SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer Review | So Good, I Bought Four!

[@FatFolksProductions]

I wanted a pair of SVS PB16's, but for the cost of a single 16, I was able to DIY a pair of 18's for just under 2k. That included a pair of Ultimax 18's, 2 GSG Marty cubes, all the hardware and tools needed to complete the build as well as a Crown XLS 2502 Amp. They are definitely not as visually pleasing as the PB16 but oh man do they sound fantastic. As you put it, "headroom for days!"

[@Techthusiasm]

Awesome! You can do a lot with DIY. A bunch of the folks around the Michigan community go that route.

[@parkersgarage4216]

i do concur lol, i have 2 um 18's in denovo cube 18 boxes. i run mine off a crown ce4000. i will say im extremely happy with the setup. i also will say for what i have into them. there is no commercial sub available that can even come close. especially in the price range. the bass out of these is so clean. they sound really damn good and you can feel the impact. which is what subs are for. they should call these sb15's but 16 sounded better. the other benefit is pro amps will far outlast plate amps.

[@FatFolksProductions]

@@parkersgarage4216 I 100% agree with you in regards to plate amps vs Crown Pro Amps.

[@nerdfpv]

Exact! Got two Um18-22 c each in closed Box 150l and a bridged nx3000d. Waay better than any SVS

[@askmatt7283]

I have my SVS SB-16 Ultra positioned directly behind my main listening position. The near-field performance allows me to hear and feel my source material in a way I have not experienced elsewhere. The app is the icing on the cake. Very easy to use and lots of options to really dial it in. Having four of these must be an earthquake machine. Keep up the good work 🍺

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I have an 3000 Micro nearfield. Nearfield placement doubles the felt volume. I can't understand why nearfield listening is not discussed more in the subwoofer world?

[@charlesflute5737]

These were on my list until I compared them to the Rythmik F18. Better performance for less money at least on paper. I got 2 in black oak for $3200 I believe. The owner delivered them personally. They are great.

[@Techthusiasm]

I look at Rythmik back when I originally decided to go with the Arendal. I'm sure I'll step up to 18" all around or something someday, but it doesn't feel like a major need.

[@L3x4Pr0ne]

How’s you get them that cheap?! They’re like 2k shipped on their site.

[@charlesflute5737]

@@L3x4Pr0ne I got them before the price increase and got the multiple sub discount.

[@ShaneM007]

Yeah I would like to know that also. Who do I need to talk to a rhythmic ​@@L3x4Pr0ne

[@danielwander605]

Solid review. I think you hit the nail on the head. I had a temp pair of the pb-16s for about a year. I was in the process of doing the first 2 of 4 new subs and came across a great deal so figured why not grab them and then sell them when I get my other 2. They’re solid performers and really slam. Now, they aren’t necessarily the best performance for the money but all around they check a lot of boxes. I feel like SVS is overdue for a new flagship and I’m expecting something this year.

[@Techthusiasm]

I'm sure there will be new and bigger models from SVS eventually. Thanks!

[@sammie_prescott]

The SB16 Ultra's are great subs and excellent performers. Plus the app is excellent and love that they have the ability to set PEQ for a few bands in them. I used to have a pair of them that I sold awhile back and moved to 3 PSA S2112's. I just wanted a little more output and the ability to go a little deeper. I will probably change again to something else but not in the near future more of a long term thing once I do some other upgrades in theater. Congrats on them though I know you're enjoying them

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks! Yeah, it's all a progression. These won't the last subs in the room forever, I'm sure, but I'm content for a while now.

[@splfordayz9050]

I picked up dual Monolith 15's (large ported subs) about 6.5 years ago and use them almost daily. I paid $1999 shipped for both to my house. Hsu, PSA, and Rythmik are also great options (I have owned Hsu and SVS subs in the past and DIY). SVS really has the best support, great fit and finish, the app, etc. You just end up paying more for all that based on performace to dollar cost vs some of the other well known online sub companies mentioned above, .

[@billhayes5047]

Brilliant I'm.running 4 svs sb 3000s and love then yours must be off the charts

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@bingdong8571]

These were good subs to buy 5 years ago. Now cost vs perfirmance is not very good. Still an awesome sub but just not worth the money anymore.

[@SealedOrPorted]

I thought I knew what subs could do until I got 2 PB-3000s. The MLs I had were fine, but the SVS rocked my HT world. Such an excellent addition to the HT that I no longer go to the cinema. I wish I had room for 4 like your system. Thanks for the video.

