Yes, it is a sad day... when you must wait for your SVS speakers.

Home Theater Magazine compared the SBS-01 and SCS-01 speakers to IBM™ Thinkpad® laptops. Steve Guttenberg from c|net said "the SVS speakers clearly have what it takes to satisfy sophisticated listeners". So you can probably understand if we've had occasional challenges meeting demand on these hot sellers.

The economy might be sluggish in places, but we'd say that means high-value, high-performance audio gear is selling better than ever. So SVS has had lots more of these speakers in production for a while, to catch that demand.

But water in shipping containers can be a horrible thing. Irreparable damage caused by moisture and mold, meant "tight supplies" become "zero supplies" overnight. Rejecting much beloved and already oversold products isn't how any booming American audio company makes its money naturally. Nor is a particularly good way of making customers happy.

Unless of course you consider that by rejecting a production run, SVS testers and inspectors are protecting both our brand, and more importantly, protecting our customers around the world. While the press and public alike have quite rightly raved about the incredible performance of this elegantly understated speaker family, we know that reputation stems from costly components, painstaking American design, and quality that's validated by us too. Damaged goods don't go far with crew.

It might be a bit of a wait before the problem is corrected, even while our production engineers and contractors pull out all the stops to build more. Best estimates are around 90 days till more are flowing.

If you can wait that long (after all, Christmas is coming), we're recommending shoppers order up now anyway. Why now? We're having an unprecedented 10% discount immediately issued to all customers. If you follow SVS news, you know sales of this type are nearly unheard of. But we know it's a bit of a pain for anyone to be unable to receive their great audio gear. So 10% discounts are our way of saying thanks. As always at SVS, no charge till your speakers ship. Please note too, these speakers will resort back their regular prices once they they are in stock (estimated to be around the end of October). Buyers of any SBS-01 and SCS-01 speaker set will receive an exclusive shipping update newsletter, and a free Avia home theater update DVD, a $40 value. Heck, we almost make waiting fun.

View SBS-01 systems here. And the new SCS-01(M) systems here.

Esteemed music professor and reviewer Ken Pohlmann from Sound and Vision Magazine said these speakers took "a commanding position between low-cost and silly-expensive" and "hit a sweet spot". Don't take our word for it, read Ken's article here. Waiting might be hard, but ordering world-class performance at a discount, just got easy .

Sunday, June 22, 2008: MTS-01 Speaker Production Resumes: Shaken, Stirred And With A Twist

Read our mid year newsletter here.

We plan every new product launch considering a host of factors: Cost, size/weight/footprint, projected demand, and of course - what matters most with any new piece of gear - Performance. We’d make that all caps but it’d look like we’re yelling. It runs through the veins of every SVS product, performance.

Sometimes we miss the mark a little, usually underestimating demand for new product launches (indeed we sold out of the entire first production run of our MTS-01 family). But if we’re even a little off target on performance, we get pretty riled up. The MTS-01 family debuted to great promise, but exhibited some durability issues with our insanely good, insanely expensive, Scan Speak “AirCirc” tweeter. More significantly, some folks felt this new speaker family was just a tad too “laid back” for their tastes. Speaker “voicing” is as subjective as creating a new wine, and personal tastes dictate no speaker voicing will ever be perfect for everyone. Nevertheless, we read enough comments sprinkled in with generally outstanding reviews to know that some voicing tweaks were in order. We knew the MTS-01 family was great, but we’re shooting for world-class at this price point. Might sound like marketing hype to some, but it’s literally a part of our corporate foundation, if it can be made better, we make it better, no matter where a product is in its “life cycle”. To say we took all criticism seriously would be the understatement of the year.

So we called in one of the preeminent speaker design engineers in the business, and asked him to tear them apart. Literally and figuratively, objective, subjective. No one at SVS would influence what he had to say, good bad or indifferent. And all the harshest critiques from dyed-in-the-wool fans of other brands were forwarded to him too. We definitely wanted to assess the tweeter durability issue, but ultimately more important was the task of voicing this great speaker line to achieve that elusive goal of world-class sound quality.

The report card was quite simple: While the cabinet, bracing, and driver selection was outstanding, the brains of any speaker, the crossover, showed room for improvement. How much improvement was merely a function time and resources – no doubt about it, crossover development at the world class level is extremely expensive.

The response from SVS was simple: No limitations. Start from scratch and create the most refined, accurate, high-quality crossovers possible and spare no expense in maximizing the performance of what is already a rock-solid foundation. We didn’t want to hear about cost or complexity – we wanted uncompromising results after a brutal regiment of objective and subjective testing. Our most experienced golden ears conducted extensive before/after demos in multiple listening environments using a wide range of upstream gear and electronics.

