Official SVS Ultra 13 thread - Page 225

Originally Posted by TheFactor

Bottom out so easy ? LOL Your doing something wrong , i've never bottomed out my plus or pb13 and had my whole house shaking. Excuse me for saying so but you might have some sort of a bass deafness Of course you can bottom out any sub just being careless and or not having it setup properly just like you can over rev a Ferrari if you wanted to Do you even own one and if so which ?

Originally Posted by cstory

Two SVS subwoofers.

I picked up a PC13 Ultra on Friday to go with my PC12 Ultra. I wasn't unhappy with the PC12 Ultra, but I kept thinking that a second woofer would help to smooth the response a bit. Apart from the fact that the PC13 is about 6 inches taller, thus destroying the symmetry of the set up, I am quite happy with the new addition. BTW, main speakers are Martin-Logan Vista's with a Stage center channel.

Per recommendation from Ed Mullen, I set the volume on each sub individually (using the AIX blue ray sampler test tones), with the PC12 Ultra about 3db lower in volume than the 13Ultra. I then ran Audessey on my Marantz AV-8003, and left it at that. As expected the addition of the second woofer decreased the subwoofer setting about 6db on the Marantz.

There is a difference in sound quality with the addition of the second sub. How much of this is due to the difference between the 13 ultra and the 12 ultra, I can't be totally sure. I did set the 13 ultra where I had the 12, and ran a couple of CD tracks before hooking both subs up, and it did appear to me that the 13 sound added a bit more texture in the bass than what I heard with the 12 ultra, but it was a short listen.

With both subs opperating, I definitely hear a better defined, and I believe smoother bass response. The bass in general now seems to be more a part of the music, rather than a separate entity. The bass appears to be more effortless, like it just happens, as opposed to being generated by a speaker. Stand up bass now seems just a bit more life like and bass drum and tympany strikes bloom a bit more than they did before. All this while at the same time reducing the bass node that I used to find near the little alcove where my turntable is set up (good thing).

We've only watched two movies so far (League of Extarordinary Gentleman, and Sherlock Holmes) and the improvement is noticable. The combined subs seem to go deeper, (both with all ports open) and with less effort. In Sherlock Holmes, there was some really deep stuff that happened when Holmes was visiting Blackwood in prison that made me and my wife turn to each other and go "wow". Same thing with some of the scenes in the League (which we had watched a few times before with just the 12 Ultra).

At the same time, even though the really deep bass seems stronger, there is a bit less boom, and the whole sound field seems more integrated. Gunshots have a bit more impact (We all jumped in seats during one part of Sherlock) doors closing just a bit more weight, but without overhang. All this at levels that are ~ 8db below "reference".

All in all, a satisfactory up grade, and if anyone is waffling about the merits of adding a second sub, my experience is that it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Chuck

Originally Posted by getech

I get exactly what you're saying...I too am at 15 hz with my dual PB13's and can't seem to try out sealed. I get plenty of room shaking bass as it is.

Originally Posted by hardax

Quick question. When you guys try different tuning modes, do you turn off the equalization features of the receiver (ie: Audyssey) first?

I would think that since it is equalized at a particular frequency you would not really get the expected results listening in a different mode (20Hz versus 10 for example).

Originally Posted by Mopar_Mudder

Thank you very much for the review. I am in the looking stage right now also. I too have a PC-12 Ultra and am thinking about a second one for our theater. I have been searching for a use PC-12 Ultra to have two of the same also but so far no luck at all finding one. Looks doesn't really matter as they will be behind a screen wall, just though it would be nice to have them match. If you don't mind how big is your room? Our theater is about 2800 cubic feet.

Originally Posted by cstory

Two SVS subwoofers.

I picked up a PC13 Ultra on Friday to go with my PC12 Ultra. I wasn't unhappy with the PC12 Ultra, but I kept thinking that a second woofer would help to smooth the response a bit. Apart from the fact that the PC13 is about 6 inches taller, thus destroying the symmetry of the set up, I am quite happy with the new addition. BTW, main speakers are Martin-Logan Vista's with a Stage center channel.

Per recommendation from Ed Mullen, I set the volume on each sub individually (using the AIX blue ray sampler test tones), with the PC12 Ultra about 3db lower in volume than the 13Ultra. I then ran Audessey on my Marantz AV-8003, and left it at that. As expected the addition of the second woofer decreased the subwoofer setting about 6db on the Marantz.

There is a difference in sound quality with the addition of the second sub. How much of this is due to the difference between the 13 ultra and the 12 ultra, I can't be totally sure. I did set the 13 ultra where I had the 12, and ran a couple of CD tracks before hooking both subs up, and it did appear to me that the 13 sound added a bit more texture in the bass than what I heard with the 12 ultra, but it was a short listen.

With both subs opperating, I definitely hear a better defined, and I believe smoother bass response. The bass in general now seems to be more a part of the music, rather than a separate entity. The bass appears to be more effortless, like it just happens, as opposed to being generated by a speaker. Stand up bass now seems just a bit more life like and bass drum and tympany strikes bloom a bit more than they did before. All this while at the same time reducing the bass node that I used to find near the little alcove where my turntable is set up (good thing).

We've only watched two movies so far (League of Extarordinary Gentleman, and Sherlock Holmes) and the improvement is noticable. The combined subs seem to go deeper, (both with all ports open) and with less effort. In Sherlock Holmes, there was some really deep stuff that happened when Holmes was visiting Blackwood in prison that made me and my wife turn to each other and go "wow". Same thing with some of the scenes in the League (which we had watched a few times before with just the 12 Ultra).

