Reddit reviews SVS SB12-NSD 12" 400W Sealed Box Subwoofer (Premium Black Ash)

TV: 2013 Samsung F8000. Somebody returned this to Best Buy just two days after they bought it, and I managed to get it 30% off! Absolutely stunning picture.

Fronts: Martin Logan Motion 40s. I went to audition some bookshelves at Best Buy, and after the rep had me listen to these guys, I fell in love. I managed to find the pair for $1499 on eBay, free shipping. ML says 72 hours at 90dB to break in, but they already sound incredible. Though I need some help with positioning to get the best sound.

Subwoofer: SVS SB12-NSD Recommended here as a solid entry level sub. Sounds great so far (Though I don't have much to compare it to).

A/V Receiver: Marantz SR5007. Also recommended here as a good entry level receiver that'll allow me to build up to a 5.1 from the current 2.1. Bought refurbished for $499.

Another shot with the grills off

Hey nice thread!

Here is mine:

[C-note DIY kit] (https://www.parts-express.com/c-note-mt-bookshelf-speaker-kit-pair-with-knock-down-cabinets--300-7140): $100

Insignia STR514: $100

1X SVS SB12-NSD: $450

Just noticed price went up 50 bucks :( These may be about to go out of stock finally.

Paint, stands, clamp and misc shit: $150

Total: $800

Spend the rest on dope and beer.

This SVS is what you want. Crazy good price at $400

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480120700&sr=8-1&keywords=svs+dsp+sub

This is also available on Amazon and has been for some time. Personally, I'd rather get it there than eBay.

I considered this and the SB-1000 when I purchased my SVS SB-2000. The SVS rep said that for the price point for this on Amazon, this was by far the best value, and the performance was somewhere between the 1000 and 2000 (the SB-2000 is the model that replaced this). I ended up getting an open box SB-2000 and am more than happy with it, but I'm sure this would have been just about as good.

• SVS SB-12NSD $400 limited run, on sale. Get it while it's avaliable.

I am going to recommend you pick up a set of the B-stock RBH R55Ti tower speakers and pair it with the R56Ci center channel and you will have a serious front soundstage for $850. This will really outperform the Elac debut speakers if you have the width for a center channel like that. For a subwoofer I'm going to recommend picking up a pair of SVS SB12-NSD at $900 for both. This setup is something you can pretty much not have to upgrade.

For your surrounds check out the RBH R5bi at only $180 a pair.

If you want either a single sub solution or do not have that kind of space for a center channel, I can provide some alternates.

Want to spread the love for the current SVS SB12-NSD deal as much as possible! It's also on Amazon, but I bought it direct from SVS because 1. SVS has a 45 day guarantee and 2. for some reason Amazon charges me sales tax and SVS does not.

If you're interested in buying a sub, look up some of the threads on this one and check out this sale!

From a purely sound standpoint I would avoid putting speakers inside of those shelves and go with stands next to it. A 10 foot spread isnt too bad depending on how far away the listening position is, which looks to be around 8-10 feet or so? Ideally you dont want them much further apart then you are away from them but it also heavily depends on what speakers you choose. Some image so well and so wide its irrelevant (to a point of course) how far apart they are. You can also just "toe" them in until they sound correct. I think either of these options will be better than putting them inside a bookshelf.

If this is intended a mostly a home theater setup these would be my speakers of choice

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-150M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RXHEIHE/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493311442&sr=1-3&keywords=klipsch+rp-150m

with this amp
Denon AVR-S510bt

And this is likely the best 400$ sub you can get right now...and actually it went up 50$ but I would still pull the trigger, its worth it

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

> Hello there, I have a set of KRK Rokit 6s and a U-Phoria UMC22 Audio interface. I would like to get a subwoofer, but I don't know how I would attach it to my current setup.

To use a subwoofer properly, you'll need a crossover (a device that ensures that the sub sees only the bass, and that the KRKs doesn't try to play the same bass.

> Could you also recommend a Subwoofer under $300?