The result? A whole different breed of MTS-01 family speakers is at hand, and those high-zoot crossovers are heading to production now. Frankly, as remarkable as they already were, these speakers are so improved, we strongly considered labeling them the MTS-02 (and actually used this as our working title in-house). What we’ve achieved: Improved spectral balance (the all-important “voicing”), significantly enhanced low-level resolution and soundstage depth, better phase coherency, effortless dynamics at higher playback levels, and of course increased tweeter durability. We even changed the MCS-01 center speaker from a conventional 2-way to a much more sophisticated 2.5-way design for improved off-axis comb filtering characteristics, answering even those critics of the original version. No stone was left unturned in taking this speaker family from great to world-class.

So all MTS-01, MCS-01 and MBS-01 speakers coming out of our Ohio factory later this summer will have the wholly new and significantly more refined crossovers. Eventually we expect these more costly designs to increase the price of all these speakers, but for the time being we’re absorbing the whole smash. Wait – there’s more….

We’re not selling these more costly crossovers as “upgrades” to current owners, we’re giving them to you. If you love everything about your current M-series speakers (and the vast majority of owners do), then stand pat. But if you’re the type who just has to have world-class and the latest and best SVS has to offer, ship us your speakers and we’ll install the crossovers for free and ship your speakers back on our dime.

This isn’t “normal” we know. Most companies might “leave well enough alone”. You already know we’re not most companies. This is about the SVS philosophy - no matter how good we believe we made a product, if we can make it better, we do it. Full stop.

To take advantage of this unprecedented offer, contact SVS and we’ll help you coordinate shipping, install the new crossovers (unfortunately this task is far more complicated than we’d ever ask a customer to perform), fully test your speakers, put them in a fresh box, and even pay to ship them back. We’re not aware of any other OEM who has ever made an offer like this, but again that hardly matters; it’s the sort of thing we do if a newly launched product can be made even better. International customers? Same thing. Contact your dealer to arrange your upgrade later this summer, too.

If you’ve heard the first generation MTS-01 family, you heard some very good speakers, easily better than many brands costing considerably more. But our fans and critics alike said there was room for improvement, and we’ve done just that. Once you hear this second generation MTS-01 family in action, you’ll immediately agree the SVS brand is synonymous with “as good as it gets”.

Friday, 23 November, 2007: Ultra Subwoofer News, and "Black Friday"??

Full Production on Ultra Powered Box and Cylinder Subs Resumes! And much more: It's no secret we've been unable to keep up with demand on the new SVS "Ultra" subwoofer lines. Despite some early failed units (now since resolved) world-wide demand outstripped our most optimistic sales projections. This is what happens, in hindsight, when you design a sub that's about to put $10,000 subwoofers in a tough spot around the globe. Now we're catching up.

Still full of turkey, our crew is fully engaged in building again at full speed. Domestic and export customers can expect rapid progress now as we catch up to our much too long waiting list, for what's arguably one of the best subwoofers in the world at any price. Shipments resume today and will continue nearly around the clock for some time still. New orders can expect to ship in about 30 days.

"Black Friday" : Said to have become the moral equivalent of the start of the important buying season for all retailers.

Amazing SBS-01 speakers now starting at $149 a pair!

SVS has not traditionally played the whole "sale game" simply because our prices are so close to "as low as we can go" pretty much all year long.

There are exceptions to the "no sales" mentality. Closeout finishes, discontinued models, overstocks happen at SVS too naturally. And we've collected up some of our most compelling examples of great products that fit this category, and we're pulling back the covers on prices so compelling, we know it amount to a blowout.

And even where we don't have room for price cuts, as with our newer product lines, we're digging into the holiday stocking and spreading around some of the items that are quite costly, but frankly every audio enthusiast should have around the house. Order even our hot selling Ultra subs or MTS-01 speakers and get a full Avia II and Radio Shack sound meter at no extra charge!

So, get some free stuff, or get a one of a kind discount, all in the name of helping us manage our limited warehouse space.

Holiday specials starting "Black Friday" running through 31 December or until supplies last!

1.) SBS-01 Cream White or Sterling Silver bookshelf speakers: Now only $149 Supplies are limited, originally priced at $225 a pair!. Hear the speaker Sound and Vision Magazine called "terrific". When these decor friendly speakers are gone, they are gone!

2.) PB12-NSD/2: Clearance prices, limited quantities, unmatched. Literally the most under priced SVS dual-driver subwoofer even at $899. For a limited time while we consume the final run of these American built fine textured black cabinets? Now, while these last, they are only $799. We don't have to tell you, these are not going to last long. This sub has little competition at twice it's full price. Bill Hunt at "The Digital Bits" said "This sub ROCKS". Find out how true that is.

