SVS PRIME Wireless Pro and 3000 Micro Sub - Simplified But Capable

For local audiophiles and AV enthusiasts, the name SVS is no stranger to them including yours truly. In my previous home theater set up, my rear and ATMOS speakers were from the PRIME series and also the main subwoofer as well. They were very capable speakers to complement my LCR which were the PMCs. Nevertheless, I never really had the chance to test or use them as a pair stereo set up or even a lifestyle set up.

When AJ of The Experts Group Malaysia mentioned about the Wireless Pro and 3000 Micro Sub set up, it intrigued me to review them. I had them for 3 weeks (about 2 weeks of serious listening) and I must say, they continue to live up to their name even for a 2 channel set up. Read on to know why!

THE SPECIFICATIONS

First of all, the Wireless Pro speakers are sold separately from the subwoofer i.e. it is actually a stand alone unit. It can belt out music without the connection to the subwoofer. 

The term wireless can sometimes be misleading. As far as I remember, my first 'wireless' set up was a SONY home theater system for my apartment in Abu Dhabi when I was stationed there between 2005 to 2007. At that time, the term wireless was mainly referring to my rear speakers as I did not need to run cables to the main unit at the front. However, there was a need to have 2 additional eletrical plugs to power up both rear speakers. Hence, it was one of those 'wireless' but not truly 'wireless' if you get my drift.

Not with the PRIME Wireless Pro! Even the power cable to the main unit with the front display is equipped with attached cable to connect to the other speakers. Hence,  you just need one eletrical power supply point to power both speakers. 

The subwoofer however, needed a mono RCA subwoofer cable to connect from the Wireless Pro.

As a wireless powered speakers, the Pro is equipped with a dual Class-D power amps for discrete Bi-Amplification at 200 watts RMS power with a digitally controlled tweeter to woofer Xover at 2kHz.

The pair is relatively sized decently as a bookshelf speakers at 295 mm x 180 mm x 228 mm (HxWXD) and weighs about 5.6 kg each. It is recommended as well to either place them on a decent speakers stands or an isolation platforms such as the IsoAcoustics Aperta.

The pair also comes with a neat little remote that does all the basic function.

INS AND OUTS

Inputs

• 1 x RCA
• 1 x optical
• 1 x 3.5mm Line In
• 1 x HDMI (ARC)
• 1 x Ethernet

Ouputs

• 1 x sub out
• Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX
• 1 x Ethernet

Wireless Connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX
• DTS Play-Fi - Losslee 192 kHz/24 bit via critical listening mode over WiFi
• Apple Airplay 2 and Chromecast - CD Quality
• Spotify Connect

For a complete specification details, click here.

The 3000 Micro Subwoofer is a fully active unit, designed with a dual opposing 8 inches drivers. Measuring at 278 x 297 x 271 mm (HxWxD), this sub is not to be underestimated. Weighing at about 10 kg, this unit complemented the Wireless Pro speakers seamlessly; providing sufficient grunt and low frequency envelope to make the sound reproduction very musical indeed.

It comes with a pair or RCA ouput and input in which I only connected the sub via a single RCA mono interconnect to the Prime Wireless Pro. The volume and phasing of this sub can either be done manually through the soft touch buttons at the rear panel or also via their app. (However, I believe you need to purchase a wireless audio adapter for this to work via Bluetooth)

The subwoofer amplification comes from an 800 watt RMS, 2,500 watt peak Sledge STA-800DM built in amp with a fully discrete MOSFET output high-effiiciency Class D switching topology. Fully packed into this tiny in size but muscular in sound. For the full specs and features, click here.

THE SESSION

I tested out this set up in stages below:

1. Without the subwoofer

2. With the subwoofer

My review below however will only be with the subwoofer with some comparison context to listening without the subwoofer.

Before describing the listening session, the first test that I always do is the CONNECTION STABILITY. In this modern era, this is essential for any wireless system. First of all, setting up the speakers into my home network.