If that's all you have to spend, wait until you can afford a bit more. $300 isn't going to get you any decent form of sub. Here is something at $400 that should get the job done - Disclaimer: I don't have personal experience with this sub, but SVS is a well-known and well-liked brand, and this isn't their cheapest offering, it's just discounted - I believe it normally sells for $679. Here is a review.

It has a crossover built in, so no extra devices required - you'd be connecting your U-Phoria to the subwoofer using 1/4" TS to RCA cable, and RCA cable from the subwoofers High Pass output to the Rokit's RCA inputs.

Start with a refurbished home theater receiver, this is an authorized dealer and you get a warranty: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1300w/denon-avr-x1300w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

The X1300 is a great entry level unit and checks all your boxes.

You have $900 left for speakers. I'd recommend a pair of bookshelves and a sub.

Here is a very good sub on closeout right now, it out performs the newer and pricier SB-1000 and would be a great in an apartment because it's smaller and not going to be too loud for neighbors: SVS SB12-NSD - 12", 400-watt DSP Controlled, Sealed Box Subwoofer (Black Ash) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kDK7ybQCR0NPN

With $500 left for speakers and misc., I would recommend the new Wharfedale Diamond 225. These have a great balanced sound that leans slightly warmer. They would work very well for music and movies and will integrate with that sub perfectly. Another option would be the new Klipsch RP-160M. They have gotten a lot of buzz lately and seem to avoid the old harsh Klipsch sound of yore. Both of these are available at Best Buy Magnolia so if you have one, go have a listen. BB does have a 15 day return policy and you could order both and send back the loser as well.

For speaker cable, I would suggest 14awg wire from Monoprice, you will also need HDMI and any optical/coaxial/RCA for your sources. Sanus makes good speaker stands, something around 18-24" tall should put the tweeters at ear level for you.

Hope this helps, and obviously just one of many options but I think this would be a fantastic start for you. Later on add a matching center, and then some surrounds and you have a nice home theater.

Audioengine doesn't really get too much love here, and I've never seen any reviews on that subwoofer. Definitely try to fit a larger sub if possible. I'd check out Emotiva's S10, SVS SB12-NSD, or an HSU VTF-1 MK3. My only personal experience is with the SB12, though I only briefly used it under a desk before moving it into a larger room. Great sub, no idea how it compares to the others.

This is a great sub for $400 shipped.

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

I recommend this little guy.

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519549983&sr=8-1&keywords=svs+subwoofer

Also make sure you watch this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxfc-GBdew

Then make sure you tune it right. Should be loud enough that you can hear it but you shouldn't be able to locate where its coming from (aka pinpoint the sub)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F8Y7SO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AAK72K4OIWDXL

Is that the one you are talking about? It has a similar, but different model #. I can't seem to find the model you listed.

SVS SB12-NSD - 12", 400-watt DSP Controlled, Sealed Box Subwoofer (Black Ash) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LvWnybXRNYA8F

This would have been the sub I would have went with. https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1482602199&sr=1-1&refinements=p_4%3ASVS

the sub is one of the most important parts in my opinion. especially for movies. i am a bit of a basshead and like a lot for my music too, but i think the sub is what makes or breaks the movie experience. having a sub that you can hear and feel the low rumble makes movies soo much better.

i would spend 40-50% on sub, get 2 towers and the receiver now, then just add in a center later. a center helps separate voices and what not, but it is not required, 2 decent towers will do that just fine.

for a sub, i have the svs pb1000 and it is amazing, this is a smaller version but would probably work great, especially at the $400 price. should be much better than any dayton sub.
https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=sr_1_3?

and for towers you mention ELAC, these Andrew Jones Pioneers are really good for the price and depending on which ELAC you looked at could be about the same thing, just less expensive. because Andrew Jones designed some of the ELAC ones more recently. so similar sound, the ELAC just look a little nicer.

I have bought 3 pairs of these towers though, they are just great for the price. for a starter set they are hard to beat.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-FS52-Designed-standing-Loudspeaker/dp/B008NCD2S4/ref=bdl_pop_ttl_B008NCD2S4

and you can get 2 of the pioneer towers & a receiver for $350 as a package deal. the speakers alone are $220 (and worth every single cent of that plus more) and you save about $50.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZZTZQU/ref=twister_B01MXMETD0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

i recommend these speakers all the time, they are just great for the price.