3.) PB12-Plus/2: Closeout! Save as much as $500 on units in stock, and now to be cleared from our burgeoning inventory entirely. One of the best subwoofers in the world for under $5,000 is on its way out. Largely replaced by its similarly-sized PB13-Ultra sibling, the Plus/2 has been a veteran of our lines for several years and recipient of more accolades than virtually any other sub in this affordable class. if you have always lusted after two PB12-Plus/2 subs for your large room (and need a mate for one you have), now is your time. Prices will never be lower, and when they are gone, they are likely gone forever. Classic SVS lines, Ohio-built quality and brutally powerful, achingly accurate bass simply doesn't get less expensive, and it's rarely as good even if you are considering spending $5,000 somewhere else. Now all finishes, are only $1,099, while supplies last. They're genuine bargains even at twice that price.

4.) Free SPL Meter with all subwoofer purchases! THE single most valuable tool any audio fan (or even if you just like to keep setup simple and enjoy your sound more). We long said that if we could afford to give one away with every subwoofer, we'd do it. We can't always do this, but through 31 December, we're doing it anyway. With clearance prices on some subs, and overstock reduction on others, this is an unbeatable offer that you never see from SVS, (but for when we're celebrating another great year!). Act now. Offer ends 31 December.

5.) Free SPL Meter and new Avia II system setup DVD with every MTS-01 family speaker package or SVS Ultra subwoofer, including the new PB13-Ultra and PC-Ultra. The two tools you want to have with gear this good. New Ultra orders will be delayed up to 30 days, and MTS-01 speakers will ship in December/January. So here's a pair of stocking stuffers we'll add to make the wait that much more worthwhile. Offer good thru 31 December. With MTS-01 speakers still in pre-order price mode too, this is the deal of the year on what's due to be the sub and speaker line-up of the year!

Sunday, 16 September, 2007: MTS-01 Pre-order News and PB12-Plus Price Reductions

MTS-01 Speaker Family Pre-orders To Start 1 October 2007: These days at SVS, it's one of the most popular questions we get: "When can I buy the MTS-01 speaker line?". We've made folks wait far longer than we'd hoped, but their debut is quickly nearing. Crossover tweaks, raw cabinet production, woofer testing, it's all finally coming to fruition . Arguably the most significant investment in products we've ever made, these new speakers pictured below will go on sale Monday, 1 October 2007. As we head into the holiday season, demand might easily push supplies right to the limit. We recommend your order soon to avoid shortages and a longer wait.

MTS-01: Custom gold plated carpet spikes, and no-cost optional textured black floor support bars. High-end touches abound throughout the MTS-01 speaker family.

Shipping is targeted for late December. Of course, as with all new product pre-order situations, we only proceed to shipping when quality and performance standards are met or exceeded. Each one of these speakers, every MCS-01 center, MBS-01 bookshelf, and MTS-01 mid-tower, is being assembled by a select team in our Ohio factory. Each is tested against reference baselines, and only then signed off by the SVS craftsman responsible for it.

A note about availability then; with quality like this production dates can be a bit difficult to predict, but we always err on the side of our famously obsessive quality control. All pre-orders will come with purchase confirmation and regular updates about your arrival dates. And as always, you aren't charged till your speakers actually ship.

Sunday, 16 September, 2007: PB12-Plus inventory overstock price reductions

A rare double headliner day, and even rarer price reduction. PB12-Plus premium finished subs $799 :

Price stability is one thing you can typically count on at SVS. You rarely see prices go up at SVS, and just as rarely go down. There are no planned sales, no hidden coupons. Just the best pricing we can manage for our Ohio built and imported products alike.

But the MTS-01 speaker family debut, right on the heels of the Ultra subwoofer launch means limited factory warehouse needs to be freed up. So big stuff has to be sold down fast to make way for big new products.

Plus we always had a bit of a box subwoofer price gap around $800. So effective Monday, all imported premium finish PB12-Plus subwoofers are selling for $799, or go with two. Many customers know the power and allure of twin SVS subs. Now's your chance. just $1,499. Imagine the possibilities. Few $2,000 subwoofers can match the depth, power and clarity of just one of these amazing SVS subs. 525 watts and bone-tingling sub-20hz deep bass was never so easy to afford.

Already one of the best known subwoofer reviewers in the world, when we hired him away from The Secrets of Home Theater and HiFi, here's what SVS's Ed Mullen said regarding the PB12-Plus, long before he cared about selling any (and that stellar review was before we pumped up the PB12-Plus performance with the new Plus 12.3 woofer). These subs are literally bargains at twice their price. Furniture-grade finishes, world-class performance and Ohio-built quality doesn't get less expensive.

