I bet you would be happy with either one. But a sub does not make a system.

If you were to put a gun to my head, I would pick the Hsu....because their headquarters are 40 minutes from me, and getting service, if needed, would be much easier.

If you were to bass it solely on subs and performance per dollar.....I'd go with Hsu. But a sub does not make a system.

Yes, I heard you laughing while you typed. Mostly work and personal obligations kept me away. That, plus having already found my speakers of choice with the HTD middies, and truly not being in the market for a new system, I found it a very easy decision to make that would relegate me to relying on opinions of others like yourself who had better reasons to be there. I guess maybe I should have given my decision a little better thought.