The SVS Prime Wireless Pro Bookshelf speakers was fully set up physically and gained connectivity within 20 minutes. That is how simple it is. Using the DTS play-Fi app on Android, connectivity to my home network was a breeze. Music services to Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Roon were seamlessly connected within seconds of logging in.

The system was put into a looping streaming for 1 hour and it passed El Hefe's HiFi Reviews stability test ✅️✅️. ZERO signal dropouts over wifi.

I listened to the following tracks with and without the subwoofer. My reference will only be on QOBUZ but TIDAL and Spotify were tested too.

1. Take Five by The Kenichi Big Band
2. Take Five by Dave Brubeck
3. Turn Me On by Norah Jones
4. Enter Sandman by Metallica
5. The Sound of Silence by The Ghost of Johnny Cash

Take Five by Big Band Kenichi

On this track, the speakers were able to deliver a very lively ambient with layers and layers of multi instruments being tightly played. This is not a particularly easy track to be played as it involves a complex arrangement that needs a good reproduction to really get the music going. The subwoofer added that additional kick to the song in which without it, it can sound a little bit laid back with all the highs playing frm the multi instrument band. The sound stage also sounded big compared to the size of the speakers. At one point, my kids thought I was playing the song from my main hifi set up. It was one of the more entertaining session I had with this set up. 

Japanese Roots by Takadake

I must say that this track was the track that really made me say that this is one capable wireless speaker set up. The wind instrument sound really lush yet chilling with enough energy to get listener excited. I was fully engaged and mesmerized with the level of clarity and how deep it can go with the bass. Yes, the subwoofer added some juice to it but on this track, even without the sub, it can really belt out an energetic performance. The percussion on this track sounded tight with the sufficient amount of dispersion that I like. It maintained the similar huge soundstaging that gave me an immersive experience.

Turn Me On by Norah Jones

I then had to test the speakers with some vocals. Norah's vocal really stand out with this wireless speakers. It manages reproduce the build up from a relaxing intro in which there was a good blend of her vocal, piano and percussion into an emotional roller coaster. As soon as she hits some high notes, it sounded even more engaging.  As it goes into the bridge, the set up created that cyclic emotion to build towards the emotional finale of that track.

Enter Sandman by Metallica

Now, this is where it got a bit tricky. With the stellar performance thus far, I was expecting a kick ass, energetic and andrenalin pumping session with this track.  While the guitar riffs of Kirk Hammer sounded really ferocious, I find that Lar's drumming lacked a bit of punch even with the subwoofer on. James's vocal still came out clearly and upfront as there was no overwhelming dominance from the high and low spectrum. It was just the drumming didn't come out as I expected especially the intro of floor tom and other tom toms. It was still a very decent performance for metal music but I could do with a little bit more dive in the low end spectrum of frequencies.

The Sound of Silence by The Ghost of Johnny Cash

The highlight of the session came from this track. It sent me chills and emotional engagement. The Wireless Pro just reeled me into a deep unawareness of my surrounding. My mind just floated away with the huge sound stage and the reproduction of that vibrating vocal. It filled up my dining area with such ease and without comprimising any essence of the song. Truly an enjoyable  listening experience.

THE CONCLUSION

Of many all in one wireless systems that I have owned and reviewed in the past in the likes of BOSE, Bluesound, SONY, Samsung, KEF etc, this SVS Prime Wireless Pro is the most comprehensive yet simple to set up and use. It has a stable connectivity to all major online streaming services and able to stream uncompressed Hi Res files with no signal dropouts even on wireles mode. A big plus point here.

The sound quality that it can provide actually warrants it to be paired with a decent speaker stands if one intends to use this as a main stereo set up as oppose to easy listening set up for in the likes of dining area, bedroom or small living room. For desktop use, it is recommended to have a pair of isolation platforms such as the IsoAcoustics Apetra.

Without the subwoofer, the Wireless Pro is still able to deliver a very engaging musical presentation. Clarity, huge sound stage and luscious vocal are the 3 main strength based on my listening sessions. With the subwoofer, it elevates the Wireless Pro to be more emotionally engaging as it made the music wraps over me plus, it gives out that extra low frequencies thumping effect as well.

