The incredible SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer incorporates an extraordinary driver with a diameter of 17 inches and a 25kg magnet motor assembly, all powered by dual 2,800W RMS amplification. With its numerous DSPs and equalizers, this big sub promises to deliver ultra-powerful, realistic bass down to 15Hz. Enough to make it the ultimate solution for dedicated rooms and large living spaces?
Presentation
Design
SVS, world leader in subwoofers, has been a benchmark in their design and manufacture for almost three decades. Its wide catalog, designed to satisfy every need and budget, includes many award-winning models, such as the famous SVS SB-16 Ultra and SVS PB-16 Ultra, which inspired the new SVS 17 Ultra series. True to the brand’s philosophy, this range is available in two versions: the bass-reflex SVS PB-17 Ultra R Evolution(PB for Ported Box) and the sealed SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution(SB for Sealed Box), which is the subject of this review.
The brand’s flagship SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer impresses with its majestic appearance from the moment it is unboxed. With its imposing dimensions of around fifty centimeters and a weight of over 56kg, it requires the help of several people to be correctly installed. It will ideally find its place in a large living room or a dedicated home theater, where it needs sufficient space to fully unleash its power and allow the infrasound to be diffused without constraint.
The chassis of the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution is made of solid, double-thickness MDF, reinforced by carefully placed internal braces. This design enables it to withstand the power of its driver without difficulty, while effectively eliminating unwanted vibrations and resonance. On the outside, the black lacquer or matte wood finish makes it easy to integrate into any audiophile or cinephile environment. For home theaters, the matte finish is particularly recommended to minimize light pollution.
The front-mounted driver, the centerpiece of the design, can be left exposed to emphasize its gigantic size, or concealed behind the included gray fabric acoustic grille. Although this cover provides effective protection while preserving acoustic performance, it is a shame that it isn’t magnetic, which would have avoided the presence of fastening systems on the front panel when it is removed.
17-inch driver
The SVS SB-17 subwoofer is designed to deliver a thrilling experience, featuring a very large driver with a diameter of 17 inches (43cm). This massive format allows a large volume of air to be moved, generating real physical effects. The cone is made of fiberglass composite to combine both lightness and rigidity, maximizing power handling while eliminating any risk of distortion. It is combined with a long-throw surround made of SBR rubber, optimizing the driver’s movement and ensuring punchy, distortion-free bass, even at high volume.
The motorization of the driver is equally impressive. With an oversized system weighing over 24kg, it relies on a double 8-inch (20cm) voice coil, allowing the power of both amplifiers to be harnessed simultaneously. The ferrite magnets, also huge, are composed of four separate pieces to maximize driving force. This design ensures extremely precise control of the cone, guaranteeing well-controlled, distortion-free bass, even at high volume.
Dual 2,800W amplification
To power the SVS PB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer’s large driver, each voice coil benefits from its own separate 1,400W amplifier, offering an impressive combined power of 2,800W. These amplifiers operate in class D to guarantee optimum impulse response and a dynamic, energetic bass reproduction. They are combined with switched mode power supplies (SMPS) featuring two-stage active power factor correction.
This system ensures a stable, constant power supply, whatever the fluctuations or quality of the mains current. A built-in conditioner filters and stabilizes incoming voltage, corrects waveform distortions and eliminates electromagnetic interference, maximizing the purity of the power supply. Finally, the amplifiers and coils are connected using 25-strand copper alloy wires, reinforced with a high-temperature woven Nomex composite. This ensures lossless current transmission, contributing to precise, powerful bass.
Control screen and app
On the back of the subwoofer is a small OLED display, as well as three buttons that allow you to quickly adjust the volume, crossover frequency, phase and polarity, or activate one of your three favorite presets. The latter can be configured in the SVS mobile app for iOS and Android. In addition to remote access to settings already available on the sub, this app offers parametric equalizers to fine-tuning the reproduction. Up to six customized profiles can be saved, enabling equalization to be adapted to different content: films, TV series, video games, music or late-night sessions, for example. The American manufacturer also plans to integrate a microphone calibration function in the near future. This technology will automatically adjust equalization filters according to the acoustic characteristics of the room and the listening position.
