SVS PC-2000 Pro Subwoofer Review

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SVS started out as an online only company more than a decade ago, and has developed a reputation for high value with good subwoofers at a good price.

I bought my first SVS, a gigantic behemoth of a box the PB 13plus, years back, and it took a couple of mates to help me get it into my den and position it well.


But before their large power ported subs became their mainstay, SVS as well as Hsu were famous for their cylindrical subs, which had a small footprint and a relatively light weight. These cylindrical subs used the shape to provide great strength whilst keeping the weight down, which was very important for reducing shipping costs.

Thankfully, SVS has kept a couple of models in this form factor, and the PC 2000 pro is the lower of the two. The Pro version is very different from the older one, with a new driver, amp plate and the most exciting of all for me, the new app to control the settings from the comfort of your seat.

Some important points to know:

  • Soundpath feet included
  • Downward firing driver
  • Single port on the side, which allows a choice of ported or sealed mode
  • Gloss top, no matt option
  • RCA inputs no XLR
  • Foam for port is not included in the box, you have to ask for it from your dealer
  • USB option for wireless transmission
  • 872mm tall, 21.5kg 







The blurb from the SVS site:

Quick Specs
Driver | 12"
Amplifier | 550 watts RMS (1500+ watts peak)
Freq. Response | 16Hz to 290Hz +/-3dB (standard mode)
Freq. Response | 17Hz to 290Hz +/-3dB (sealed mode)
Dimensions | 34.34" (H) 16.6" (W) 16.6" (D)



The sub comes nicely packaged in a long box, with an additional outer box to avoid damage. Bear in mind it's rather long and when you open the box, it may roll so do put some pillows or get one more person to help lift up the box. It's not too heavy, so this makes adjustments in position much easier. 

Personally I am very enamoured with the form factor, as it has a small footprint, and is relatively lightweight. It's not light at 20kg, but it will not walk and it is tall, but if you need something to occupy less floor space this is very nice indeed.

Adjustments can be made on the sub itself using a series of buttons or for more convenience, SVS has now included the PC 2000 in the range of subwoofers that can use their app, so you can make adjustments from the comfort of your seat. It means you can position the sub in corners or with the amp plate located facing the wall and still be able to tweak the settings.






So how does it sound?
I was running a couple of JL Audio E112 subs prior to this but these were sealed subs. Playing around the same volume, this single SVS could dig deeper, and find bass where none seem to exist. It was a thunderous experience, but yet, it remained tight. If you have a musical soundtrack, it will also keep up, but if you are critical about music, the sealed subs do play tighter. In terms of SPL, the SVS will match almost any sub in my small room, and can play to frightening levels. If you just want a sub for music, this may not be it, but for a single sub that you wish to use for both home theatre as well as music, this is very hard to be. The app also makes life much easier. You can tweak the output and characteristics to suit your mood.

More on the app, this app isn't just a remote control. There are DSP adjustments inside, and you should do that first then use the auto-EQ on your AV amp, such as Audyssey. However you can then tweak settings, and use the DSP to help fill up deficients as well as tame nodes. It's no Mini DSP, but it does help a lot especially for those who aren't up to hours using the REW app. This app alone is worth the price of the sub.

I gave it a few days workout before I did my settings and with the movie "Hurt Locker", there is an opening scene where an IED goes off and there is a lot of low bass and rumble. This sub will pick it all up and you can feel the sub 20Hz bass easily. 


The Tom Cruise movie Edge of Tomorrow has a really deep bass note before the movie actually begins and that's another demo piece. 

Moving onto Transformers, that movie is just laden with demo scenes. This sub never lets up it's grip and gives you deep and yet tight bass. 

I used Budapest and Sunflower, two songs I often use to demo bass in music and it does the job nicely. 




Bass is palpable and the sub keeps up well with the notes. 

Any minuses?

Well I didn't find a need for XLR inputs but some might. I wish the ports were on top like the older models but that's a minor point. I also wish there was a shorter version maybe a PC 1000 pro in future? Then I can place a few of them around the room. But these are really minor niggles.

Try it out for yourself. 


___________________________________________________________
 I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.

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