It’s true there are other subs based on a cylinder designs, and loads of box subs, but there are probably more differences than similarities with SVS. We own some of these other subs, and have built more than a few "Do It Yourself" (DIY) subs ourselves too. But we would not be making SVS subwoofers if were not confident that we offer significantly better value for most customers. In short, we feel SVS provides a better made and better performing sub at very competitive prices.

For many years SVS specialized in subwoofers, so many customers pair them with other brands of speakers they might have owned for some time. Thousands of demanding customers replace other brands of subswoofers with an SVS, many others trust us with their first audio equipment purchase.

Something to consider in terms of performance...if a subwoofer can produce 110dBs (very loud) with low distortion at 40hz, we feel it should produce as close to that output as possible, right down to its low frequency extension limits. This is called "flat" or "linear" response, where no one frequency "band" is overemphasized at the expense of other bands deeper or higher in its operating range. Unfortunately, the vast majority of commercial subwoofers are very NON-linear in this regard. It's not uncommon for a subwoofer that produces 110dB at 40hz, to only have the ability to produce 90dB at a much deeper 20hz. (or less, often much less). Keep in mind this means such a subwoofer produces roughly 6 times more acoustical energy at a relatively high bass frequency, than it is capable of doing down low. Like too much salt in a otherwise tasty dish, balanced in home audio is key.

Wonder why some subwoofers are said to sound "boomy and unnatural" when you perhaps heard them them turned up too loud? Well, that lack of "linearity" is a large part of the answer to the question of why some subwoofers simply sound bloated and detract from the natural accoustical experience you crave. While it is true that there are far more instances of 40 Hz bass in most modern movie soundtracks (and music) than there are increasing numbers of CD's and movie DVD's with truly exciting stuff at 30hz, 20hz and even lower. At SVS we feel strongly that both regions of bass (ultra deep and "mid-bass") should be handled with equal ease, and portray the levels and emphasis in these regions which the muscian or movie’s makers intended. Needless to say, the preponderance, or overemphasis, of mid-bass is not something most manufacturers are interested in talking about, yet it's a cost-driven reality that's more common than many consumers realize.

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