Subwoofer Reviews

SVS PB16-Ultra Subwoofer
This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of the woofer) frequency response of the PB16-Ultra subwoofer (blue trace).

The PB16-Ultra’s close-miked response in Extended mode, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3dB point is at 15 Hz and the –6dB point is at 13 Hz. The upper –3dB point is at 156 Hz using the LFE input.—MJP

SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer
This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of the woofer) frequency response of the SB16-Ultra subwoofer with controls at default (blue trace), and with the parametric EQ set to +5dB at 20 Hz (green trace).

The SB16-Ultra’s close-miked default response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3dB point is at 27 Hz and the –6dB point is at 19 Hz. The upper –3dB point is at 174 Hz using the LFE input.

With EQ engaged, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, the lower –3dB point is at 16 Hz and the –6dB point is at 14 Hz.—MJP

Editor's Note: Using our standard practice of preforming quasi-anechoic measurements at a subwoofer's default settings, the SB16-Ultra failed to meet the manufacturer's claimed low-end frequency specification (blue trace). However, it did so handily with an adjustment to the unit's own integrated EQ (green trace). Users should be able to compensate similarly in their own rooms.—Rob Sabin