To summarise, if you are looking at getting into a true all in one wireless set up while maintaining a more 2 channel hifi looks, this Prime Wireless Pro should be on your audition list. At RRP of RM4,900 a pair (and RM 5,210 for the 3000 Micro sub for that extra kick), this can be at par or even better sounding than certain entry level hifi set up. You will also eliminate the headache of figuring out a match between amplifier, streamer unit and a pair of passive speakers, let alone the interconnects and speaker cables.

Oh! Did I mention that The Experts Group is having a promotional offer? Better grab them while you can.

For audition, make your way to The Experts Group Malaysia outlet, located at The Gardens Mall, Lot S-207, 2nd Floor, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. They can be contacted on 012-6462738 to book for a demo session. 

 

SVS PB16 Ultra and SB16 Ultra Product Launch

Maxx Audio in Seremban hosted a product launch event for the new SVS PB16 Ultra and SB16 Ultra on Saturday 26th November. This long awaited event was attended maaaannnyyy HT enthusiasts in the country and also by the regular audio reviewers like Willy Low, Vinod, Dick Tan and that one troublemaker of all time...Myself. The event kicked off at 11 am an officially ended at 6 pm wuth a steady flow of AV-philes throughout that time. It was so packed that Max had to arrange for every one to experience the new subs in a few demo sessions.

No hifi product launch in Malaysia can be conducted without having delicacies. Max and Ben specially ordered Nasi Lemak bungkus NIzam and also Bee Hoon goreng and also hot curry puffs. Yours truly arrived at about 1015 to provide Max with the Samsung 4K UHD BD player and once set up, this nasi lemak started make its way through my mouth. Yummy. Once done, the official demo started.

Batman vs Superman DOJ on 4K UHD

One of Epson on display projector

Max explained the new design adapted by SVS in this PB16 sub. With 1500 watss RMS power, this 16" sub , this sub guarantees a substantial LFE will be provided in one's system. It goes as deep as 13 to 280 Hz. The sub can be adjusted via its mini remote control and also iOS and Android bases apps. It weighs at a staggering 95 kg mark and it can easily be mistaken to be a small washing machine hehehe. You would need a big room for this to be made looked smaller. Customer have the choice of piano black or black ash finishings.

Max has deployed a 7.2.4 channel system in his 16.5 x 19.5 ft room. A bit crowded with speakers but still comfy enough to enjoy a full fledge ATMOS/DTS-X surround sound. The full set up list is as follows with its RRP:

• SVS PB16 Ultra - RM14,499
• SVS SB16 Ultra - RM 11,499
• Klipsch KL-650-THX - RM 7,600 each
• Klipsch KL-525-THX surround - RM6350 each
• Klipsch CDT-2800-C II Top front and Top rear - RM1,150 each
• Denon AVR X7200WA - RM 13,999
• ATI 807 7 channel power amp - RM15,000
• Parasound A23 Stereo power amp - RM6800
• Oppo BDP-105D - RM5,999
• Epson LS10000 projector - RM30,500

KL 650 THX Centre (similar to LR channels)

ATI 7 channel power amp

Oppo 105D, Samsung K8500, Parasound 2 channel power amp and Denon X7200WA

Klipsch rear speakers

OK enough of the tech talk. Now lets get into the nitty gritty:

When Max show case his set up, several different type of movies were played. Ranging from rain effect, bullet spraying war scenes, helicopter swirls, building collapse, martial arts and many more. My favourite was the war scene in the movie Bengazi. The PB16 shook the LazyBoy sofa with tremendous power and agility. I was surprised that there was rattling of the ceiling. The LFE provided by the two subs was enough to provide the guests on that day what these new Ultras can do. 

The sound of the spraying bullets and its impact sounded deep but subtle enough to differentiate it from explosives sounds. The speed and accuracy of the subs were evident enough that even in a chaotic scene like this, it delivers continuous LFE impact on each relevant sound. Matched and properly set up with the Klipsch speakers, the dialogue was still crystal clear. The mid bass was also presence where in a quieter scene of dialogue, the vocal sounded energized and with a deeper tone and emotion. 

