The PB10 isn't perfect and has it's limits, but it's arguably the best sub of the ones you've mentioned in that price range.
You should be fine and amazed. Enjoy!
Tim
You should be fine and amazed. Enjoy!
Tim
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Svs Pb10-nsd
I'm interested in a PB10-NSD subwoofer.
Currently running:
Yamaha 661 A/V..........90w/channel
a pair of Energy RC 10's for fronts........I'm working up to a 5.1 setup
basement room is 21x13x7ft and carpeted
My usage will be 70% music/30% HT
A couple of concerns:
*I read that SVS subs are not as musical as other brands, and good music reproduction is of primary concern
*Is the PB10-NSD large enough to fill my room without strain?
I was also looking at the Energy 10.3 and 12.3, and HSU VTF-2 MK 3 (I'm in Canada, so HSU are hard to get)
cheers
sadchel
Currently running:
Yamaha 661 A/V..........90w/channel
a pair of Energy RC 10's for fronts........I'm working up to a 5.1 setup
basement room is 21x13x7ft and carpeted
My usage will be 70% music/30% HT
A couple of concerns:
*I read that SVS subs are not as musical as other brands, and good music reproduction is of primary concern
*Is the PB10-NSD large enough to fill my room without strain?
I was also looking at the Energy 10.3 and 12.3, and HSU VTF-2 MK 3 (I'm in Canada, so HSU are hard to get)
cheers
sadchel
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
sadchel,
I personally think the PB10 does very well with music. Placement and calibration are critical, though, and I'd strongly recommend either running dual subs or EQing your room response (or both) if music is a big deal to you. While I haven't heard the VTF-2 MK3 personally, it's said to be an excellent music sub, so you might want to go that route if music is your biggest concern.
That said, your room is on the large side for a single PB10 or VTF-2 MK3. If I were you, I'd consider moving up to a PB12-NSD or VTF-3 MK3 for a room that size. Your concern about strain with a PB10 in your room is a valid one. While it's an amazing sub for the price, as OvalNut mentioned, it does have its limits. Depending on your listening habits, you may or may not be satisfied with a PB10. In a ~1900 cubic foot room such as yours, if you like to listen at high volumes, you'll likely run into compression with the PB10-NSD. You'll probably have the same issue with the VTF-2 MK3. At moderate to moderately loud listening levels, you should be fine. I personally run two PB10-NSD's, stacked, in a ~900 cubic foot room (keep in mind I like viewing movies at or near reference levels), and they do great.
Again, my recommendation is to consider the SVS PB12-NSD or Hsu VTF-3 MK3. While PB12's have received a bad rap in the past in terms of musicality, the "new" PB12-NSD, with an upgraded amplifier and similar configuration to the PB10-NSD has been said to be far better with music. The VTF-3 MK3, while a lot pricier than the VTF-2 MK3, is also an excellent performer, both with music and HT.
One other sub that's received a ton of praise recently is the Epik Valor. It's a 15" sealed sub that is supposed to be excellent for music reproduction. I'd give the Valor serious consideration given your emphasis on music. At any rate, all of the aforementioned subs are quality subs. Any cons for each of these subs are far outweighed by all of their pros. Best of luck.
I personally think the PB10 does very well with music. Placement and calibration are critical, though, and I'd strongly recommend either running dual subs or EQing your room response (or both) if music is a big deal to you. While I haven't heard the VTF-2 MK3 personally, it's said to be an excellent music sub, so you might want to go that route if music is your biggest concern.
That said, your room is on the large side for a single PB10 or VTF-2 MK3. If I were you, I'd consider moving up to a PB12-NSD or VTF-3 MK3 for a room that size. Your concern about strain with a PB10 in your room is a valid one. While it's an amazing sub for the price, as OvalNut mentioned, it does have its limits. Depending on your listening habits, you may or may not be satisfied with a PB10. In a ~1900 cubic foot room such as yours, if you like to listen at high volumes, you'll likely run into compression with the PB10-NSD. You'll probably have the same issue with the VTF-2 MK3. At moderate to moderately loud listening levels, you should be fine. I personally run two PB10-NSD's, stacked, in a ~900 cubic foot room (keep in mind I like viewing movies at or near reference levels), and they do great.
