Frequency response of the SVS PB13-Ultra in 16 Hz/1 port open (blue trace), 20 Hz/2 ports open (red trace), and sealed modes.
Frequency response
Bass output, 20-Hz mode, ports open (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: 116.9 dB
• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 125.8 dB
Bass output, sealed mode (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: 108.2 dB
• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 123.9 dB
I measured the frequency response of the PC-13 Ultra using ground-plane technique with my Clio FW audio analyzer in log chirp mode. At the recommendation of SVS’s Ed Mullins, I placed the sub on its side for all measurements, with the microphone equidistant from the driver and the ports.
The ±3-dB frequency response extends as low as 19 Hz with one port plugged. It’s 24 Hz with all the ports plugged and 20 Hz with no ports plugged. So any way you go, there’s enough ultra-deep bass response to shake your couch.
I performed the CEA-2010 output measurement in the two most extreme modes: all ports open and all ports sealed. Measurements were made at 2 meters; I added 6 dB to scale the measurements to the 1-meter reporting standard mandated by CEA-2010. An L appears next to measurements in which the results were dictated by the unit’s internal limiter; in this case, the limiter determined the maximum output at all frequencies. Averages are done in pascals per recent amendments to the CEA-2010 procedure.
The low bass (40-63 Hz) output in 20-Hz/all ports open mode is the highest I have yet measured from a subwoofer, averaging 125.8 dB. The average in the ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) is 116.9 dB. Switching to sealed mode reduces average output by 1.9 dB in the low bass and 8.7 dB in the ultra-low bass.
I also measured the performance of the various DSP functions, including the low-pass filter and the parametric EQ, and all performed exactly as they’re supposed to. This is unusual for a subwoofer; typically, the calibration of a subwoofer’s controls is not this accurate. — B.B.
The SVS PC-13 Ultra is one of the best subwoofers you can buy. It offers a range of sound characters to suit different tastes, enough digital features to optimize the sound for any room, and enough power for any conceivable residential application. Sure, it’d be nice if it were smaller or cheaper, but if it were, it couldn’t do what it does.
Mr. Butterworth,
It's interesting you only were able to get the -3db point to go down by 1hz between the two vented modes. Based off of some other measurements I have seen on the box model, changing the tune is more significant than that. Did you make sure to change the filter in the menu to the 15hz mode? (Page 25 of the manual). If the HPF was still set at 20hz, I can see how changing the porting would have little effect.
Good Morning, Mr. Brent Butterworth. I would like to thank you for another fine review. I have been waiting for a while to see what you thought about this fine subwoofer and once again your reviews have made it more difficult for me to choose. It's amazing that this sub was able to play a 16hz organ piece tha ist very well know effortlessly. Thank you and i look forward to more great reviews of subwoofers i still want. But so far Hsu Research is still in the lead. Well, at least until i read another fine review by you. Ha,ha,ha. Thank you.
Good Morning once again, Mr. Brent Butterworth. After looking at some of my notes that i use for comparring subwoofers i like the results of the SVSound PC-13 Ultra. Even though some of my choices were Hsu Research UTF-15H, Rythmik Audio FV-15hp, Power Sound Audio XV30, and the Epik "EMPIRE" sub. I do like the design of the sub and it's price. The Hsu Research is still in the lead, but SVS is right behind it. Thank you once again,sir.
@SnowmaNick: I always deactivate all the filters on any audio product I'm measuring, unless I'm measuring the effects of the filters. That said, no one is above making a measurement error. Unfortunately, this review was written four months ago to meet the long lead time of the print edition, and the product has long since been returned, so I have no way to check the settings.
Sorry, forgot for a moment I was reading this on my friend Al's laptop. The above response is from me, not him.
Hi Brent,
I always enjoy reading your reviews. I had a question about the parametric EQ on the SVS. What would be the simplest--but still accurate- way to determine what frequencies to boost or cut? I'm a Mac user if that makes a difference.
Thanks,
Dan
Oooops, sorry Brent. I jumped the gun and asked my question before I saw page two. TrueRTA and Room EQ Wizard are both PC based I believe. So for a Mac guy like me, anything else you'd recommend to measure the sub's response?
Thanks,
Dan
Hi, Dan. Room EQ Wizard works on Macs, too.
After reading your last on-line magazine i notice that the SVSPC-13 Ultra sub made the list of your editors choice awards for 2012. And having seen this sub up close i have now made up my mind on which subs i want for my HomeTheater. SVS PC-13 is on top of my list. 2 please.....
I'm going to keep using the Hsu; like the PC-13 Ultra, it blows away almost all the other subs on the market, so either is suitable for me as a reference.
The Hsu has some practical advantages for me that don't apply if you're going to "set it and forget it" in a normal home theater. It's a little easier to use because it's all standard knobs and switches; no alphanumeric display or menu like in the PC-13 Ultra, so less chance that I might accidentally set something wrong. It's also easier to lift because of the triangular ports near the bottom. And Hsu is only about an hour's drive away for me, so if something goes wrong I can get it fixed immediately.
Good Afternoon, Mr. Brent Butterworth. I would like to thank you for responding to my comments and your very good reviews of subwoofers. Is it possible you'll be reviewing the Rythmik Audio subwoofers sometime in the future? Audioholics has given one sub by Rythmik Audio, the FV-15Hp subwoofer the EXTREME AWARD!!! Thank you,sir and have a great day....
Hi again, mocha. No promises, but it IS possible!
Audioholics does CEA-2010 measurements, which IMHO separates the men from the boys when it comes to subwoofers AND reviewers. Any decent sub can sound great to a reviewer, depending of course on taste, positioning, room acoustics, test material, etc. But you can't fool the microphone.