SVS claims on its site that the frequency response measurement of this sub is “ruler flat,” and they’re pretty much right. I can’t recall seeing a sub with flatter response than this, although the Sunfire SDS-12 comes very close.
The PB12-NSD is a true reference-grade sub at a super-affordable price, delivering flat response and high output all the way down to 20 Hz. It’s compact, nearly cubic shape makes it easy to fit into your listening room — or even better, to fit two into your living room, which will help reduce the effects of room acoustics and give you smoother bass for multiple listeners. There’s no question that you can find subs with higher maximum output, but whether or not you’ll be able to make use of that extra output in your home theater is a very relevant question indeed.
Frequency response
19 to 272 Hz ±3 dB
Bass output, subwoofer (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: 111.0 dB
20 Hz 110.2 dB
25 Hz 110.8 dB
31.5 Hz 112.1 dB
• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 118.1 dB
40 Hz 119.0 dB
50 Hz 120.3 dB
63 Hz 115.1 dB
I took the frequency response measurement shown in the chart with the crossover disabled. I measured the subwoofer with a Clio FW analyzer in stepped sine mode using ground plane technique, with the sub on the ground and the microphone 2 meters from the front of the sub, and the measurement smoothed to 1/6th of an octave. SVS claims on its site that the frequency response measurement of this sub is “ruler flat,” and they’re pretty much right. I can’t recall seeing a sub with flatter response than this, although the Sunfire SDS-12 comes very close. One strange thing about this sub: The combined low-pass function of the crossover, driver and enclosure is roughly -10 dB/octave, which isn’t very steep. (SVS claims -12 db/octave.) I don’t know anyone who uses the internal crossover on their sub, but this isn’t one I’d want to use.
The bass output, measured using the CEA-2010 method standard, is strong all the way down to 20 Hz. At all frequencies except 31.5 Hz, the sub’s output was dictated by the internal limiter circuit. It’s common to see a limiter functioning between 40 and 63 Hz, but uncommon to see one that functions at lower frequencies. This shows SVS is putting a premium on low distortion (i.e., clarity) rather than maximum output.
For comparison, the Hsu VTF-15H delivered best case CEA-2010 averages of 123.2 dB (40-63 Hz) and 119.2 dB (20-31.5 Hz) — 5.1 and 8.2 dB more, respectively, than the PB12-NSD.
Good Morning Mr. Brent Butterworth. I enjoyed this review. I have noticed that you have compared this subwoofer to The Hsu Research VTF-15H subwoofer. In fact, in other reviews i notice that The Hsu Research VTF-15H is compared often. Because of this i may have made up my mind about which subwoofer i want in the future. My choice was Rythmik F-25, SVS PC-13 Ultra and the The mighty Definitve Technology "TRINITY" Super Cube. But based on price alone the VTF-15H is what i'm leaning towards.. I love it's bass frenquency of 16hz!!! That is incredible!!! Plus i also like the look. I feel with this subwoofer all my movies will sound amazing. I currently have two PARADIGM PW-2200. I love thoses subwoofers and they have served me well. A very good friend who starting her own HomeTheater wishes to buy my subs. Once again thank you for the good review. And thank you for helping me make up my mind. Have a great day. Mocha6ft3.
Hi, Mocha. Glad you liked the review! I have to point one thing out - my reasons for choosing a product as a reference standard are complicated. Although the VTF-15H is worthy of comparison to anything on the market, it's not necessarily the best sub I've ever tested. But for my purposes, it's an ideal reference sub. There are so many ways to set it up (sealed, 1 port, 2 ports, two EQ modes, adjustable Q) that it can fairly be compared with practically any other midsize-and-up sub on the market. Yet it doesn't have all sorts of digital EQ modes or room correction that I might accidentally leave switched on. Also, Hsu was kind enough to loan it to me long-term - and Hsu is only about 60 miles from my house, so if any problems arise with the sub I can get them solved fast. Last, those ports make great handles, so the VTF-15H is easy to pick up for such a large, heavy sub. When you reconfigure your system every few days, these things matter!
Mr. Butterworth, I see that Hsu and SVS garner the sort of raves about their subwoofers that are rarely seen being earned by the other manufacturers, except for their super high priced exotic products. So what do these two scrappy companies know that, say, NHT, doesn't?
@Harbir: NHT used to be that scrappy little company and maybe they are now again. They started small, got bought by International Jensen, which got bought by Audiovox, and is now back in private hands under the leadership of one of the original founders. (I think I have that timeline right.) And they've made really good subs - the U2 comes to mind.
But yeah, Hsu and SVS seem to have an edge when it comes to delivering high performance subwoofers at low cost. I guess it's because both companies have specialized in subwoofers for a long time. Of course, Velodyne has focused on subs for even longer, but I think Hsu and SVS' direct sales model gives them more incentive to get their manufacturing costs down. People who buy through independent A/V dealers are not as price-conscious as Internet shoppers.
Mr. Butterworth:
I was fwd this link article from AVSForums as I was deciding on my current sub-woofer (Martin Logan's Dynamo series 700 sub (10")). I got my first true HT system through Magnolia Audio/Video and got a packaged deal (tv, speakers, blu, etc...). Everything I researched I got, but I had forgotten that subs are something of a speciality. And although ML makes subs, I know their forte is their speakers. I smiled when I read your article as I have the same setup: ML Electro-Motion Series ESLs from my front left, right, along with the C2 center.
So my research is pointing to getting 2 subs for a smoother response and a deeper base, and instead of getting another ML Dynamo 700, I was looking at either a pair of Outlaw LFM-1 EXs or a pair of these you're reviewing (SVS PB12-NSDs). I like the sealed versions and the look of the Outlaw (similar to the ML Dynamo). Any thoughts on the Outlaw compared to the SVS?
Thanks,
newbie HTS afficionado
I have just returned from completing cedia boot camp and have decided to buy two subwoofers instead of one. I had plans on buying the svs pb12 plus but have now decided to buy 2 subs for around the same price. I just read your reviews on the svs pb12 nsd and it appears that you thought it was a great subwoofer for the price. I am just wondering why you did not certify and recommend it. I have been a fan of sound and vision and a loyal reader for many years now. I have always trusted your reviews and any input you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
@jaramill: Sorry, I have no experience with the Outlaw subs, so I can't say anything about them.
@zachary: Good move getting two subs! I have to admit that while the "Certified and Recommended" thing has become a fixture of the print magazine, we haven't been vigilant about applying it on the web-only reviews. Please consider the PB-12 NSD Certified and Recommended. I wouldn't have the slightest hesitation about recommending it.
Why no Rythmik reviews??