The Klipsch THX Ultra 2 speaker set up was also very involving and gives out details of the movie with a high level of precision. With up to 97 dB sensitivity, they were driven effortlessly by the amplification in this set up. No sign of stress and I did not experience any fatigue listening to this set up through out the day.

Thank you Max and Ben for the invite. I a quite sure these new monstrous sub will be flying out of your shop into people's home very frequently.

SVS Prime Elevation Speakers - A Great Alternative To Ceiling Speakers for ATMOS and DTS:X

I took my time to leap into ATMOS, mainly to wait for the format to stabilize and also for DTS-X to be fully available, hardware wise and also software. While there are a few of HT aficionados in Malaysia that took the leap into ATMOS a few years back, most of the HT crowd faced the challenge of installing additional ceiling speakers in their existing set up. This is also true especially for those without a dedicated HT room.  For yours truly, I face the same challenge as my HT is set up in the second floor living room. I have went through various options of setting up surround back and ceiling speakers but it remains a challenge due to some obstruction above the ceiling.

The notion of using upfiring speakers first came out at the same time ATMOS came out about 2 years back. Not many options were available at that time and most of the design, did not get an acceptable performance review by the industry. Nevertheless, if we are to refer to the maker itself, Dolby, they did mention that upfiring speakers is one of the options that ATMOS can be experienced at home. So, technically, this option should work if we follow the recommended guideline by Dolby. There are soooooo many people out there that gives out recommendation that confuses a lot of HT enthusiasts that in turn, put them off to experience  ATMOS at home. I have decided to just refer to Dolby to start the leap. 

One of the main concern for me is the effectiveness of the sound reflection with upfiring speakers. Dolby recommendations are as follows and luckily, my hall fits in nicely in these recommendations.

Ceiling Height and Materials 

The ideal ceiling height is between 7.5 and 12 feet, and the maximum recommended height is 14 feet. The ceiling should be flat and made from an acoustically reflective material, such as drywall or plaster.

THE SVS ELEVATION SPEAKERS

After I have decided to take the leap, first I had to upgrade my Yamaha RXV2067 AVR to an ATMOS/DTS:X capable AVR. After discussion with Max Loh from Maxx Audio, I have decided to purchase the Denon X6200W AVR. Once confirmed, I started to think about which upfiring speakers to get. There is no point upgrading the AVR without purchasing the ATMOS speakers.

As I currently using an SVS Prime Satellite as my rear speakers and SVS subwoofer that matches quite well (sonically and aesthetically) with my PMC twenty.24 and Centre channel, I asked Max whether I can use another pair of Prime Satellite as ATMOS speakers....... and to my surprise, SVS now have a new elevation add on speakers called Prime Elevation. Recently debuted in CES show, Maxx Audio was getting a few pairs for the KLIAV show in July. At the time this review was written, these Elevation speakers are still not available on the SVS website. But nevertheless, you can find a few reviews of it online.

Being the trouble-maker I am, I requested Maxx to have a pair of these after the show. And sure enough, these babies were in my house a week after the show (end of July).

 

This speakers are designed to fulfill the following options:

• As a down-firing height channel speaker, easily mounted high on a side wall 
• As an up-firing height channel speaker for the same formats, placed on stands or atop tower speakers 
• As an up-firing or down-firing front or center channel speaker with projector screens or where level placement at ear height is not possible 
• As a side or rear-firing surround speaker, when placement on a side or rear wall is not optimal for the most convincing side or back surround effects 
• A pair of Elevation speakers can be wall-mounted and wired to become a bipole or dipole surround speaker.

The Prime Elevation is rated at  69 Hz – 25 kHz (+/- 3dB), and uses a 1" aluminum dome tweeter and a 4.5" polypropylene cone woofer. It comes with its own four position wall bracket and will also include a 1/4" 20TPI brass insert for compatibility with other mounts. The Prime Elevation comes in three colors, Gloss Black, Gloss White, and Black Ash. For me, of course I took the Gloss Black to match with the entire speaker systems that I have.

