Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Dual EP800 vs SVS Ultra 16

I'm putting together a second home theater build and as a current Axiom owner (VP180v3, M60v2, QS8v2, M2v3, EP500v2), I'm going with Axiom speakers again (M100v4, VP180v4/VP160v3, On Wall M5s and/or M3 for surrounds and Atmos). But I'm undecided on the subwoofers. I'm planning to purchase 2 subs and I'm considering 2 EP800 (vertical) or 2 SVS Ultra-16. I have considered others, such as Seaton & PSA, but I live in Canada and I don't really want to deal with the CAD/USD exchange, shipping and warranty issues. SVS has a Canadian dealer that also offers free shipping so they are on par with Axiom, from that perspective.

Both subs would be placed on the front wall next to the front projection screen. I haven't yet determined if I will place them inside of or outside of the M100 mains. I'm thinking of placing them inside the M100 mains to avoid corner loading them. Also, I only have 30" from the wall on each side of the screen, and I think I'll likely mount the screen about 32-35 inches above the floor. So the height of the EP800 might be a problem.

The room is in the basement (concrete slab under plush carpet). It is an open basement and not a dedicated room, L-shaped. The main theater area will be about 14x14x9, with another 12x12x9 area behind (with some workout equipment) and open to another 13x16x9 room. So quite a bit of volume.

This will be used almost exclusively for movie and TV watching, with a little bit of music. Likely won't be played at extreme volumes, but will be played louder than upstairs. Maybe -10 to -5 from reference - occasionally at reference if it's just me I'm looking for good low end performance for movies at these listening levels. Only one row of seats (5 seats total, with 3 in prime watching spots).

The SVS Ultra-16 can be had for $3,500 CAD per unit (plus free shipping). That's listed price. Not sure if I can get a discount for multiples.

EP800 can be had for cheaper - I will be purchasing from Factory Outlet unless there are some B-Stock available (which there is one currently).

I don't have much experience listening to other subs other than my EP500. I listened to Jakewash's Ultra-13 about 10 years ago when I first got my EP500, but I can't recall much from that listening session.

Any thoughts or preferences? I would likely be happy with both. At the moment, I'm leaning towards the SVS simply because it isn't as tall as the EP800 and might be easier to place along the front wall without interfering with the screen. But it is more money as well.

Anyways - I'm just looking for any opinions to validate my own decision

Thanks!

Bryan

I have a pair of Rosewood EP-800s. Yes, they are large, tall & heavy but IMO you really can't go wrong with them, especially if the rest of your system is Axiom.

They are most impressive & therefore get my highest recommendation...

TAM

From what I've read, the Ultra-16 will go louder but not deeper than the EP800. As for linearity, I don't know.

Could you lie the EP800s down?

Jakewash brought the Ultra-13 to my place to contrast against my EP600v2.

Regardless of which you choose, I'd call both companies up to get the best deal. I'm pretty sure either choice will sound awesome.

Get both and write a review comparison!
I want to hear some real world opinions on that new 16 incher from SVS!

Cheers,

Yeah I 2nd that! because all keep seeing is the hype train over and over. The SVS certainly looks impressive, but as an owner of a SB2000 and PB2000 from them I personally feel SVS is overrated.

I have the EP500 but I also built my in-laws system which is all Paradigm with an SVS PC Ultra sub. I do like the PC Ultra, but find I like the sound of my EP500 better. However that's not a fair comparison as they are in drastically different theater rooms. One day It'd be fun to steal the PC Ultra for a weekend and do a head to head with the EP500 in my space. Unfortunately due to the SVS being in a basement and gravity not working in my favour, and general laziness this probably won''t happen.
I do want to upgrade to the EP800 however, but need to let the M5HP-OW upgrade settle in 1st!

2 sb13 ultras would load your space fine with opposing corner setup. Front right rear left. Your 1st order length mode is right at 20hz, so getting that extra room gain right where they fall off at 25hz will be a nice coincidence. Since your rear right is open to the rest of the L shape you will have to cheat your rear left corner sub away from the corner if you want smoother response for all listeners. Maybe 4' or so I'd start with and test from there.

They are on sale at the place you are thinking. Probably swing a better deal with 2.

Your space is about the same size as mine and mine is open to the rest of the house. I use a single EP600v2 and it doesn't even break a sweat. To reach the 75dB calibration level for my area, I barely have to nudge the gain knob on the EP600. There's a ton of headroom to please any basshead. The one thing I will say about the EP600v2 though is it's very linear down to about 20Hz. Don't be expecting any mid-bass emphasis like other subs. It will play what you put into it and nothing more or less.

Thanks for all the responses. I ended up purchasing two EP800. I got one from B-Stock and the other from the Factory Outlet. I didn't try to negotiate a deal for two SVS PB-16 Ultras so I don't know what it would have cost me, but I figure I saved myself around $2000 by ordering the EP800s.

As much as I would have liked to order both and audition them, it would have been too much hassle and my wife likely would have thought I'd gone bonkers. Considering the only experience I have with a subwoofer is the EP500, and it's been a favourable one, I figure I'll be more than happy with the EP800s.

The only concern is that it might limit my placement options due to their height. The SVS subs would have been lower than my front projection screen so I could have moved them closer together and under the screen. With the EP800s, I'll have to keep them outside the screen. Or move them elsewhere in the room.

Regardless, they should work just fine. And they've already shipped so it's pretty much a done deal!