SVS’s New 16-Ultra Subwoofers – The Monster of Subs
Youngstown Ohio’s SVS has been crafting subwoofers since 1998. Various models have gained critical acclaim over the years, and deservedly so. Top shelf engineering, a powerful yet articulate sound and value pricing are all part of the equation. You are getting excellent “boom” for your buck.
SVS’s best, the Ultra Series, has consisted of three models
built around a 13” driver in sealed and ported designs. While these 13” Ultras are all excellent
performers, the tinkerers at SVS couldn’t leave well-enough alone.
Enter the monsters…!
In their quest for the ultimate subwoofer, SVS has now
introduced the SB16-Ultra
and the PB16-Ultra. You are looking at a 16” driver controlled by
an 8” edge-wound voice coil and powered by 1,500 continuous watts (5,000+ peak)
from a hybrid Class D amp mated to MOSFET output devices. Pile on with built-in DSP processing for digital
control and customization, and you get one amazing sounding subwoofer. Pinpoint accuracy, powerful and lightning
quick transients, utter lack of distortion and tremendous amounts of available sonic
energy have all been achieved. Both
models will dive well below 20 Hz, so the lowest of lows are faithfully
reproduced.
Did you say app..?
Indeed, an app is available for both Apple and Android
devices. The 16-Ultra app lets you dial
up adjustments to Phase alignment, polarity, room gain, a parametric EQ and
more, and will store custom presets. Nice…! And if you happen to be the only person on
the planet without a smartphone or tablet, you can use the handy-dandy front
control panel.
At this year’s Rocky
Mountain Audio Fest, I was privy to a fine demonstration of the 16-Ultra
subs in a full home theater SVS rig.
Despite the obvious limitations of running this system in a hotel room,
the sonics were top shelf, and it is easy for me to highly recommend these
subs!
Now your choice comes down to sealed (SB) or ported (PB) enclosures. SVS has a comprehensive comparison at this link,
but I will give you a quick synopsis. If
you are dealing with a smaller room, or use your system for both music and
movies, I would lean toward the sealed enclosure. A larger room with more of a movie bias
points you to the ported sub.
MSRP is $1,999.99 for the SB16-Ultra and $2,499.99 for the
PB16-Ultra. The “boom for the buck”
stays true to the SVS philosophy. These
subs are over the top in sound quality and capability at their respective price
points. One listen will make you a
believer…!
Cheers..!
Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the
highly sought after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients
with the acquisition of the finer things life has to offer. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to
wine country, selecting audio equipment to outfit your home, planning your
dream vacation or purchasing your ultimate transportation, Marty is your
personal connection to the good life…
Marty can be contacted at: 916.952.9529 Marty@ConnoisseurCorner.com