SVS SB13-Ultra Subwoofer

The SVS SB13-Ultra represents the first time extreme SVS performance has been offered in a cabinet compact enough to work in any size room. A softly curved cabinet, refined metal grille and modest footprint fitting for any-sized room belies what a powerful bass producing force the SB13-Ultra actually is. Designed for versatility, the subwoofer is unassuming enough to complement any décor but powerful enough to make everyone notice.

The SB13-Ultra's driver has been optimized for a sealed application by using an FEA-optimized overhung motor utilizing dual Genox 8H/Y-35 high-grade ferrite magnets and a copper shorting sleeve, which results in a very high force factor, reduced gap induction, lower distortion and increased linear stroke.  A unique 8-layer, flat-wound aluminum voice coil is used for enhanced thermal dissipation and extremely high power handling.  A custom gap extension plate is added to the motor top plate, which provides a symmetrical force/displacement profile, further reducing harmonic and intermodulation distortion.  Dual linear spiders and a stitched parabolic SBR surround provide extreme excursion capability and excellent stabilization of the voice coil in the gap.  The cone is comprised of an ultra-light and rigid Rohacell composite cone for an extremely high mass-to-stiffness ratio. 

The SB13-Ultra amplifier is a highly sophisticated 1000W (3200W peak dynamic) Class D platform for efficient and cool-running operation.  A DSP micro-controller allows precise adjustment of the voltage transfer function and limiter/compressor algorithms for refined behavior and outstanding sound quality under all operating conditions and drive levels.  The amplifier equalization curve is specifically optimized for the SB13-Ultra, resulting in a gradual roll-off slope which provides superb transient response, extremely low group delay, and also optimally leverages the acoustic transfer function of the listening space - resulting in extraordinary in-room extension to 15 Hz or deeper. 

Learn more about SB13-Ultra Subwoofer.Download product spec sheet.

Features

Subwoofers and many audio products are designed for maximum profitability with a focus on reducing costs through cheaper build materials, faster manufacturing processes and flashy marketing while offering the minimum possible performance level. SVS has the opposite philosophy. Design a product with the best possible build materials and processes to achieve optimal performance and reduce overhead and other expenses to produce unmatched performance for the dollar spent. The SB13-Ultra is the embodiment of this philosophy.

From a numbers perspective, the SB13-Ultra is equally impressive in how it stands alone. For a subwoofer with a 13.5 inch driver to produce 1000W RMS (3200 peak dynamic), while reaching a frequency response range of 20-460Hz at +/- 3dB, there needs to be premium internal components, and in fact, the SB13-Ultra's driver alone costs the same as many competitive subwoofers. Yet, because they focus less on profit margins, SVS is able to price the subwoofer competitively.

Also special is the subwoofer's ability to adapt to any room size whether it's a 12-seat home theater or a smaller media and gaming room. It's not a big room sub or a small room sub. The compact nature offers placement flexibility, but its ability to ramp up or down to fill a large or small space with the ideal amount of low frequency audio output makes it an award-worthy subwoofer.

Lastly, the extensive menu has features and options not found in competitive products, such as adjustable high/low pass filters for frequency/slope, room gain compensation, and a digital delay on the line level outputs to facilitate integration of the SB13-Ultra and loudspeakers in the time domain for optimal sound quality in 2-channel stereo applications. All control functions are accessed via an intuitive single-knob interface with LCD display.

Benefits

When people invest in a quality set of speakers or a subwoofer, they can expect a decade or more of enjoyment, something few other electronics can promise. As one approaches the high-end of audio, the value becomes debatable, but SVS products have always taken the high-value, high-performance approach and the SB13-Ultra is a booming example.

After a simple listening test with the SB13-Ultra, the appeal is truly understood. Clinical in accuracy, the SB13 Ultra reveals subtle textures and nuances lesser subs simply ignore. With unmatched transient response, quarter notes and complex bass lines are delivered with toe-tapping rhythm and pace. Dynamic range is outstanding, with kettle drum and deep piano key strikes rendered with stunning realism. In mid-size rooms with a modicum of room gain, deep extension is fathomless.

For movies, the SB13-Ultra effortlessly shrugs off demanding DVD passages - always staying deep, clean, linear, and powerful. Whether a consumer recognizes the value of subwoofers to audio performance before hearing the SB13-Ultra is irrelevant. Once installed, every form of entertainment that utilizes audio is enhanced by the SB13-Ultra, and will be for years to come. Considering the longevity, performance, install features and visceral appeal, the SB13-Ultra is award and room-worthy.

Company Info

SVS Products

SB13-Ultra Subwoofer

Designed to deliver the most vigorous, versatile bass performance in its class, the SVS SB13-Ultra is a low-frequency, high-output knockout offered at an unbeatable value, in a surprisingly elegant footprint.