Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Underwhelmed with SVS 25-31PCI

I have a Hsu STF 3 on carpet over concrete and have had very good results. When we put in new carpet and changed the room around I had to work at getting the placement right but once it was right the sound is very good.

CTC, considering the room dimensions, having the sub in the right corner just a few inches from the walls is highly likely to be the best location. So, although you may be looking for a different answer, my thought at this point would be yes, your expectations weren't realistic. Keep in mind that the sub, when properly calibrated, isn't supposed to be heard as a separate sound source, but that the impression should be that it isn't working and the other speakers are putting out more bass.

What typically is a better location? I always thought an outside wall corner was usually best. Tonight, I'll play some sub tones and play the crawl around the room game. Due to furniture, bar, tv, couches, etc I really don't have any other place I can put it.

I sent an email to SVS with the picture. I'd love to move to a PB12/2 for $350 more if that will do the trick in my room.

I don't think the problem is the sub. I'm running a 20-39PC+ but I wouldn't expect a huge difference if you and I traded subs. As everyone is saying, location of sub and listener is the big variable, and every room is a bit different.

I would try putting the sub right behind the sofa (buy a long cable) if you want a simple change that will probably make a huge difference, but doing a sub crawl (sub in the listening position, walk around until you find the bass, put the sub there) is the best solution.

Several people have reported finding the bass output in odd locations; I think Alan found that his room channeled all the bass into a closet... Tharkun found all the bass in a computer room around the corner from his listening room... etc...

Don't give up yet.

Thanks bridgman. It's not clear from the diagram, but I did try the sub in the corner where the couches meet. It's an L-shaped couch and there is enough corner space for it. I think it actually was worse in that location.

I'll need to try the sub crawl tonight!

Have you run any frequency sweeps with the new sub? Sometimes we get used to a bloated bass and when we get a sub that has clean deep bass it doesn't sound as if there is enough.

expecting my new svs 25-31pci to arrive tomorrow and really hope that you were able to resolve your probem.i was under the impression that svs makes
quality subs even at it's low end level. my axiom center and surround speakers are expected to arrive on tuesday so i'm sure i'll be reading alot more posts about setting every thing up with my new 2807.

Don't read too much into my original posts. SVS makes great products across the line. Their service is top notch as well.

I'm fighting a some issues with my setup. One is the concrete floor under my Pergo, definitely not the best scenario. Two, I'm very limited in placement options. I can use the corner it's currently in, or the corner behind my couches, that's about it. Three, turns out my room is bigger then I initially thought my open staircase to the upstairs added to this.

Probably the biggest issue is my expectations I had upgrading from my old JLB PB12. I figured an SVS sub with a similar size driver would dramatically improve my bass just due to the SVS quality. For the "shake your insides" bass I want I'll need to upgrade.

I'm currently in contact with SVS to work out an exchange and they are willing to work with me on shipping costs.

Right now I'm looking at the 25-31+ since it's the same size as my current 25-31pci with a better driver and much bigger amp. Or if space allows PB12-ISD/2, here I'm getting dual 12" drivers and a 600 watt amp.

Here is what I got back from SVS



" All things considered, I think the PB12-isd/2 will be just what you are looking for here. In 25hz mode…it will extend almost as deeply as the 25-31PCi(22hz) you have now…and it will provide 6-8dB more clean output. (or, almost the same as 2.5 to 3 25-31PCi subs..:) In 20hz mode, it will extend a little lower, and still have a 4-6dB advantage in output capabilities...:)"


I was suprised to see it would take 2.5-3 25pcis to get the output of a single PB12-isd/2.

Update:

SVS has the Plus drivers in stock. I pulled the trigger and ordered the PB12+/2 today. Should arrive end of next week. I'll have the 25-31 for a day or so as well. I'll be sure to report side/side tests.