SVS New 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series Their Best EVER?!?

SVS 17-Ultra R|Evolution - Dig DEEPER, Play LOUDER!

SVS has recently announced a new flagship subwoofer series to replace their venerable 16-Ultra series, which was launched eight years ago. The new series, called the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series, pushes the specifications for their flagship subs a step further. It consists of the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, continuing SVS’s naming convention of using "P" to indicate the ported model and "S" to indicate the sealed model. 

In both subs, SVS has increased the driver diameter to 17 inches, which should provide more displacement than the 16-Ultra series due to the increased cone surface area alone. The driver employs a similar motor topology from the 16-Ultras, but it now splits the single 8-inch voice coil of that model into two voice coils. Splitting a single voice coil into two can present an easier load for the amplifiers, as they would encounter less resistance, which can enhance long-term reliability. The ported model has also switched to an overhung motor design for higher sensitivity, particularly increasing output capability in the mid-bass region. SVS still uses the substantial 55-pound ferrite magnet, making the motor an absolute powerhouse. In our reviews of the SB16-Ultra and PB16-Ultra Subs, the sheer weight of this motor necessitated internal braces to support the driver, and we would expect the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series to be no different.

The processing power of the amplifier's DSP chip has increased from 50 MHz to 290 MHz, which should be more than sufficient to handle complex processing on top of the incoming signal with lightning-fast speed. This allows the 17-Ultras to now support a built-in automated room correction program. As many home theater enthusiasts know, no matter how perfect the sub’s own response is, typical room acoustics can significantly deform that response since the room’s dimensions are always smaller than the wavelengths of low frequencies. This is why equalization is more important for bass than for any other range, which was always the biggest advantage of room correction programs such as Audyssey or Dirac. It’s a valuable feature to have on the subwoofer itself, especially for systems that lack outboard automated room equalization programs, such as simpler two-channel systems or more professionally oriented production setups. SVS's room correction utilizes a smartphone app that uses the microphone on the phone itself, so no extra microphone is required. The extra processing power of the 17-Ultras also enables more bands of parametric equalization for those who want to manually shape the in-room response.

The amplification power of the 17-Ultras has been increased to 2,800 watts RMS, up from 1,500 watts RMS in the 16-Ultras. This is a substantial increase but may raise concerns for those worried about tripping the breaker on a typical 15-amp circuit. SVS has addressed this by enhancing system efficiency and constantly monitoring the incoming AC. As mentioned earlier, the driver now employs a dual voice coil system, which helps the amplifiers manage the impedance load more effectively. There are two amplifiers, and they utilize bridge-tied load (BTL) amplification so that both channels are powering both coils. One amplifier amplifies the positive phase signal, while the other amplifies the negative phase signal, effectively doubling the voltage compared to using just one amplifier channel. BTL amplification can theoretically achieve four times the output power compared to a traditional single-ended configuration. The amplifiers are also arranged in parallel per rail for higher output current. Power draw is constantly monitored in real-time via Power Factor Correction with an onboard line conditioner, allowing the amplifier to draw as much power as it needs without overwhelming a 15-amp circuit.

SVS Highest Output Subs Yet?

SVS claims that the 17-Ultras will provide significantly more output and extension compared to the outgoing 16-Ultras, with the PB17-Ultra boasting a response down to 8 Hz within a +/-3 dB window. This is impressive considering that the size and pricing have not changed much compared to the 16-Ultras, with the MSRP increasing only by $100 for the ported sub and $200 for the sealed sub. SVS claims an increase of 4 - 6dB of headroom in mid-bass frequencies for the PB17-Ultra which would be a major upgrade in that range, effectively doubling the mid-bass output of the PB16-Ultra. The 17-Ultras have lost the sloped front-mounted LED display featured on the 16-Ultras, as the larger cone required that space, but I would certainly be willing to forgo that for greater performance. The 17-Ultras are available in black oak wood or piano gloss finishes, and SVS’s ‘Bill or Right’ policy still applies, ensuring that the new subs are backed by SVS’s class-leading customer support, which includes a 45-day risk free trial period and a five-year warranty. For those who want to learn more before making a purchase, Audioholics is planning a full review of at least one of the new 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers, so stay tuned to see how much further SVS has pushed the envelope with these new designs.

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