Saturday, 25 August, 2007: At last, the MTS-01 Group of SVS Speakers: Photo Update!

Worth waiting for: If these aren't on your short list of "someday" audio purchases, we respectfully suggest their consideration. Not inexpensive to be sure, and a long time coming, but the new MTS-01 family of speakers from SVS shows the world that "world-class" and "affordable" aren't mutually exclusive terms. This SVS family or “group” consists of a mid-sized tower, dedicated center and bookshelf speakers.  Each packs more style, performance and premium components than any comparably priced product we’ve seen.  All come standard with either piano gloss black, Rosenut or Oak veneer accent panels and magnetically retained grill.  45 day in-home trial.  

MTS-01:  Mid-sized Tower Speaker.  Twin wide-flare ports, sleek cabinet design.  ScanSpeak D-3004 AirCirc "neo" tweeter with dual custom Peerless 6 ½” woofers.  Removable floor supports.  Dimensions (H x W x D”): 41” x 10” x 12”

MCS-01:  Mid-sized Center Speaker. Twin wide-flare ports, threaded bracket inserts. ScanSpeak D-3004 AirCirc neo tweeter with dual Peerless 6 ½” woofers.  Dimensions (H x W x D”): 10” x 24” x 12”

MBS-01:  Mid-sized Bookshelf Speaker.  Single wide-flare port.  ScanSpeak D-3004 AirCirc neo tweeter with custom Peerless 6 ½” woofer.  Bracket inserts. Dimensions (H x W x D”): 16” x 10” x 12”

Packages and more: Customers will soon be invited to select standard packages, or to create a custom mix of MTS-01 speakers to satisfy the most discerning tastes, and complement any room. Continuing to buck industry trends, these SVS speakers are unabashedly big, powerful, heavy, and painstakingly assembled by our master-craftsmen. Whether you have "golden ears" ... simply demand the best of whatever you buy ... or because some customers might spend months saving up for them -- we have worked diligently for over two years to ensure that your audio budget couldn't yield more objective performance, or subjective refinement, than these speakers.

Parts are not just “parts” at SVS: Every manufacturer, of course, tends to laud their own choices in design and components.  But we really  tend to go the extra mile for our customers. Example? Our tweeter, from esteemed Danish audio supplier ScanSpeak, is but one instance of our "over the top" approach to creating great speakers. Frankly, we couldn't have designed a better tweeter ourselves, and some influential enthusiasts would probably agree (and understandably, are praising this as one of the finest in the world, at any cost).

Fact is, despite tweeters being among the most critical components in any speaker, even in this somewhat pricey “price class”, you will see competitive products using the sort of tweeter you can buy yourself for $25, or less. Super-duper-cost-no-object speakers? A brand might .ratchet things up with one of the better mainstream models (which truth be told, are often very respectable performers), for say, $30-50 or so. Really, a $40 tweeter is quite an investment for any top-tier OEM.

We spent somewhat more than that... it's the SVS way.

Introducing the ScanSpeak D-3004 "AirCirc" neodymium magnet tweeter

So, the tweeter in the MTS-01 speaker family, shown above? Well, if you can even find one (sorry, we bought the entire first production run available to the US) ... expect to pay well over $200. It's nothing short of astounding, and once we put it through extensive trials, we knew, we had to have them. You might wonder then: In what other speakers might you find such an insanely high-priced component? Relatively few for what might be obvious reaons then (and it'd be impolite to draw comparisons in any case). Suffice it to say, there's no shortagle of speakers many times the price of the MTS-01's, using tweeters not half as good .  So, long-time SVS watchers know we’re doing what we do best with the MTS-01.  Raising the bar on the entire industry. Making ScanSpeak's AirCirc “cost-no-object” performance available… at a reasonable cost.

Of course any discerning audiophile knows sound quality depends on far more than a crazy expensive, crazy good, tweeter. So, at every turn in the MTS-01 family you'll see and hear more of the same SVS obsession with quality: Custom 6.5" Peerless woofers, new cast/chromed SVS logos, sculpted hand-finished wood veneer accent panels (which will match our highest-quality subwoofers), top-grade crossover components, magnetic shielding.  Of course our innovative hidden magnetic grill retention system is there to keep your speakers looking as good with the grill on, as off.  All this is set into exceptionally heavy and well-braced precision computer milled cabinets, built just for us.

And, while most our big audio competitors seemingly can't ship entire production lines overseas quick enough, we're instead building these gems right in SVS’s Ohio factory, across town from where they were designed.  An old-fashioned concept to be sure, but it’s done to ensure a better product for you -- though we must add, there’s quite a lot of pride in the very idea of launching new speakers constructed right here.  There's more. Every speaker from the MTS-01 line-up is hand-assembled to order by a select group of our staff.  Each is then tested with state of the art gear focusing on key performance parameters, and then documented by serial number, and signed by the SVS builder. Speakers costing multiples of the MTS-01 prices rarely get attention like this.

