SVS launching the PB17 and SB17-Ultra subwoofers is exciting news for audio enthusiasts! For those of us who focus on producing rich, deep vocal performances, especially in Islamic nasheeds and Quranic recitations, these subwoofers could bring out the full depth of the lower frequencies, adding a profound sense of presence and clarity to the listening experience.
SVS Launches PB17 and SB17-Ultra: New Flagship Subwoofers
Powerful New Driver and Amplifier Design
At the heart of the 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers is a newly developed 17-inch driver, the largest ever used by SVS. The driver, paired with a robust 55-pound toroidal ferrite motor, delivers deep bass well below the audible range, reaching down to 15Hz in the sealed SB17-Ultra and 12Hz in the ported PB17-Ultra model. The motor’s stability is ensured by SVS's first-ever dual eight-inch voice coil design, which provides seamless current transfer from the amplifier to the driver for accurate sound output. Copper-clad aluminum wiring is used in the coil to balance thermal capacity and magnetic strength, key factors in maintaining performance at high volumes.
To power this demanding driver, SVS developed the dual mono-block STA-2800D Class-D amplifier. This amplifier operates two independent voice coils to maximize output while maintaining strict control over the driver. The amp also incorporates eight MOSFET transistors, which contribute to the system's ability to generate reference-level output with high efficiency.
Advanced Power and DSP Features
The amplifier's power demands are supported by a specially designed AC line conditioner with power factor correction, allowing the subwoofer to operate smoothly on typical home electrical systems. This system not only stabilizes incoming voltage but also filters out electromagnetic and radio interference, improving overall signal quality and ensuring consistent performance.
SVS continues to integrate advanced DSP technology into its subwoofers, with the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series incorporating a 295MHz Analog Devices DSP. This chip manages various performance aspects of the subwoofer, from stabilizing voltage to ensuring optimal thermal performance, resulting in more reliable output even at high volumes. The DSP also drives digital audio processing with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing the fidelity of the subwoofer by reducing background noise and increasing dynamic headroom.
Customizable Performance with Smartphone Control
One of the standout features of the new series is its calibration process, which is facilitated through SVS's smartphone app. Users can control volume, adjust phase, and fine-tune equalization settings through the app. Additionally, the Auto EQ Subwoofer Room Correction system allows users to optimize the subwoofer’s performance for their specific room setup by using their phone’s microphone to measure and adjust frequency response.
SVS President Gary Yacoubian emphasized the significance of this launch, stating, “SVS is a restless company. We are never satisfied with making modest improvements just for the sake of launching a new product. That restlessness is what fueled the top-to-bottom advancements of our flagship 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers.”
Pricing and Availability
The 17-Ultra R|Evolution series includes two models: the SB17-Ultra, a sealed subwoofer priced at $2,499, and the PB17-Ultra, a ported version priced at $2,999. Both are available in Piano Gloss Black and Premium Black Oak finishes. The series is now available for purchase in the U.S.
Video from CEDIA 2024 where SVS previewed the new subs:
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