At the same time, even though the really deep bass seems stronger, there is a bit less boom, and the whole sound field seems more integrated. Gunshots have a bit more impact (We all jumped in seats during one part of Sherlock) doors closing just a bit more weight, but without overhang. All this at levels that are ~ 8db below "reference".

All in all, a satisfactory up grade, and if anyone is waffling about the merits of adding a second sub, my experience is that it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Chuck

Originally Posted by [unique]

Originally Posted by TheFactor

Im sorry hope I wasnt to harsh on you but to me when someone bottoms out a sub more than once this comes to mind

Originally Posted by ttol

I think you need to reread the post, he's asking if it would bottom out using the config in the post.. not that he's bottoming out atm.

Originally Posted by hardax

Quick question. When you guys try different tuning modes, do you turn off the equalization features of the receiver (ie: Audyssey) first?

I would think that since it is equalized at a particular frequency you would not really get the expected results listening in a different mode (20Hz versus 10 for example).

Originally Posted by Snowmanick

I believe it was just a poor turn of phrase. I thought he was comparing against two options (either as an intellectual exercise or as a purchase decision) and was wondering if removing the subsonic filter would increase the capabilities of the sub. I read his statement more along the lines of "Even if I were to change the settings to deactivate the subsonic filter without the ports plugged as SVS suggests I do not think I would bottom out the woofer due to its abilities."

For the record I wouldn't recommend trying to test out the theory too thoroughly as it could lead to damage to the driver, and those can get to be pretty pricey.

As for if he owns one or not, does it really matter? I think about equipment all the time from other manufacturers and what they may or may not be able to do. Daydreaming about audio equipment has helped me survive some pretty boring lectures.

Originally Posted by rampage123

Greetings to all SVS owners/members.I've recently purchased the PC ultra -13

Originally Posted by rampage123

Impressive,whats that P-digm gear you have .Is that really you on that bike?

Originally Posted by JimP

Do the DACs in a prepro/receiver affect sound quality of a subwoofer or is the frequency range so low that for all intents and purposes it doesn't matter?

Originally Posted by cstory

Two SVS subwoofers.

I picked up a PC13 Ultra on Friday to go with my PC12 Ultra. I wasn't unhappy with the PC12 Ultra, but I kept thinking that a second woofer would help to smooth the response a bit. Apart from the fact that the PC13 is about 6 inches taller, thus destroying the symmetry of the set up, I am quite happy with the new addition. BTW, main speakers are Martin-Logan Vista's with a Stage center channel.

Per recommendation from Ed Mullen, I set the volume on each sub individually (using the AIX blue ray sampler test tones), with the PC12 Ultra about 3db lower in volume than the 13Ultra. I then ran Audessey on my Marantz AV-8003, and left it at that. As expected the addition of the second woofer decreased the subwoofer setting about 6db on the Marantz.

There is a difference in sound quality with the addition of the second sub. How much of this is due to the difference between the 13 ultra and the 12 ultra, I can't be totally sure. I did set the 13 ultra where I had the 12, and ran a couple of CD tracks before hooking both subs up, and it did appear to me that the 13 sound added a bit more texture in the bass than what I heard with the 12 ultra, but it was a short listen.

With both subs opperating, I definitely hear a better defined, and I believe smoother bass response. The bass in general now seems to be more a part of the music, rather than a separate entity. The bass appears to be more effortless, like it just happens, as opposed to being generated by a speaker. Stand up bass now seems just a bit more life like and bass drum and tympany strikes bloom a bit more than they did before. All this while at the same time reducing the bass node that I used to find near the little alcove where my turntable is set up (good thing).

We've only watched two movies so far (League of Extarordinary Gentleman, and Sherlock Holmes) and the improvement is noticable. The combined subs seem to go deeper, (both with all ports open) and with less effort. In Sherlock Holmes, there was some really deep stuff that happened when Holmes was visiting Blackwood in prison that made me and my wife turn to each other and go "wow". Same thing with some of the scenes in the League (which we had watched a few times before with just the 12 Ultra).

At the same time, even though the really deep bass seems stronger, there is a bit less boom, and the whole sound field seems more integrated. Gunshots have a bit more impact (We all jumped in seats during one part of Sherlock) doors closing just a bit more weight, but without overhang. All this at levels that are ~ 8db below "reference".

All in all, a satisfactory up grade, and if anyone is waffling about the merits of adding a second sub, my experience is that it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Chuck

Originally Posted by Khakimon

Aren't most dacs at around 20hz on the lower end?

Originally Posted by JimP

I have no idea but if I were to speculate, the DAC responsible for subwoofer would have to go lower, otherwise how would you ever get below 20hz?

Originally Posted by JimP

Just a data point for anyone who is interested.

Earlier in this thread I asked about the effect of DACs on the subwoofer frequencies.

Although I can't say for sure if it were the DACs or not, changing from my B&K Ref 50 prepro to the Integra 80.1 had a major change to the sound of my PB Ultra 13. I did run Audyssey on the 80.1 but even without Audyssey engaged, I thought the two prepros changed the sound on the Ultra 13. The 80.1 made the sub sound more precise.

The sub was not moved and was level matched to the same +3 dbs.

Obviously changing subs causes a change in sound but now you have to consider your prepro/receiver too.

Originally Posted by rampage123

Don't need no more!!

Originally Posted by rampage123

Don't need no more!!