A few words about costs: As mentioned below, in other news, you don't have to worry about the "Sale du Jour" at SVS, or, "Is it a good time to buy?".  We have long preferred to simply set aggressive prices and keep them low. But still, prices which we can sustain over the long haul and maintain stability for customers. Except for occasions where we have to draw down inventory on a certain finish, prices are darn good, all the time.

Dates:  We expect we'll initiate pre-orders in late-August or early September . Buyers will then receive regular updates about the status of their purchase, right up to the day of shipping. Best estimate for the first regular production units going out our factory door is early November. As always, no charges are ever levied at SVS till your product ships. Coupled with our big Plus subwoofers, or the latest and greatest SVS subwoofer line … the new Ultra's (PB13-Ultra and PC-Ultra due to ship in late July and August respectively), we'll literally have a new price/performance paradigm to offer current and future customers. If you are after superlative music and movie sound, these are speakers we're sure you'll enjoy immensely. Stay tuned for more.

MTS-01 Family Speakers (Tentative pre-order prices in bold):

• MBS-01 Bookshelf Speaker Pair $899 [$999]
• MTS-01 Tower Speaker Pair $1,399 [$1,499]
• MCS-01 Center Channel $549 [$599]

MTS-01 Family Systems Pending Pre-order Prices (see notes) :

• MBS-01 compact 5.0 channel system* $2,199 [$2,499]
• MTS-01 full-size 5.0 channel system** $2,599 [$2,899]
• MBS-01 5.1 channel compact-size system (as immediately above) with PC-Ultra subwoofer** $3,499 [$3,899]
• MTS-01 full-size 7.0 channel system*** $3,399 [$3,849]
• MTS-01 7.1 full-size channel system*** with two (textured black) PB13-Ultra subwoofers $6,199 [$6,849]

Notes:

*Compact 5.0 MBS-01 system includes: MCS-01 center and four MBS-01 bookshelf mains/surrounds

** 5.0/ 5.1 MTS-01 systems include: MTS-01 tower pair, MCS-01 center and two MBS-01 surrounds

***Full size 7.0/ 7.1 systems include: MTS-01 tower pair, MCS-01 center and four MBS-01 surrounds

Returning SVS subwoofer and speaker customers are eligible for another 5% discount off already great pre-order prices. Contact SVS if one of these special situations or other questions arise prior to your order placement.

Monday, 09 April, 2007: Big price reductions make space for big products coming.

Overstock Clearance. Don't call it a "sale" : Lots of brand manufacturers and re-sellers live and die by... "the sale". Holiday sales, limited time only sales, sales with coupons, sales if you woke up and saw your shadow (and went back to bed for 4 more hours). SVS doesn't "do" sales, at least not as a matter of course, and they are never planned as such. Frankly, we hate the uncertainty and instability which ensues with seemingly endless sales in the consumer electronics world. Customers never know if "now is a good time to buy?". So to our way of thinking, if you don't have sales, you don't have to remember when the next one is. We build lots of our stuff in the US too. SVS is "weird" about things like this perhaps.

Instead of "sales", we long ago resolved to simply design and source the best raw components or even finished goods, and sell at the best possible price. To do that, we buy in large quantities and keep prices stable for every customer, every day. But (you knew "but" was coming), very large containers of very large goods come in to SVS with planning of 4 even 5 months in advance -- which means space is always a premium in our Ohio factory. Never more so than now, with two big new product lines poised to launch in the next few months.

Regularly priced at $600, our imported silver or white SBS-01 5.0 speaker sets go down to $449. These packages include 4 of the already famous bookshelf speakers and the killer SCS-01 center channel. Variations of packages, including just announced SCS-01(M) systems, with or without subs, even simple stereo pairs, follow suit with similar cost reductions. A 5.1 system (any color you want, but black) drops from a reasonable $999, to a staggeringly low $799. So, when we're in the midst of reducing prices we don't fool around. Our master product page listing is here with overstocked prices indicated. Where room decor dictates something less conspicuous and ubiquitous than black, these are "it". And "it" isn't going to last long at these prices.

With the new Ultra subs readying for pre-orders, and large shipments of goods for the programmed MTS-01 speakers scheduled for arrival at our factory, these overstocked items have to clear out, literally to make room for production and needed storage for other future audio legends.

A few other overstocked items include our big piano gloss black (PGB) "Plus" powered box subs. If you follow SVS at all you know that at the end of 2006 high demand and even higher SVS quality standards pushed big "PGB" subs to "zero stock" here (something we strive to avoid even more than "overstock"). But they too are short-term excess inventory now. Such is the challenge when exciting new models of subwoofers or speakers come right on the heels of those long supply lead times.