Again, my recommendation is to consider the SVS PB12-NSD or Hsu VTF-3 MK3. While PB12's have received a bad rap in the past in terms of musicality, the "new" PB12-NSD, with an upgraded amplifier and similar configuration to the PB10-NSD has been said to be far better with music. The VTF-3 MK3, while a lot pricier than the VTF-2 MK3, is also an excellent performer, both with music and HT.
One other sub that's received a ton of praise recently is the Epik Valor. It's a 15" sealed sub that is supposed to be excellent for music reproduction. I'd give the Valor serious consideration given your emphasis on music. At any rate, all of the aforementioned subs are quality subs. Any cons for each of these subs are far outweighed by all of their pros. Best of luck.
PB10-NSD is a great sub. I have had one in my theater for about one year. I think it sounds great with music. I am upgrading though and going with more power and a bigger driver, probably one of the Epik subs.
. At moderate to moderately loud listening levels, you should be fine.
[/quote]
This may be a silly question, but can anybody quantify what moderate/loud listening levels are?
*I tend to listen to HT at a lower volume than music.
*My Yamaha 661's volume begins at -80db
with my Energy RC 10's (fronts) i been listening to music at around -15-25db depending on how loud the source CD is.
Is that moderate? Is doesn't sound like it would be labeled loud
cheers
sadchel
[/quote]
This may be a silly question, but can anybody quantify what moderate/loud listening levels are?
*I tend to listen to HT at a lower volume than music.
*My Yamaha 661's volume begins at -80db
with my Energy RC 10's (fronts) i been listening to music at around -15-25db depending on how loud the source CD is.
Is that moderate? Is doesn't sound like it would be labeled loud
cheers
sadchel
I'd say you are fine with that. I have a Yamaha and never go above -15dB on my volume knob which translate to around 80dBA average at my listening position.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadchel /forum/post/12833554
with my Energy RC 10's (fronts) i been listening to music at around -15-25db depending on how loud the source CD is.
Is that moderate? Is doesn't sound like it would be labeled loud
I'd say you are fine with that. I have a Yamaha and never go above -15dB on my volume knob which translate to around 80dBA average at my listening position.
[/quote]
Do you have an SPL meter? If so, measure how high your peaks are at your loudest normal listening levels. I'd say anything around 100dB is considered pretty loud.
To give an idea, Dolby "reference level" for movies demands your system to be able to deliver 105dB peaks at your listening position from your main channels, and peaks of up to 115dB from the LFE channel. This is an uncomfortably loud level for most people. Also, note that movies don't deliver anywhere near a "constant" 105dB and 115dB. Many scenes will have dialog that is more in the 80-85dB range. These peaks are rare, and occur with things like explosions.
My normal, loud listening level for music is around 95-100dB. The PB10 will be fine to those levels and beyond in a tiny room like mine (
Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadchel /forum/post/12833554
. At moderate to moderately loud listening levels, you should be fine.
This may be a silly question, but can anybody quantify what moderate/loud listening levels are?
*I tend to listen to HT at a lower volume than music.
*My Yamaha 661's volume begins at -80db
with my Energy RC 10's (fronts) i been listening to music at around -15-25db depending on how loud the source CD is.
Is that moderate? Is doesn't sound like it would be labeled loud
cheers
sadchel
[/quote]
Do you have an SPL meter? If so, measure how high your peaks are at your loudest normal listening levels. I'd say anything around 100dB is considered pretty loud.
To give an idea, Dolby "reference level" for movies demands your system to be able to deliver 105dB peaks at your listening position from your main channels, and peaks of up to 115dB from the LFE channel. This is an uncomfortably loud level for most people. Also, note that movies don't deliver anywhere near a "constant" 105dB and 115dB. Many scenes will have dialog that is more in the 80-85dB range. These peaks are rare, and occur with things like explosions.