Ok. Personally I'd go with this receiver, and either these Def Tech SM45 speakers (sold individually), or Monitor Bronze 2's and an SVS SB12. You'll need a spool of speaker wire too but that's cheap, and probably some speaker stands. I've heard both the Def Tech SM45's and Monitor Bronze 2's in person and they are on my short list of good cheap speakers. (Which the ELAC B6's, a popular recommendation, are absolutely not on. Very disappointed when I heard those in person.)

No, it is the older sealed 12 inch that SVS sells. You can get it for $450 shipped on Amazon. It was $400.

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO/

I'd hold off for now and see (listen) how they are to you in your room. For music, they will likely provide low enough bass unless you listen to very low frequency music styles (especially electronic). For action movies you might find them lacking as a sub is needed with almost any budget speaker. Lots of people recommend the BIC F12 sub. Recommend you don't buy the Polk PSW10 sub despite the user reviews - I think it is a one note boom box. If you have $400 to spend on a sub, get this SVS (don't have one but supposed to be great and great limited time deal) https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

This sub occasionally drops to $350 on Amazon or SVS's B-Stock. It's just the previous generation SB2000, a $700 sub.

Well, you've got me something serious to think about! I'm not opposed to spending twice as much for a clear and definitive improvement on both music and movie bass reproduction and both seem incredibly adequate and leagues beyond the f12, SUB1500, and others I settled on choosing from their respective specs alone.

I guess now I'm in a new conundrum... between the HSU and RSL sub, which should I pick now?! Guess it's off to more reading and vetting ;) thank you for the recommends!

The RSL seems to be more plug and play, with less fuss and ready to go out the box functionality.

The HSU has an insane amount of configurations (sealed, ported, hybrid, Q-control, etc...) but could lead to more headache and less than optimal set up (by user error alone lol).

Edit: Lastly, this SVS also cropped up during my review reading. Crap now I'm back to battling it out between three subs!

https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

those Arenas should give you plenty loud, I can make my Martin Logan bookshelf speakers fill the house.
https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M this sub goes deeper (with good volume) than any in its price range and many people speak highly of it. I don't know much about the 2 subs you are looking at but most subs like these have a significant fall off in volume at lower frequencies and anything under 10" is gonna feel pretty weak out side of a limited sweet spot.

I just got this https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO and couldn't be happier, it used to sell for around $600 but new versions have come out. The BIC I linked or any ported unit from SVS and HSU will typically give more volume than the sealed sub I chose which would be to your liking. The SVS and HSU are kind of considered entry level "enthusiast" subs and they are better than the BIC, but if you like house pounding sound The BIC will get you there.

You didn't really spec much, but if you want "best play" and "20hz min response", then try to get one of these SVS SB12-NSDs. Pretty much nothing except possibly DIY can touch it for less money.

If you want to spend less, there is the BIC PLII-200, the BIC F12, the Dayton Audio SUB-800, SUB-1000, and SUB-1200. But the SVS has highpassed outputs.

Sure.
Elac Debut Series Bundle with (4) B6 Bookshelf Speakers, (1) C5 Center Channel Speaker, and (1) S10 Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXMUPFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1jgIybR5DQCPS
Or if you have a smaller budget Pioneer SP-PK52FS Andrew Jones 5.1 Home Theater Speaker Package https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK8I9K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KngIybSXETXB3
Or Fluance AVHTB Surround Sound Home Theater 5.0 Channel Speaker System including Three-way Floorstanding Towers, Center and Rear Speakers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00064JWSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4kgIybV1FTSEH
Paired with Denon AVR-S510BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YAO43YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MlgIybKTT9H8C
A better subwoofer like this can be used as well SVS SB12-NSD - 12", 400-watt DSP Controlled, Sealed Box Subwoofer (Black Ash) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F8Y7SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qmgIybESBHY14
Separate parts can be used as needed.
Here is an example of a wireless kit Rocketfish Universal Wireless Rear Speaker Kit RF-WHTIB-A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VEP3XO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UogIyb89XNFYN