So, our overstock situation is your gain with this limited selection of great items. Prices are down, way down, but only till storage eases on each of them. Go for individual subs like the amazing PB10-NSD and its big brother the PB12-NSD, or... full surround sound systems in silver or white? Click your color. All hot looking and stupendous performers, but again, in the way of bigger and more expensive inbound components.

As mentioned above, the drop dead gorgeous piano gloss black PB12-Plus and even more capable PB12-Plus/2 subs are greatly reduced too. Get them at the same price as our entry level textured black, a savings of $200 on the PB12-Plus alone. We can't predict when sustainable levels of any items will be reached, so if you were even just thinking about a killer set of affordable audiophile speakers, or always lusted after our top flight subs ... well now's your chance (Ultra subs are still in hiatus until July and not affected by this excess inventory).

Every one of these items is arguably at the top of the heap in the volatile audio industry, even at full price. With these temporary reductions, they become nothing short of screaming deals. Act quickly, once we clear the space we need, prices go back to merely excellent.

Monday, 02 April, 2007: New and improved SVS Ultra subs. The torch has been passed.

More power, more control ... better, smarter SVS Ultra subwoofer families prepare for debut.

Even if you've never owned a subwoofer for your audio system, we strived to make these the ones you'll want some day. The heart of the matter? Our new "Ultra" woofer. Called simply the "Ultra-13" in Ohio (where it was designed and now built) this woofer is the basis of the genuinely shocking performance of the new PC-Ultra and PB13-Ultra subwoofers. We didn't intend to take quite as long as we did, but you don't rush research when you are aiming for the best products in the world. Many designs were built, and discarded; whole contracts torn up in a relentless pursuit of something really special.

>>>>>> The new Ultra-13 (left) and the outgoing TV-12 (right)

Our goals were lofty to say the least, so the thousands of staff hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars in development costs, and the "clean sheet" approach to the design were perhaps all predictable. If you know SVS in any case. This woofer had to be nothing short of a performance revelation; more than a mere replacement for the "old" Ultra woofer. And we're notoriously hard to impress. One look above and it's clear "Big and Impressive" has a new definition.

So after nearly two years, this is the best of the best from SVS. It's a 13.5" wonder (edge to edge basket dim) which can displace far more air than its predecessor (the key to any subwoofer's performance). Yet it still fits into practical and efficient "form factors" we're famous for: both Powered Cylinders (PC), and Powered Boxes (PB). Sporting state-of-the-art materials, hand-assembly, and exclusives like the new SVS deep-cast aluminum basket, it barely breaks a sweat on tough stuff that would have pushed its predecessors to the wall. In short, the Ultra-13 is poised to provide you with two different kinds of depth, power and accuracy -- like nothing we've previously seen (heard, or measured) in our lab (at least not in price points vaguely similar). If you are as insatiable about technical details and product images as we are, you can read a bit more here. Both PB13-Ultra in 3D rendering and a new PC-Ultra mockup are pictured at right (a larger dual woofer PB13-Ultra/2 may debut sometime in 2008).

This woofer is so capable, it led us to spend nearly as long refining an entirely new line of power-house BASH amps, (conservatively rated at 750 watts) for both the new PC-Ultra and PB13-Ultra subs they're meant for. With the most extensive set of controls we've yet offered (and we're notorious for eschewing "features" most enthusiasts would never use) this new class of amplifiers will drive these two subs to levels up to 75% stronger than their predecessors. So while prices have inevitably risen some, the new Ultra subs are actually markedly better values too. They're still SVS subs after all - outstanding value is what put us on the map.

Of course, you don't need to rattle the next door neighbor's dinner table to appreciate the fact it handles everything in your music or movie repertoire even at mild playback levels. Designed to take a pounding, these subs provide the power you require, but add no "sound" of their own, just faithfully rocking your home like few products can, even those coming in at multiples of our still affordable prices. And it's not just more brute strength we built here, it's smarter power too.

We've worked closely with enthusiast customers and others in the industry to make these subwoofers perform better in real-world rooms like yours... not just at our R/D facilities. Combining both variable port tuning (including a newly engineered, dedicated "sealed" mode) separate "room-size compensation" controls, plus improved subsonic response profiles, means the flat, deep and accurate response we always strive for is now easier than ever to reproduce in your own music or theater room. Even installing and optimizing dual subs will be a snap, given our 0-180 degree, continuously  variable phase control, and a new defeatable high pass filter on the RCA and XLR outputs to allow simple "daisy-chaining" with multiple subwoofers. More details on the amp itself (and some nice glamour shots) are coming soon.