My normal, loud listening level for music is around 95-100dB. The PB10 will be fine to those levels and beyond in a tiny room like mine (
I have a VTF-2 MK3 in a room larger that yours (15x24x8), and I'm very happy with it. I'm about 60/40 HT/Music and the sub does all I want and more. It is very musical and blends great with my fronts.
I considered going with larger sub, glad I didn't. In the end, it all depends on how much bass you feel need. In the size room I have, lots of people have 2 VTF-3's, don't see how they do it!
![]()
I considered going with larger sub, glad I didn't. In the end, it all depends on how much bass you feel need. In the size room I have, lots of people have 2 VTF-3's, don't see how they do it!
much thanks guys
cheers
sadchel
cheers
sadchel
update
domestically up in Canada the prices ($CDN) I can get right now
Energy 10.3 $420
Energy 12.3 $600
SVS PB10-NSD $500
I think right now I'm leaning towards the PB10-NSD
HSU VTF-2 MK3
Elemental Design A3-300
and Epik Valor
all look good but importing to Canada is quite a hassle plus extra border/shipping charges
domestically up in Canada the prices ($CDN) I can get right now
Energy 10.3 $420
Energy 12.3 $600
SVS PB10-NSD $500
I think right now I'm leaning towards the PB10-NSD
HSU VTF-2 MK3
Elemental Design A3-300
and Epik Valor
all look good but importing to Canada is quite a hassle plus extra border/shipping charges
If you can listen to the Energy 12.3 see if you like that.=70% music choice
The PB10-NSD sounds like the best deal for your money. Honestly, it's a very nice sub, and I think it'll perform well for you. Again, if you find that you want even more bass in the future, add a second - it really DOES make a big difference in adding headroom, increasing dynamics, reducing compression, and minimizing distortion. I say PB10-NSD all the way - unless you can afford a PB12-NSD, in which case that's the one I'd recommend for you
![]()
.
I'm not sure what the rules are with Canadian dealers, but see if you can get your PB10 and try it risk-free for a little while to see how you like it. That's really the best way to find out if a sub is for you - testing it in your own setup. Anyway, keep us posted!
I'm not sure what the rules are with Canadian dealers, but see if you can get your PB10 and try it risk-free for a little while to see how you like it. That's really the best way to find out if a sub is for you - testing it in your own setup. Anyway, keep us posted!
The PB12-NSD is $699CDN up here at SVS's Canadian retailer.........
Quote:
Originally Posted by lalakersfan34 /forum/post/12838696
- unless you can afford a PB12-NSD, in which case that's the one I'd recommend for you.![]()
The PB12-NSD is $699CDN up here at SVS's Canadian retailer.........
Gotcha...the PB10-NSD should do great too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadchel /forum/post/12838945
The PB12-NSD is $699CDN up here at SVS's Canadian retailer.........
Gotcha...the PB10-NSD should do great too.
Hi Sadchel,
I live in Markham and recently tried SB12-Plus, PB10-NSD and PB12-NSD from Sonicboom Audio. My listening preferences are R&B (Mary J blige, Alicia Keys, Isley Brothers) and Psychedelic (Ten Years after, Grateful Dead, Floyd) and Jazz fusion (Oregon, Shakti). I have to say, for music SB12-Plus was the best. but it was not even close to the 10 for HT. A trick to make the PB10 sound better is to use a port plug (i tried some cotton stuffing) and the SQ for music was distinctly good.
My living area is 1600 cubic ft which opens out to a 1200 cubic ft kitchen. I did not want wall, earth .... whatever shaking bass so I did not opt for the 12. however I am very happy with the 10.
I live in Markham and recently tried SB12-Plus, PB10-NSD and PB12-NSD from Sonicboom Audio. My listening preferences are R&B (Mary J blige, Alicia Keys, Isley Brothers) and Psychedelic (Ten Years after, Grateful Dead, Floyd) and Jazz fusion (Oregon, Shakti). I have to say, for music SB12-Plus was the best. but it was not even close to the 10 for HT. A trick to make the PB10 sound better is to use a port plug (i tried some cotton stuffing) and the SQ for music was distinctly good.