RCA and XLR inputs
Beneath the control panel, the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer features an unbalanced line level or LFE RCA input and a balanced XLR input. This means it can be easily connected to many AV receivers and hi-fi amplifiers, although we regret the absence of a high-level input that would have enabled a direct connection to a receiver’s speaker terminals. In addition, RCA and XLR outputs are available for chaining a second subwoofer. Finally, a trigger input allows you to automatically switch on the subwoofer when the hi-fi or home theater system is turned on. There’s also an automatic signal detection function, which activates the subwoofer as soon as content is broadcast.
Listening conditions
We tested the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer in one of the three home theater rooms at the Son-Vidéo.com Paris Est store. It was integrated into a 5.1.2 system comprising Focal 100 IC LCR5 in-wall speakers and an Anthem receiver, connected to the LFE input using an RCA cable.
To optimize performance, we deactivated the subwoofer’s internal crossover to manage the crossover frequency directly from the receiver’s menu. Phase was set to 0° to ensure perfect synchronization with the main speakers. We also activated the automatic standby mode, enabling the subwoofer to activate as soon as the AVR was switched on – a feature that worked every time we tried it.
Listening impressions
The SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer requires a break-in period to reveal its full potential. During the first few hours of use, the cone needs to soften in order to optimize bass responsiveness and precision. It’s also necessary to increase the level of the receiver’s LFE output and push the volume of the subwoofer to unleash its full potential.
Once broken in, the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution subwoofer delivered powerful, firm bass. With the latest Star Wars films, the rumbling of spaceships and special effects were reproduced with palpable physical impact. The energy delivered by the sub during explosions produced a blast that crossed the room, with an impressive sensation of acoustic pressure. Action scenes became truly spectacular, with a realism that could almost be described as breathtaking.
During Top Gun: Maverick, the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution sub brought the roar of the jet engines to life with startling power. From the very first minutes of the film, every rumble of the fighter jets could be felt throughout our body, adding an ultra-immersive dimension to the flight scenes. The dynamic bass precisely accompanied every acceleration and maneuver, giving the aerial sequences spectacular intensity and impressive realism. However, to take full advantage of this reproduction, it is essential to increase the volume of the receiver and subwoofer. At low levels, the subwoofer is more timid and can lack nuance.
SVS SB-17 vs SVS PB-17
The SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution and SVS PB-17 Ultra R Evolution share the same acoustic solutions, with an driver of 43 cm and dual 2,800 W amplification. The only difference is in the loading, with a closed design for the SVS SB-17, while the SVS PB-17 is mounted in bass-reflex with a triple port in the front. This enables it to offer a deeper extension into the infrabass with an increased sense of power. It is also a little more responsive and nuanced at low volumes.
Who is this subwoofer for?
The SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution is aimed above all at fans of home theater and physical bass enthusiasts. It excels in large rooms and dedicated home theaters, where it can fully express its power. Although it can be criticized for a slight lack of nuance, its deep, punchy reproduction makes it ideal for those who appreciate thrilling movies, hard-hitting explosions and ultra-immersive bass effects. For low-volume listening, however, this model may prove less suitable. Due to a design focused on raw power and physical impact, it requires a certain sound level to deliver its full potential. Users looking for a more nuanced, responsive bass at low volume should opt for a model with a smaller driver.
Our verdict
With the SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution, the subwoofer master has created a formidably powerful model, provided it is installed in the right room and is used at a sufficiently high sound level. In these optimal conditions, it delivers impressive acoustic pressure, infusing action scenes with startling power and impact. Every explosion, every rumble takes on a physical dimension, with an energy that literally hits the listener. The SVS SB-17 Ultra R Evolution is a true thrill machine, capable of physically materializing the action on screen.
We liked:
- The phenomenal sound pressure
- The impact in the lows
- The numerous settings
- The mobile app
We would have liked:
- More power at low volume
- More nuanced bass
- A high-level input
- To have been able to try the acoustic calibration