Dates and prices:

So, when can you get one? Soon, real soon. Fact is (no fooling) we're firing up pre-orders on 1 May and expect shipping of the first new PC-Ultra units to a world-wide market  by early July. The PB13-Ultra is scheduled to ship by the end of July. With the commencement of pre-orders next month, SVS will do its best to verify these dates.

Prices? It's not one of those "if you have to ask..." situations. Performance this good isn't inexpensive, but we're confident you won't find more refinement, power or features even if you spend far more with other brands.

Pre-order prices starting 1 May 2007. Prices will remain valid until the first planned units ship in July. [*Full prices follow in brackets]:

New PC-Ultra: $1,299 [$1,399*]

PB13-Ultra Textured Black: $1,399 [$1,499*]

PB13-Ultra Wood Veneer (Rosenut, or Oak): $1,499 [$1,599*]

PB13-Ultra Piano Gloss Black: $1,599 [$1,699]

Note: Returning SVS subwoofer and speaker customers, or customers buying more than one during the pre-order period are eligible for another 5% discount off these already great pre-order prices. Contact SVS if one of these special situations or other questions arise prior to your order placement.

As always at SVS, there are no charges until your subwoofer or speaker ships. Expect these new subs to sell fast. Overseas customers, fans of previous SVS models, and enthusiasts now languishing without world-class audio are sure to put pressure on demand. We respectfully recommend you order one soon if you also lust for the new SVS Ultra performance. Our 45 day in-home trial backs every sale, as does our unparalleled 7 day-a-week customer service you'll get before, during and after any purchase from SV Sound.

Tuesday, 03 March, 2007: SCS-01 Mains Packages

SCS-01(M) -- Can't keep a great speaker down: The first "Mid-Tweeter-Mid" (MTM) speaker from SVS was born during the intense development of our award-winning SBS-01 surround sound packages. But quite a few folks recognized the SCS-01 as a standout speakers in their own right. Since the upcoming MTS-01 line wasn't quite ready for the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we decided to demo a 7.1 music/theater system using modified mirrored image pairs of the amazing and affordable SCS-01(M) (for mains). Backed with 250 watts of digital amp power (courtesy of PS Audio) and a sampling of our top subs, quite a few big audio OEM reps left clearly shaken by what they heard. One simply didn't believe the cost till we showed him the prices on the SVS website. Understandably, customers have been asking ever since how they could get this package into their own homes.

After hammering a set of SCS-01Ms, many audio fans will understandably be hesitant to spend far more at audio salons and not get better (or even equal) performance.  With startling mid-range dynamics from a pair of tough and accurate 5.25" poly woofers, backed by the acclaimed silk domed tweeter from the SBS-01 bookshelf speakers), plus slim contemporary styling in 3 colors, you'll be glad we finally packaged the SCS-01M as its own system. Hand-modified and tested in our Ohio factory to create mirror-imaged pairs, along with proper tweeter logo orientation and grille badge relocation for vertical mounting as left/right mains, this high performance rig is available right now - and only from SVS.  Suitable for use as high-power mains (or full bore at all speaker channels), and perfectly timbre matched to our SBS-01 speakers, the SCS-01M will stand up to your most discerning music or movie demos from wild to mild.

Get a "front stage" configuration with dual SCS-01M as mains, a conventional SCS-01 center, and SBS-01s for the surrounds.  Or pull out all the stops and use SCS-01Ms at every speaker channel in a full boat 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, and save money while doing it (despite the time-consuming factory modifications, we've modestly discounted the speakers and the recommended subs for this new package).  You'll marvel at the enhanced dynamic range and output the SCS-01Ms add to your system, along with a seamless and coherent soundstage that even our outstanding standard SBS-01 system can't quite match.

Thousands of SCS-01s are already in use around the world, and this MTM speaker is one of the great "secrets" behind the shocking performance of our standard SBS-01 5.1 and 7.1 packages, hailed as "outstanding" from audio newbies right up to Sound and Vision magazine. For a very moderate upcharge from a pure bookshelf system, this SCS-01M system is the new budget-oriented, no-holds-barred rig that'll have stereo or surround sound fans swooning.

These new 5.1 channel packages come with SCS-01M mirror-imaged mains, a conventional SCS-01 center, and SBS-01 surrounds - along with your choice of our famous ground-pounding Ohio-built 20-39PC-Plus, all for just $1,590. Or for only $50 more, go instead with the heavyweight PB12-Plus.  If you prefer, you can really punch up the power and dynamic range, and spec SCS-01M speakers for all speaker channels, along with a SCS-01 center, for only $1,729 with the same sub choices as above (and $50 upgcharge for the powered box Plus).  For the two-channel aficionados, stereo pairs of mirror image SCS-01M's along with discounted SVS subwoofers will be offered as well.  Update: Click here now for "Buy Now" links to the SCS-01 speaker pages. Add any a la carte subwoofer choice for 5% off!