My living area is 1600 cubic ft which opens out to a 1200 cubic ft kitchen. I did not want wall, earth .... whatever shaking bass so I did not opt for the 12. however I am very happy with the 10.
Hey YYZIAN, the SB12-Plus is a little out of my price range, I think.
I really like the reviews the Epik Valor is getting, but the hassle of getting stuff from the US is daunting. Especially if there is a problem and want to return the sub.
With Sonicboom, a quick trip up the DVP is too easy.
cheers
sadchel
I really like the reviews the Epik Valor is getting, but the hassle of getting stuff from the US is daunting. Especially if there is a problem and want to return the sub.
With Sonicboom, a quick trip up the DVP is too easy.
cheers
sadchel
When I was looking for the sub, I considered SVS, Epik, Hsu and eD as well. But the hassle of cross border shipping, warranty and returns make me pick SVS. And as you might have noticed in my case, I did have to exchange the subs. This worked out to my benefit.
Lastly, the price diff between US and Canada is about 100 bucks for SVS. This is nothing compared to the customs and brokerage fees you pay for subs from the US. So, in effect we get a better deal with Sonic B A.
Also SBA has some floor models and you may cut a deal on the SB12-Plus. Its a rosenut color when I went in today (I work 5 mins from that place). But I would reiterate to buy a PB10 since its soooo much better for HT and stands up well for music as well.
Finally Mason at SBA is a great guy to work with. He is as good as the SVS guys (Ed, Eric and the gang).
Lastly, the price diff between US and Canada is about 100 bucks for SVS. This is nothing compared to the customs and brokerage fees you pay for subs from the US. So, in effect we get a better deal with Sonic B A.
Also SBA has some floor models and you may cut a deal on the SB12-Plus. Its a rosenut color when I went in today (I work 5 mins from that place). But I would reiterate to buy a PB10 since its soooo much better for HT and stands up well for music as well.
Finally Mason at SBA is a great guy to work with. He is as good as the SVS guys (Ed, Eric and the gang).
You didn't get a lemon, did you?
I figured you were testing to get the right one for you, correct?
As for SB's warehouse, I was under the impression that it was closed to the walk-in public.
You mentioned you were up there today???????
Another thing, in another thread, you mentioned you're getting a port plug from the US for your sub.
Are you getting that SVS?
cheers
sadchel
I figured you were testing to get the right one for you, correct?
As for SB's warehouse, I was under the impression that it was closed to the walk-in public.
You mentioned you were up there today???????
Another thing, in another thread, you mentioned you're getting a port plug from the US for your sub.
Are you getting that SVS?
cheers
sadchel
No, my exchange is an indication of the flexilibility that SVS offers. I have had 5.1 systems for over 10 yrs and quite aware of a good sounding sub. I started with SB12-Plus but my room was too big for it. So I exchanged it for a 10.
I went to SBA since Ed suggested I pick the port plug from there. Unfortunately they do nto have the right size in stock as the PB10 does not come with one by default. So SBA is ordering one for me from SVS.
Hope this clears things up. Bottom line, call up SBA and visit them. Its worthwhile to see what you may potentially buy before plunking downt the $$.
I went to SBA since Ed suggested I pick the port plug from there. Unfortunately they do nto have the right size in stock as the PB10 does not come with one by default. So SBA is ordering one for me from SVS.
Hope this clears things up. Bottom line, call up SBA and visit them. Its worthwhile to see what you may potentially buy before plunking downt the $$.
May I ask how much the plug is gonna cost you?
Quote:
Originally Posted by YYZIAN /forum/post/12849733
I went to SBA since Ed suggested I pick the port plug from there. Unfortunately they do nto have the right size in stock as the PB10 does not come with one by default. So SBA is ordering one for me from SVS.
May I ask how much the plug is gonna cost you?
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
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