[@taseti4803]

I would rather upgrade to bigger subs than get 4 SB 3000s if you don't have the space for 4 subs. Bigger subs make a hell of a lot of difference.

[@Techthusiasm]

Very nice!

[@SealedOrPorted]

@@Techthusiasm This video was different than typical SW comparisons. You talked about impact and sound experience rather than semantics and measurements. It is what I would have wanted to see prior to making my purchase decision. I like and appreciate your approach.

[@Techthusiasm]

I appreciate that!

[@michaelwright1602]

Pair of SVS SB3000's here, mainly two channel, with a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes. The bass output of these sealed subs is something to behold. I have mine cut at around 50hZ and the gain, or volume down in the -30's... You can feel them throughout the house, something I could never get a ported sub to do. Sealed is the way to go, at least for myself. And then the SVS ap, that is one of the best features of these subs, being able to dial everything in from your seated listening position. Thanks for the video!

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@rovd4433]

I've got the same two sb3000s in Europe but the fact is I'm a novice and I do not know many of the technical settings you've mentioned through the app. The 3ks spew out tonnes of bass so I'm struggling to fathom how on earth could this guy handle four sb16 ultras? In Europe majority of hifi-ers do not have a delicate home theatre room for loads of reasons even if one could afford it.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@rovd4433 I use the app to set the crossover and volume. I own a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes, 30 - 22k Hz. I set the crossover, depending upon the amplifier, at either 58 or so Hz or for the Class D amps around 80Hz. Then I blend in the volume to the point the subs just flow with the music and are more fill than subs. Placement is also key, I have each sub in a different room, away from the gear and speakers.

[@bkrhino1]

I run dual SB16’s and dual SB-4000’s nearfield in a Klipsch 7.4 System. With the addition of the Anthem AVM with the Parasound A-23+ and A-52+ with the RF-7iii’s and RC-64iii, I am pretty satisfied. As you mentioned, I stepped up to the Perlisten D215S and D15S in my other system. Love SVS, but no comparison. Nice video.

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks! Nice system!

[@SirMountainpass]

Excellent review, thanks for sharing! The SVS PB Ultra 16 (sealed, with the black gloss finish) will be supporting my next rig 😊

[@Techthusiasm]

Awesome! I'm sure you'll love it. Do please consider purchasing through my referral links. It's a huge benefit to running the channel. bit.ly/TM_SVS Enjoy and let me know how it goes!

[@Music.Movies.67]

I am running just one svs pb 2000 Pro Subwoofer in my room and that is more than enough in an apartment. I actually prefer the black oak finish on svs subwoofers, as the gloss finish is a finger print magnet, plus gloss finish under a bright light is covered in scratches, which is downside of gloss products. SVS should bring out Matte finish products

[@Techthusiasm]

I'd love matte finish like Arendal has.

[@adamjj85]

How hot do you run your subs in your house curve with ARC? I'm also in a basement on a concrete slab with the Arendals running about +10-12db and I found I needed to add Buttkickers to get the tactile I was looking for. SVS was at the top of my list, but I like the Arendals for their finish as you said, and slightly slimmer and lighter form factor. They fit much easier in my room. With all the SVS price hikes, they were basically the same in price too.

[@Techthusiasm]

They are at like -20. I'm surprised by how much I had to turn them down. ARC still wants me to go even further, but that was enough to me.

[@AeroDude73]

Nice video. I love how you explain things in a layman like manner. Very happy for your current setup and that it’s performing well for you. - I’m hoping to upgrade my Sony 75” LED & am waiting on the LG 83” G4 w/MLA OLED, hopefully out in March or April but it’ll prob be over $6000 (same as the initial 83” G3 last March). The G3 is $4996 now so that’s $1000 or so less in just a year. If I have to wait for low to mid $5K on the G4, so be it.

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks!

[@taseti4803]

I have 4 of these subs and from my experience, if you try to push them a little bit the subs turn off and back on, which is protection mode. The display will turn black and when the sub turn back on, you will see the words SVS SB16 scroll cross the display. SVS quality control has gone down hill in the last 3 to 5 years. If you're a new buyer I will definitely look at another brand to spend that money with. The SB16 has low mid bass and not enough bang in the low end bass.