One interesting fact to note is that, although named as Elevation, it does not really want to rely on ceiling reflection but more towards sending the height effect directly to the listener.

PERFORMANCE

First of all, ATMOS and DTS:X is a totally different experience compared to standard Dolby TruHD or DTS MA. I was an early adopter of BluRay back in 2007 and have gone through a number BD players and AVR. But the leap in sound distribution with ATMOS or DTS:X is just insanely engaging. With this Elevation speakers, my system is now moved from 7.1 (front height, not surround back) channel to 5.1.2.

Now, specific to the PRIME Elevation, it was first automatically calibrated using the Denon Audyssey calibration. Playing Transformers Age of Extinction, the Elevation speakers gave a new experience of how the vehicles, tankers, ships were falling from the sky and also the swooshing sound of the Dinobots (Swoop) flying across the scene. Even when the giant space craft was sucking up all the vehicles, I can experience the uplifting sound of with a touch spatial definition across my listening position. Out of curiosity, I increased the volume on these Elevation speakers in the audio setting, and voila, it sounded even more immersive. The level of immersive however stops at my listening position as I do not have an 'rear' Elevation installed. This is quite noticeable. I am curious to hear how another pair of these speakers installed in the rear will enhance the experience further.

With the movie Batman vs Superman DOJ, its just insanely enveloping especially the swooping effect each time Superman flies down or Batman drops from the ceiling. Also for scenes where building collapses, the rumbling from the top to bottom of the collapse can also be experienced in a more 'visualistic' manner. The battle scene between Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman against Doomsday also provided a very wholesome experience where the right effect of top-bottom can be experienced with the installation of the Elevation speakers. However, again the level of immersive stopped at where I sit without the presence of the surround back upfiring speakers.

It also somehow elevate the centre channel for dialogue clarity. On Zoolander 2 DTS:X, the soundstage of dialogue seems to be more spatial and elevated around the main front and centre channel. This gives me a very upfront experience with the movive characters.

For non ATMOS or DTS:X movies, with the Denon providing a Dolby Surround and DTS:X neural upmix option, these Elevation speakers still provided a good step up in providing a more uplifitng soundstage experience at home.

DOES IT WORK?

In essence, it does! Although SVS is not relying on ceiling reflection, but I do believe the guideline given by Dolby should be followed. Upfiring speakers does the job neatly IF.... only IF.... your HT area meets the limitation set in the Dolby guideline. You need to have the right ceiling height and also material that can properly reflect the sound coming from the upfiring speakers. This ceiling requirement actually is also a challenge for ceiling speakers. I have seen where the ceiling height is quite high (more than 15 ft), the ATMOS effect is so thin and at times, non existence. I also believe your listening position is very important. The distance from the Elevation speakers must be at the right distance for you to experience the sound reflection reaching you. If you are too far, you might feel that the immersive height sound drops in front of you rather than enveloping you.

CONCLUSIONS

SVS have come up with a rather neat alternative to ceiling speakers. A non fussy-multi functional pair of PRIME Elevation speakers that recreates the ATMOS and DTS:X effects by upfiring the sound directly towards the listener. Easy to install, calibrated within minutes before you can experience the ATMOS in your home.

With the design that is independent of the ceiling reflection, this must be the easiest step up to ATMOS/DTS:X for any HT enthusiasts.

At the time of review, the RRP have yet to be finalised. But Max Loh, you ain't getting this pair back. Its permanently in my system now. The question is more on how can I install another pair at the rear?

Contact Max Loh or Benjamin for further details of these PRIME Elevation speakers.

​M: 017-6778820 (Max) & 016-3229428 (Benjamin)

NOTE: I am trying to figure out a better way to provide the sound effect via Youtube. Stay tune for video samplers.

