SVS SB17 17" Subwoofer vs Rel 32 or JL 13"

[Chauncey79]

I'm thinking of adding a pair of subwoofers to turn on during movies and parties. Not sure if I would use them for music or not I guess that depends on the quality.

The new SVS SB17 17" subwoofer looks pretty interesting on the tech and rebuilt from the ground up. For just movies and parties this seems like the way to go if you are considering costs. I'm sure the JL or Rel is going to be better for music.

Does anyone have much experience with the SVS SB16? I assume the SB17 will be a jump in performance but I haven't read any reviews yet.

My main speakers are Wilson Alexia V so my thought is the crossover would be setup pretty low and the subwoofers would only cover very low frequencies.

Thank you for any advice.

 

[Synaxis]

I'm sure the JL or Rel is going to be better for music.

Hi Chauncy,

I've owned all three and currently own a 16" SVS.

The concept that the other two "are better for music" is a fallacy. At the end of the day it's totally dependent on how you choose to blend the sub and where you place it.

The new tech on the 17" replaces my external unit I have on my 16" that measure the sub and adjusts the frequency output correctly for the placement.

My SVS has been paired recently with 11 different speakers and many types of speakers and is always a seamless, musical listen.

I currently have it crossed over at 12db slope at 40 hz with my horn Tobian horn speakers.

If I had the money, I'd sell my 16" and buy the new 17" with the new tech.

The other two are good subs as well and you can't go wrong (though I know of 7 different nightmare stories of reliability and service from JL owners - I did not have an issue with mine).

Just my personal opinion from someone who's owned all three. I think SVS is the one to beat personally.

 

[tony22]

The new tech on the 17" replaces my external unit I have on my 16" that measure the sub and adjusts the frequency output correctly for the placement.

Does SVS have a smaller (12” or 13”) unit with this new tech?

 

[Synaxis]

Does SVS have a smaller (12” or 13”) unit with this new tech?

I don't know.

 

[joey_v]

I have dual sb17 in my media room system. Have jl113v2 dual in my stereo

 

[Chauncey79]

I have dual sb17 in my media room system. Have jl113v2 dual in my stereo

Oh wow! so you are the one to answer all my questions! Your thoughts on the differences between the two?

 

[Campo007]

I have one SVS 16SB and looking to added another soon. I use it for music and movies with no issues. It’s a great sub. Within the SVS app you can allocate 3 different presets to suit whatever purpose you choose.

 

[joey_v]

The SB17 move way more air. The new room correction software is not yet out but pending, so that remains to be seen. I think if you’re looking for output, you’re not going to get the JL to equal the SB. What are you looking to add the subs to?

 

[Paul172]

I’ve owned the SVS SB16 a pair of JL Audio F113’s and currently own a pair of Rel No. 25’s. The SVS and JL’s are fine subwoofers the Rel Reference line AKA No. 25, No. 32 subs are in a different league. Much more expensive then both JL and SVS but performance wise it’s not even close imo.

 

[joey_v]

Depends on room size and ability to integrate and how much space you have to play with the subs. I think a blanket statement that the Red 25/32 are in a different league is a bit of a stretch. Depends on your use case, depends on your need for extension, depends on your stance on room correction.

 

[Paul172]

Depends on room size and ability to integrate and how much space you have to play with the subs. I think a blanket statement that the Red 25/32 are in a different league is a bit of a stretch. Depends on your use case, depends on your need for extension, depends on your stance on room correction.

Definitely not a stretch and I would not make a statement like this if I didn’t have real world experience with all the subs I’ve mentioned. The Rel’s bass is deeper, more musical, hits harder than JL and SVS and fills the room with more bass. Of course this is my opinion and SVS and JL make fine subwoofers but Reference REL subs are special. Also another huge advantage for Rel with two channel is the hi level connection makes for seamless integration with your speakers. The ability to stack them puts them on a different level literally and figuratively!

 

[sbo6]

I’ve owned the SVS SB16 a pair of JL Audio F113’s and currently own a pair of Rel No. 25’s. The SVS and JL’s are fine subwoofers the Rel Reference line AKA No. 25, No. 32 subs are in a different league. Much more expensive then both JL and SVS but performance wise it’s not even close imo.

And the JLA F113 is not at the same price point as a Rel 32. Try the Fathom F212, or better yet the Gotham.
Rel did at least wake up and drop the port / passive radiator and go sealed like JLA and Magico for better bass.

 

[Paul172]

And the JLA F113 is not at the same price point as a Rel 32. Try the Fathom F212, or better yet the Gotham.
Rel did at least wake up and drop the port / passive radiator and go sealed like JLA and Magico for better bass.

I did mention earlier in the thread that the Rel 32 is much pricier than F113 and SVS. I would love to hear the Gotham and I love the JL subwoofer line! I enjoyed my pair of F113’s for two years before going to Rel no. 25’s. I my only beef with Rel is I need 4 more subs!

 

[sbo6]

I did mention earlier in the thread that the Rel 32 is much pricier than F113 and SVS. I would love to hear the Gotham and I love the JL subwoofer line! I enjoyed my pair of F113’s for two years before going to Rel no. 25’s. I my only beef with Rel is I need 4 more subs!

I believe you can stack the 32s and the 1 size smaller.

 

[Paul172]

I believe you can stack the 32s and the 1 size smaller.

You a partially correct. You can stack any Rel sub S series, Predator Series and Reference series. The No 32 is the same size as the No. 25 better electronics and redesigned 15” woofer. The No. 31 is the smaller version. New design using a 12” woofer similar but smaller chassis as No. 25 and 32.