In this article, we will review the new SVS PB17 Ultra R|evolution subwoofer. SVS’s new reference subwoofer is packed with new technologies and we will find out if it is worth the price and hype.
Review
The SVS PB17 Ultra is a new subwoofer that has been completely reimagined, and it is extremely better than its predecessor, the popular SVS PB16 Ultra. It comes in two finishes, Black Oak, and Piano Gloss Black. A protective grille covered in acoustically transparent cloth also comes with the subwoofer, in case you want to change its look.
The PB17 has a ported design that maximizes output capability. It has three ports on the bottom of the front panel that enable it to deliver good sound pressure levels while also providing tuning flexibility. Port plugs are included to adjust the subwoofer’s tuning so that it can fit better in different rooms and listening scenarios. For example, having one or all of the ports blocked will improve the transient response at the expense of lower maximum output levels. The PB17 comes in two options, ported and sealed. In music-only systems, having the ports plugged in improves the tone, detail, and overall bass depth. Similarly, having all of the ports open in a home theatre system will allow maximum sound pressure levels giving you a better listening experience.
The PB17 Ultra can easily handle bass below 20Hz. More specifically, it can handle:
- 14 Hz to 220 Hz +/-3dB (standard mode – all ports open)
- 12 Hz to 220 Hz +/-3dB (extended mode – 2 ports open)
- 14 Hz to 320 Hz +/-3dB (sealed mode – all ports sealed)
This means that no matter what configuration you have during tuning, you won’t be missing out on any low-frequency sound.
Because of its new 17-inch driver, the PB17 Ultra is the largest subwoofer SVS has ever made. The new driver has 8-inch Dual Voice Coils which offer better driver control, as a larger coil enables the driver to start and stop faster. The SVS PB17 Ultra also gets a new Dual-Mono Amplifier Design. It is called the STA-2800 for its 2800 watts of total power and has two separate Class-D outputs, one for each voice coil. A 295 MHz DSP controls all of the DSP and amplifier functions.
The SVS PB17 Ultra has XLR and RCA line-level inputs and outputs on the back panel, along with a 3.5 mm input for control systems, and an input for trigger control. There is also an OLED display on the back panel with navigation controls that allow you to make adjustments during installation.
You can also use the SVS phone app to control its various features. Along with six Parametric Equalizers, you can control Low-Pass Filtering, Phase, Polarity, Room Gain Compensation, Tuning Modes, and Power Management settings. SVS also included an auto room correction system that will be added very soon in a future update. You can use the microphone of your phone to measure the audio capabilities of your room and do corrections. From the app, you can also set three presets for three different tunings.
I tested the SVS PB17 Ultra with the Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature speakers. I started with some music and I was already impressed after one track. The bass was standing out with extreme depth, and I got even more detail when I watched some action sequences from my favorite movies.
Verdict
The tuning feature sets the SVS PB17 Ultra apart from other competitors, as it allows you to choose the type of performance you want from the subwoofer. The app made installation quick and easy, and there were a lot of tuning options I could tinker with to find the best fit. The SVS PB17 Ultra is a unique subwoofer that has a lot of features that set it apart from its competitors, and it would be a good fit in almost any sound system out there.