SVS, an independent manufacturer of subwoofers, speakers, wireless audio, cables, and accessories announced this week that it has outdone itself – launching a beast of a subwoofer design that raises the bar in low-frequency performance. The company tells me that the launch of this new design is “a momentous day for SVS.”
Learn about the 17-Ultra R|Evolution flagship subwoofers
The fact that SVS introduced a new subwoofer is not, by itself, surprising news. The company has a strong reputation for offering some of the finest subwoofers in the industry.
But the fact that SVS has launched new flagship models, is attention-getting. And the fact that the company has broken the mold and started from scratch with an all-new subwoofer design is darn big news.
Both a Ported Version and a Sealed Version are Available
Available in both a sealed version (SB17-Ultra R|Evolution) and a ported version (PB17-Ultra R|Evolution), both models of the 17-Ultra R|Evolution line share the technological upgrades in which SVS engineers have pushed the bass performance envelope forward by reengineering almost every element of this speaker design ecosystem.
Let’s start with the speaker. SVS says this subwoofer series utilizes the largest and most formidable driver ever deployed by the company. But simply using a large 17-inch speaker is not enough, because larger drivers can present their own challenges, such as losing precision.
Dual Mono-Block Amps Drive Dual Voice Coils
To prevent that from happening, the company employs dual-mono amplifiers that drive a 55lb toroidal ferrite magnet motor and dual eight-inch voice coils. Each amp drives one of the voice coils which both utilize copper-clad aluminum for thermal capacity and magnetic field strength. This dual amp/dual voice coil design serves to keep precise control of the subwoofer at all times.
The 17-inch woofer itself is a long-excursion design made of glass fiber composite materials and includes a long-throw catenary SBR rubber surround. The combination of these upgraded materials and power means that you’ll experience rich, deep bass that remains well-controlled, tight, and accurate.
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. Literally every part of the ecosystem was reimagined to achieve an unprecedented level of low frequency performance and world class user experience. They truly represent a quantum leap forward in subwoofer design and I could not be prouder of what our team accomplished.
Gary Yacoubian, SVS President
MOSFET Amp Design
The dual mono-block amps are a MOSFET design with eight 60 amp 200 volt MOSFETs that “deliver extreme high current for reference-level output with maximum efficiency.” I don’t see anywhere in the announcement where they specify the power rating, but they’ve got to be brutes. (I’ve reached out to the company for clarification.) As I mentioned above, each of the amps drives one of the dual 8-inch voice coils to increase the power to the motor while providing “pinpoint control” and maximum output.
Interestingly, both models of the 17-Ultra series include an onboard AC line conditioner with “power factor correction” to stabilize the incoming voltage. SVS says they had concerns these subwoofers could impose some strain on the typical 15-amp home AC circuit and wanted to provide correction and filtering of the power into the unit.
The ‘Most Sophisticated DSP’ Offered by SVS
The company says that these new models are also controlled by their “most sophisticated DSP” that optimizes all performance parameters, as well as usability. The DSP is multi-talented, not only in guiding in-room response, but it also stabilizes AC voltage delivery and monitors thermal and current for optimal performance.
Setting up these subwoofers in your room is greatly enhanced by proper calibration which is handled through the SVS app. The app controls volume, low pass filter, phase, polarity, six parametric equalizers, room gain compensation, port tuning (PB17 Ultra only), power management and more. Three memory presets are provided for quick access to listening preferences.
Auto Room Correction Built-In
And a new feature in these models – also app-enabled – is an Auto EQ Subwoofer Room Correction system. With just the SVS App and the microphone built into your mobile device, this system applies equalization filters, capitalizes on available room gain, and optimizes in-room frequency response at the main listening position. (This is a ‘coming soon’ feature that will be available via an over-the-air app and firmware update.)
Availability and Pricing
Both versions of the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series are shipping now across the US. They are available in two finishes: Piano Gloss Black and Premium Black Oak Wood Veneer. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution (sealed cabinet) sells for $2,499.99 MSRP. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution (ported cabinet) sells for $2,999.99 MSRP.
All SVS products come with a five-year unconditional warranty, a 45-day in-home trial period, fast and free shipping, expert lifetime support, and a SoundPoints loyalty program.
Learn more about SVS by visiting svsound.com.
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