[@Techthusiasm]

My experience has been quite good, and I'm more than happy with them. Maybe I don't push my volume as hard as you. I don't think these will be the last subs to ever be in my room, but I'll be good with them for a while.

[@Lazarus.09]

Wondering how big your room is by chance? Also, Did or do you find yourself getting fatigued, or ear fatigue from them at all? I only had two of my four hooked up and calibrated, but Mann did the two just dial in smoothly and across all three seats flat. But just those gave me ear fatigue and a headache for a couple days.

[@Techthusiasm]

My room is about 19 x 18 x 11. No fatigue to me!

[@rushgush]

best thing to do, is put your ht in a tiny room. then u don’t need monster subwoofers. 😎

[@Techthusiasm]

Perfect! :) Smaller rooms make lots of things simple, especially just having one row.

[@rushgush]

well iam poor, so i have no choice. my room is only 880 cubic feet. lol i run 2.2 with a stereo receiver and an old school paradigm crossover unit and have 2 svs pc2000 pros. i have been enjoying movies with my setup for years now. no auto eq. just if my ears love it. i roll with it. i did have a peak at 40hz, so i used the svs app and lowered it by 6db and it was better.

[@Techthusiasm]

Surround sound even isn't mandatory to have a great experience. I run 2.2 in my living room, and I love it. Enjoy!

[@rushgush]

i saw one room; the guy had 18, 18inch subwoofers. in 7 foot tall enclosures. and tons of speakers. and ran 4 , 2500watt tube amps. total system, screen, projector, etc… was 6 million dollars. couldn’t imagine what it would be like to watch a movie on that dudes system. oh and his projection screen was 18 feet wide. 😳

[@D1Calderon]

I currently have 1 SB16 Ultra and it sounds amazing. How is it with sb 16? Was it enough and you did 4 just because a goal?

[@Techthusiasm]

4 > 2 > 1 when it comes to subs and ensuring you can get the best response in your space, unless you know for sure that 1 sub in one location measures extremely well throughout your seating. That said, 4 was a goal for the room. If you snag any more of them, please go through my SVS link, thanks!

[@RobZelinka]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@Techthusiasm]

Thank you!

[@JG-jb1xv]

My room is 29x20x8 feet tall. 4640 cubic feet, acoustics are good, I have 2 rows of seats, will 2 Pb 16’s be enough to deliver that hard hitting chest thump, at least for the front row ? Front row is 16 feet back. Thanks.

[@Techthusiasm]

That's a pretty big room, much bigger than mine running 4x SB16. If I were you, I would really try to go for 4 subs, but you'll still get a lot out of those two. I would be comfortable starting with the two and live with it for a while, then decide from there. Do please consider using my SVS links if you pick any up! bit.ly/TM_SVS

[@taseti4803]

The SB16, has more rumble than the 1723s sub. I'll give you a year and you'll probably want more bass. My room is a little bigger than yours, and my room is tile over concrete with an area rug. I also have 4 SB16'S in my setup along with 6 Ultra Towers and one Ultra Center. When you ran room calibrations for your subs, was the volume on your subs at -10? I ran my subs at -10 for several months. Now all four subs is at -8 for movies. I find sealed subs need an uptick in volume to compensate for the base roll off. There's a guy on KZbin that has 6 SB16'S in his theater. He has 3 subs stacked on each other.

[@brucecarter6205]

100% agree. Back early in my journey I would have considered 4x SB16 endgame. Nowadays, I would consider this entry level and inadequate. It’s funny how your perspective changes after you experience the next level of bass. There is no going back after you experience bass nirvana.

[@Techthusiasm]

I'm sure these are not "forever" subs. They are a great choice for my setup now though, for sure, and an ongoing step in the progression.

[@John-ok8ts]

Jeremy could you post your measurements of you frequency response of the combined subs at your listening position without any Room EQ. I have a pair of Rel HT1205s and a bit like your measurements each is all over the place but luckily one dips and where the other boosts so they are pretty much flat to around 20Hz-80Hz but unfortunately it looks like you have the same null in your room around 90Hz as I do. I don't run my subs that high (tbh the RELs can't really go that high lol) so I know it's the room and/or speaker placement.

[@Techthusiasm]

I'll try to get one on the community area.

[@kierownikwisc3345]

how to compare to Monolith 16 thx ultra? they are now running for half price compare to svs

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

svs sb16 ultra vs 2x svs sb3000?

