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Shopping for a new sub, ported or sealed?

Deimos

[H]ard|Gawd
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Aug 10, 2004
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I used to have a 15" Jamo THX sub which was supposed to be 1600W peak in a sealed box. I have quite a large lounge and it was adequate I guess. It was really a stretch when paired with my Q Acoustics Concept 500 fronts.
I was watching Dune one day and the sub shit the bed, right at the first sand worm scene, so i sold it for a song, but never bought a replacement.

Instead, I had an old Logitech Z5500 sub with dead electronics that I put a 600W (RMS) plate amp into many years ago. You might remember this 10" ported sub from the legendary PC speakers. The plate amp also has a 6dB boost at 60hz or so, and after switching out my Jamo for this, I instantly noticed much better bass, like effortlessly more bass that you can feel from 3 meters away. I'm not even sure I need anything better, by all rights this sub should be garbage given the ghetto nature.

I like my music, but also movies, and have been drooling over the SVS subs for years, does anyone have any experience with playing music on them and the difference between sealed and ported? I need some motivation to work and with some effort, I could get my billings high enough to go for one of the 17-Ultras. The SVS website recommends either the PB or SB with my Q Acoustics so not much help there.
 
I think I already answered my own question, the PB17 includes plugs to plug the ports. It's on my wishlist, although I'll probably have to find some help to lift this beast up the stairs to my living room.
 
Personally I run dual 10" subs. The smaller drivers are more accurate for things like a double kick drum or machine gun sounds. Also, dual subs help fill the room with bass without dead/hot spots.

The trade off being sub 20hz extention.

Also...is looks like that PB17 might need its own 15A outlet. Really surprised it didnt have a 20A plug on the back considering the power.
 
I use an SVS SB-3000 with a pair of Adam Audio A7V for my computer audio rig. I've always preferred the tight, punchy bass and smaller size of sealed subs for music/games. I don't use a home theater, so my situation might not be a good comparison for you.

PXL_20251231_231018384~2.jpg

You might want to check out the RSL Speedwoofer 12S. It's very highly rated and quite a bit less expensive than comparable SVS subs. You could get two 12S (even 3) for less than a single PB17. It comes with a remote control, too. I almost bought one, but it's too big to fit under my desk.
 
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Also using the SVS SB 3000 in piano gloss finish. Lovely sub with great response and only moderately heavy--65 pounds shipped and 55 unpacked. That was a consideration
as it had to come up a flight of stairs. Great apps and support by SVS.
 
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