The Ultimate SVS Ultra Dolby Atmos System Preview

Manufacturer & Model

SVS Ultra Series (Tower, Bookshelf, Center, and Surround), SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer, SVS Prime Elevation

Link

https://www.svsound.com

The full review is now live and can be read at: https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/the-ultimate-svs-ultra-7-2-4-atmos-system-review.1119/

 

[Jack]

I am excited about this system and really looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Rock on Todd !!

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm excited, too, Jack! Can't wait to start digging into this gear!

 

[Asere]

Thanks Todd! Can't wait to hear you opinion I really do love my Prime towers and Center.

 

[Todd Anderson]

This is going to be a fun one... no doubt about it!

 

[Tony V.]

Oooo...Pictures and lots of info. Cant wait to see and hear about how this goes

 

[Todd Anderson]

Pics are definitely coming!

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

Gimmee, gimmee, yes, yes, yes! The performance promised by this gear has me questioning my newly found satisfaction with mine.

The wait will likely be too much for my old pump, Todd!
600lbs? Woah, that's some serious hardware!
You certainly have a sonic adventure in your future.

BTW, I know the title of this thread leans toward a system perspective, but will individual speakers be scrutinized for stand-alone performance?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Lots of weight to drag around. Luckily I own an escalera, which can mechanically climb stairs on its own. So my poor back has a friend on its side ;-).


Yes, the speakers are going to be picked apart and analyzed... thorough review top to bottom!

 

[phillihp23]

Looking forward to this review.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Getting much close to review time! Looking forward to it too!

 

[Mluc8]

I can't wait given that I have most of the Ultra system. Btw what are you going to use for amplification?
Were the PB-16's just too big or why did you get the sealed subs?

 

[Todd Anderson]

The amplification for the front three channels and Atmos channels will come via an Emotiva XPA 5... the rest of the array will get power direct from a Yamaha RX-A3050.

When working out details with SVS, I requested the sealed subs. Partly because of room size and partly because a presence for sealed. My refence system has PSA sealed subs, and output is basically flat to about 10Hz. I'll be curious to see how the 16's compare!

Unboxing photos are coming soon!

 

[Manic1]

Wow! This is exciting, can't wait to hear your thoughts. Especially on the sb16's.

 

[Todd Anderson]

It's currently on the docket... still waiting for the ceiling mounting plates for the elevations, but I'm expecting them this week. A full thorough review is on the way! ;-)

 

[ShpongleDMT]

My dream system

 

[tesseract]

Whoa, this is a review of epic proportion. I can't wait to hear your impressions, Todd. Good choice on the sealed subs. The SB-16 Ultra is an ultra-capable subwoofer from what I heard of it at the 2016 RMAF show. Two of them? I hope you have earthquake insurance there on the East Coast, heh.

 

[Todd Anderson]

We're waiting on the newly tooled ceiling mounts. Sounds like there's been a slight production delay. Should be able to get rolling soon, tho!

 

[ShpongleDMT]

What was the thought process behind going with dual SB16-Ultras and not dual PB16-Ultras? I noticed that even SVS themselves used the SB16 during demos that I watched live on Facebook. I know there are perks to sealed subs over the ported versions which is usually described "tighter" and as having more "punch" in the critical range for music. SVS also claims that the thought of ported subs being bad for music are largely a myth, and that the PB16 can be great for music. With that being said the PB16 should deliver some serious impact on the real low frequencies that the sealed version can't really compete with.

I ask mainly because I want to upgrade to one of the 16" Ultras but can't make up my mind on which one to get.

 

[Tony V.]

Size and weight of the PB16u would be a big factor, taking those on the road would be somewhat prohibitive . The plus to the PB16u over SB is sheer output. the PBs output is quite a bit more than an SB and I disagree that the SB would be "tighter" in the music range, its just alot smaller and less intrusive as far as looks.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Three things: physical size, room size, and rolloff.

The SB16 is a little smaller than the ported version, which helps in dual placement situations... but, also, the sealed sub has a much ore shallow rolloff than a ported sub, which really plays well to a mid-sized room. Room gain plus the shallow rolloff will help with super deep extension.

Does it have a more musical nature? In my opinion, sealed subs tend to sound tighter. But, I guess that is more subjective than anything...

Just keep in mind, we're talking about dual subs, which equates to a ridiculous amount of power and headroom! ;-)

 

[tesseract]

I ask mainly because I want to upgrade to one of the 16" Ultras but can't make up my mind on which one to get.

Smaller, sealed room? Sealed subs may take better advantage of room gain. Open floor plan? Ported may help.

 

[AudiocRaver]

...sealed subs tend to sound tighter...

I have heard that, but never an explanation. It seems like damping of driver motion would have to be a factor, with the sealed design having a more damped, perhaps even over-damped design, if it leads to a "tighter" sound. Make sense?