[@JLRJ]

I bought my 1st SVS PB12-NSD in 2016 and my 2nd SVS Ultra SB13 in 2019 and I love the bass but not the amps. I've replaced the amp in my NSD 3 times and it randomly makes a popping noise now. I had to replace the amp 1 time in my SB13. SVS upgraded my 13 amp to the SB4000. All of my amps were replaced for free by SVS. My PB was out of warranty on the last replacement but since I've had so many amp problems they decided to do it for free. Excellent customer support. I know my PB amp is on its way out and I'm thinking about going to the PB16 but with so many amp failures I'm reluctant. I also have the isolation feet on both but in my case I don't recall them tightening the bass. It did somewhat stop some unwanted vibrations. I agree for the price of their best subs the feet should be included. I was thinking about the Arendal subs until you said the app. was buggy. Informative video and Enjoy your Cruise!💯🧑🏾‍🦲

[@Techthusiasm]

Nice!

[@khaledakbar2125]

Very nice thanks

[@brunomachado7279]

Fantastic video!

[@Techthusiasm]

Thank you very much!

[@roberthart9886]

Im guessing most enthusiasts don't need 16" sub. For the rest of us blue collar hobbyists see Veri-fi Audio LLC Calderas 12" @ $399

[@davemccague222]

Hi Jeremy. Great review. I’m curious I know you got rid of your Arendel 2S subs in order to get two more SVS 16s. I understand it makes perfect sense to have all four subs the same. I myself presently own 2SVSPB 4000s. These subs are great. But I would like to get two more and possibly place them near field location behind my seats. Due to space constraints I was thinking of purchasing two Arendal 1V’s. I just don’t have any more room for two more PB 4000s what do you think of this move. The shape and size of the 1V would work very well in my theater. I realize they might not have the low output that maybe the PB 4000 gives me but I still think they might work pretty well. What are your thoughts? I value your opinion.

[@taseti4803]

I'll keep all my subs the same. Therefore, you'll have no weak spots. You could always upgrade to 2, PB 16s or SB 16s, and put one sub up front and the other sub nearfield opposite side. I think this should solve your issue.

[@Techthusiasm]

I'd recommend staying in similar make/model as much as you can. It'll be one single app to control them all too. Just makes things simpler, IMO. Arendal is great stuff too though, so you won't really go wrong either way.

[@matt34003434]

My grill on my SB 4000 vibrated and was audible. I ran it without it.

[@Techthusiasm]

If I ever do detect noise during content, I'll do the same. I kind of like the look with them on though.

[@matt34003434]

@@Techthusiasm it didn't initially, but after some time it would during specific frequencies. Wasn't a deal killer but was kind of a bummer.

[@melraine919]

Brilliant 🤩 choose 👍🏼✌🏼 I wish I had them but only 2 😊 I don’t have a dedicated cinema room. I only have a lounge which is a queer shape And immediate neighbours on the other side of the house, thus been it semi detached With a stairway separating the two lounges My REL HT/1510 predator ii subwoofers 🔊 🔊 Depending on the content that I am viewing film wise it’s still got a tendency now and then to get through next door and shake the pictures on their wall. Oops 🙊 Thank you for the demo and info well done 👏🏼 👍🏼✌🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧 Ps SVS are more expensive here in the UK

[@Techthusiasm]

Thanks!

[@melraine919]

@@Techthusiasm You’re welcome 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

1x svs sb16 ultra vs 2x svs sb3000?

[@Techthusiasm]

I'd almost always choose 2 subs over 1 for better response and integration. If you snag some SVS, please consider clicking through my links to them in the description. Good luck!

[@jordenb9469]

Svs has priced themselves out of the market with these. WAY to much money now. There are a lot of better options for less. From diy to Tonewinner brand.

[@flageborg]

4 subs on the floor is a misuse of power when compared to a Tower

[@L3x4Pr0ne]

What?

[@reaxions]

What the hell? You didn't even show the sub. No offense, but people who are interested in this sub don't just want to stare at your face for 25+ minutes. Show the equipment while you talk.

[@John-ok8ts]

I don't think there's anyone into home theatre that hasn't seen this sub a million times.

[@Gimmesoup88]

Mind you, I've only seen it 496,000 times@@John-ok8ts

[@Techthusiasm]

I sat right next to one of them for the entire video. 😀 Check out the unboxing and such for more shots of the unit itself.