SV Sound PB-12NSD Subwoofer Preview

Lately we've been evaluating a bunch of SV Sound (aka. SVS) subwoofers.  We have done so for a variety of reasons:

• they are soundly engineered based on the real laws of physics.
• they utilize quality parts, enclosures and amplifiers, taking no obvious cheapening short cuts many of their competitors often do which either hinders performance or longevity.
  
• they test per CEA 2010 standard, so initially it was a way for us to re-verify our test rig was properly calibrated.
• they offer some of the best single driver subwoofers on the market at their respective price points with REAL 20Hz extension and the measurements prove it.

Enter the new PB-12NSD, SVS's most affordable ported subwoofer.  This subwoofer features a custom designed  aluminum cone 12" driver, 4" flared port and a 400 watt amplifier.

SVS uses a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) optimized motor with dual shorting rings and pole extenders which they claim brings all these improvements to the table compared to this models predecessor:

• More linear force/displacement curve
• Lower inductance and distortion
• Shorter "ring time"
• Improved sensitivity
• A wider and more linear frequency bandwidth 

More details on their driver include:

• 2” diameter, high-power voice coil with high-temp GSV former
• Nomex linear roll long-throw spider
• Low-creep rubber long-throw surround
• Spider-integrated tinsel leads
• Aluminum cone and composite dust cap with SVS logo
• Powder-coated cast aluminum basket
• FEA-optimized motor structure
• Dual shorting rings and pole extenders to reduce gap induction and distortion
• Dual high-grade ferrite magnets
• Pole piece vent for greater cooling, low noise, and reduced air compression

In addition to a very impressive robustly designed driver, the PB-12NSD is powered by a meaty Sledge 400 watt amplifier.  This is a continuous power rating, not some fictitious peak power rating typically found on a BASH amplifier.  The cabinet is well braced and sports a full 1" thick front baffle.  Just tap on any SVS cabinet and you will heard a thud not a hollow box like some of their competition.  There are real reasons why SVS subwoofers weigh a ton; sturdy well braced cabinets and big motor structured woofers.

SVS adds a touch of class to the PB-12NSD with a radius contoured perforated metal grille, flared port to reduce port noise and removable threaded synthetic rubber feat to keep the sub planted on the floor without damaging hard surfaces.

In our reviews of the SVS PB12-Plus DSP and PB13-Ultra, our CEA 2010 measurements matched SVS's within 1dB for the subwoofers entire bandwidth.  While we plan on doing a formal review of the new PB-12NSD incorporating a full barrage of measurements per our new Subwoofer Measurement Protocol, we thought it would be fun to compare SVS's CEA 2010 data for the new PB-12NSD with what we measured from the SVS PB12-Plus DSP and the  Outlaw LFM-1EX subwoofers. All measurements are scaled to 2 meter RMS.

2 meter RMS CEA 2010 Passing Data (Max Output Mode – all ports open)

Editorial Note About CEA-2010 Measurements

The SVS PB-12 Plus DSP  subwoofer was originally tested by Paul Apollonio.  The Outlaw LFM-1EX subwoofer was tested by Josh Ricci while the SVS PB-12NSD was tested by Ed Mullen of SVS.  Some performance variance between different testers and test rigs is expected and should be understood when trying to directly compare results of different subwoofers tested by different reviewers using different test rigs.

The SVS PB-12NSD handedly outperforms the bigger but similarly priced (when factoring in shipping)  Outlaw LFM-1EX subwoofer with a 3.5dB advantage at 20Hz-25Hz.  The more robust motor structure and lower tuning of the SVS sub really shows here.  However, because of the bigger box and more efficient driver, the Outlaw LFM-1EX has about a +4dB advantage above 40Hz.  All of the subs in this mini comparison offer quite impressive performance  Make no mistake these are real subwoofers at a shoestring prices any way you dice it.  Very few Brick & Mortar brands can compete at even double the price of each respected subwoofer compared here.

The SVS PB12-Plus DSP reigns supreme over the other two subs in this comparison and it should given its significantly higher price.  Interestingly though one could make the case to purchase two PB-12NSD subwoofers for only a modest cost increase over a single PB12-Plus DSP which will close the SPL output gap some while also providing the benefit of smoother more integrated bass response across a wider listening area.  

Based on the collection of parts and published measured performance, the SVS PB-12NSD appears to be one of the best values today in affordable subwoofers.  It exhibits excellent bandwidth linearity and plenty of headroom to shake up your listening space.  In fact, based on the output numbers shown here, the PB-12NSD earns our "Large Room" Bassaholic rating which few subs at this price point can claim.

We look forward to conducting a formal review of what we feel will be the subwoofer to beat in the under $1k price category.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.