Solution to Long Cable: Wireless Connectivity for Subwoofer

I have been toying with the idea of relocating my SVS subwoofer or adding another subwoofer for over a year now. This was mainly due to the space I have in between the two built in cabinets on each side of my TV and rack. Relocating the sub to the side or rear of my seating position will requires running a long custom made cable from the AVR to the new position. And to do that, it require for some small modification to the existing small rear speaker cable ducting that was made together with the built in cabinets.

To remedy the situation, I purchased a wireless audio transmitter model sublink XR 2.4 GHz by Dayton Audio as recommended by SVS website. Specially imported by Maxx Audio, I have tried setting up a 7.2 system. However, I just could not get a good synchronisation (lagging) for the second sub using this wireless transmitter....... hence I decided to go back to 7.1 system.

Contemplation after contemplation and after over a year, I decided to move my main SVS sub to the side of my seating position, near to the right rear speaker.

After YPAO recalibration, the SVS was providing a similar performance when the sub was positioned at the front of the seating position. Not sure why I could not get a good calibration before. Maybe because I was running two subs.

I

The wireless transmitter is a neat little device that comes with:

1. One transmitter unit

2. One receiver unit

3. Two mini USB power cable for both units above

4. Two USB power adaptor 110V to 240V (US plug so need an adaptor)

5. Two mono RCA to mini jack

6. Two stereo RCA to mini jack

Setting up is easy. From AVR sub out put, connect the RCA to mini jack cable and connect that to the transmitter. And on the sub, connect the same cable to the input socket. Connect the power supply to both transmitter and receiver and they will pair themself. Both units will emit a blue LED light showing that its connected. Been using it through about 10 movies now withoutany signal lost.

This is indeed a good solution to long cable runs for subwoofer placement in the rear or side of the seating position.

The only issue is that you will require additional power points for the transmitter and receiver units.

SVS Haven in Seremban - Maxx Audio Visual

I first got to know Max Loh sometime in early 2012 when I was working on projector and screen installation for my home. But then the project was deferred as me and the Mrs was blessed with our 3rd child. Nevertheless, we still keep in touch based on our common interest in home cinema and hifi.

Along the way, I have gotten to know about Max's renowned status as the King of Sub in Malaysia, primarily with his SVS line up. However, since 2012, I have only manage to experience SVS shear power during the KLIAV show in 2012 and 2013. This is mainly because his shop is in Seremban, about 1 hour 45 mins from my home and with 3 kids....its just so darn impossible to visit his shop.

Nevertheless....comes 2014 and I wanted this year to be my home theatre year. I wanted to revamp the whole set up except for my AVR. TV, front speakers, centre speaker...aaandd a subwoofer...  Max came back various options of SVS subs and AudioPhysics front. I had to scrap the idea of projector and screen as its just not conducive enough to set it up in my living room. 

Max and Yoon Tat.... did not complaint of my request to test out subs and speakers at my house.

At the end, I finally succumbed to the SVS sub poison and became one of the owners of a very talented sub.

And finally after over 2 years, I made a point to visit his shop in Seremban on my way back from a bowling tournament in Melaka on 13th Dec 2014. It coincides with the new arrival of SVS Prime Series..... and the word Prime is just an understatement for this very capable speaker range at a fraction of a price.

After enjoying that, I was then treated with the SVS Ultra set up....

All and all, it was  good visit...Max and Yoon Tat were being their ever friendly self eventhough I know they were actually a bit under the weather.

For excellent dual sub experience.... Maxx Audio is the place to visit.

You can visit them at 66G, Jalan Toman 4, Kemayan Square, 70200 Seremban, N.S.D.K. Tel: 017-6778820, 016-3229428, 06-7620811 Email: maxx@htkaki.com, info@htkaki.com

 

Towering Inferno: SVS PC12-NSD Cylinder Subwoofer

So, I said to myself.... 2014 would be a home theatre year rather than the 2 channel focus. I am very much satisfied with my 2 channel, hence  its time to steer the focus towards my home theatre set up. The component that I feel is a little bit 'off' in my set up currently is the Wharfedale  SW150 subwoofer. So, that is the first item that I wanted to improve in.

My issue with the 10" Wharfedale  is that its a very isolated low end action. Each time the sub kicks in, it will a give a loud thud sound and with your eyes closed, you can easily pin point where the sub is located. Very localised effect.

When Max of MaxxAudio commented on my FB that there is an SVS tower sub that he can loan me to try out, I didn't hesitate to accept the offer. I have experienced a full SVS set up during last year's KLIAV but will it match my current Mission M34i front speakers.

Max was very accommodating towards my busy schedule. Finally, one fine Saturday, he came over with a unit. But not before we have a quick lunch, courtesy Chicken Rice Shop take away :). After a bit of bantering about Merc vs BMW, he started to set up the sub. I was a bit surprised with the shear size of this unit..... and this is the smallest unit in this series !!! The pictures I saw before did not justify the actual size of this beast.

Specifications and Built

The cylinder tower stands at 35.75" in height and will take up a floor space of 16.63" by width and depth. Refer to the picture below besides my Mission 34i front speakers.

 

Its a relatively a moderately weighted unit at 60 lbs. Max being the strong guy actually set it all by himself. Being an active SW, it has a built in Sledge STA-400D (Class D) 400 watter amplifier with DSP to slam a punch into its 12" woofer.

Th design also incorporates a single 4" port and can handle a frequency response of 18-130 Hz +- 3dB.

The built quality is very sturdy and reflects the price tag. No worries of small kids pushing this unit over. It is wrapped with a velvety material which makes it looks retro.

Performance

Once it was all hooked up to my Yamaha RXV2067 AV amp, Max started to to do the calibration using the YPAO mic and a SPL meter. It was all done within 15 mins or so. We tested first with Star Wars Episode 1.. the pod racing scene .....my my my.... the immediate effect is very evident. 

First of all, there was no 'thud' sound when the LFE kicks into this unit. But the effect is more like an extended and prolong effect rather than a single strong punch. As the pods were passing the grid line, the loud roar and rumbling of the engine reminds me of my first experience at the Sepang F1 race in 2004. 

We then tested an HFPA disc for music, namely Getz and Gilberto Girl from Ipanema. Played it on DTS MA and put the system on a 2.1 channel. The effect on this was very subtle. Not sure whether the HFPA is actually feeding any signal to the sub as the source is 2.0 channel. 

The following week was a daily late night movie session after work hours. With dialogue heavy movies such as The Last Holiday, the sub still provided a huge LFE effect when music kicks in and during scenes such as the helicopter ride to the Grandhotel Pupp resort. even the dialogue sounded richer and more toned, which you would expect from the voices of Queen Latifah and LL Cool J. 

I also put on Andrea Bocelli Live in Tuscany. That was a very musical session. The sub helped to present Andrea's deep voice in a richer and more emotional tone. At times, the heavy bass lines from the double bass can be easily heard with such strong low end effect. I like it. 

Overall, the sub was giving a whole room effect rather than a localised low end experience. And my movie venue is not an easy room to work with. Regardless of what we throw at it... music, action movie, dialogue heavy....it will give a very exciting-across-the-room rumbling clean bass effect. Fun for the whole family :)

Verdict

It must be one of most exhilarating review that I have done so far. The impact of having a good sub that can sync properly with your HT set up has always been overlooked ( and I guess I was one of them too). I do believe to get a true home cinematic experience, a proper sub must be an integral part of the equation. This unit have shown a different level of bass requirement for my movie sessions. At RM3,499, if you are looking for a space saving solution sub, do audition it. 

So, did I purchase it? Actually no. Why didn't I take the plunge since it blended well into my set up? It was mainly because the size was still a bit too big (and tall) for my movie area. But Maxx have suggested an alternative model which could give a similar effect as this PC12-NSD unit. But, that is for another day. I already have the alternative unit in my house and loving it too.

SVS products can be purchased from Maxx Audio. Details below:

66G, Jalan Toman 4, Kemayan Square, 70200 Seremban, N.S.D.K. Tel: 017-6778820, 016-3229428, 06-7620811 Email: maxx@htkaki.com, info@htkaki.com