Tuesday, 13 February, 2007: Product updates, with much more to come.

PC-Ultra and PB12-Ultra: The end of an era for SVS is unfolding as the last, great, and rightly famous SVS "Ultra" subwoofers leave our Ohio factory this week. Those lucky enough to own one of these "classic" SVS subs will continue to bask in what was arguably the best bass performance for the money, during its long rule at the top of our subwoofer offerings. The "TV-12" was, and still is, was one of the finest woofers so widely sold. But time and technology wait for no one, and new PC-Ultra's and new Powered Box subwoofers were already revealed at CES last month , with shipping projected for late spring or early summer 2007.

While pre-order dates and exact prices have not yet been finalized, this much is clear: The new models will improve upon the already legendary performance and durability of the Ultra family, but cost more. So while costs for the new models might climb roughly 20% or so, our Ohio-built quality will remain, with depth, accuracy and sheer power improving far more than that modest amount. Thus, a more expensive line of subs will become even more stunning values. Virtually nothing on the high-end market exceeded the price/performance ratio of the outgoing generation of SVS Ultra subs, and we intend to keep this bar high as the final procurement and design details are settled for the new models. In a short, more news will start to flow in a few weeks about the new PC-Ultra and immediately afterwards, the PB13-Ultra. A dual driver Ultra/2 replacement is still in the works too, though no details are being released until later this year. The PB13-Ultra is slated for world-wide distribution via exclusive Dealers in SVS overseas markets as well.

Soon to come, updates on the long-awaited MTS-01 family of loudspeakers. Delayed, but rapid progress to market is now under way (and cutting-edge components part of the bargain). Tens of thousands of SVS fans won't believe what we're packing in there (neither will our few critics).

Monday, 05 February, 2007: A rare public rebuttal from SVS

This statement is in response to recent allegations made by the owners and operators of “Audioholics”, an Internet Audio/Video Magazine. 

Despite repeated requests from "Audioholics" over the last two months for SVS to renew our advertising contract with their website, SVS notified Audioholics on January 31, 2007 that we would not be renewing an agreement for 2007.   Our decision was due primarily to lower than expected returns on our investment based on customer surveys.   At no point in these contract discussions, or the recent issuance of an Audioholics “Product of the Year Award”, or during the entire previous year, had the conduct of SVS been questioned by Audioholics as less than honest and productive.

After concluding our relationship, we were surprised and disappointed to learn the next day that SVS was supposedly “fired” by Audioholics as an advertiser.  Audioholics apparently used the statements of a forum member as a pretense for "firing" SVS, insinuating that SVS "planted" the forum member to create controversy and boost SVS sales.  Not only are these allegations patently false, they are damaging to SVS' reputation.  SVS has never asked any Internet forum member to post anything on its behalf.  We can only imagine that Audioholics "fired" SVS as a preemptive strike to protect its image (we would assume that no online magazine wants to be perceived as losing sponsors).

While we regularly participate in all the major A/V forums, both to answer questions about our products, and because we are still audio enthusiasts -- we ALWAYS identify ourselves as SVS employees whenever we discuss anything related to our products, or competitive products.  We are an internet-direct business, and it should be self-evident that a significant portion of our sales revenue is derived from credible on-line professional reviews and from equally credible comments by satisfied customers. 

With that said, it bears repeating: SVS does not tell anyone in the public what to say, and by extension has never paid anyone (or provided other incentives) for posting comments on our behalf.  Nor do SVS employees post statements without identifying their relationship with SVS. If a given audio forum member questions what he perceives to be biased and preferential behavior on the part of Audioholics’ management with respect to its various advertisers, that is, of course, his or her prerogative, based on an opinion and motivation of his own.  That such actions are beyond our control should be obvious as well. 

Professional integrity and honesty are the very core values upon which SVS was founded nearly 8 years ago; without them we would have already ceased to flourish.  For the tens of thousands of valued SVS customers, our personal commitment to those values and audio excellence remain, even in the face of spurious accusations such as these, whatever their motivation.  An even greater array of new and improved world-class products and continued dedication to open and objective discourse are our promises to you for 2007.

Thursday, 11 January, 2007: CES Update

Rain, sleet, the dead of night didn't keep us from the 40th Anniversary CES in Las Vegas. In progress till Thursday 11 January, this show included SVS headliners on two key products due out later in 2007, one long-awaited and expected, one long overdue, but totally unexpected.

First up was the new Ultra-13 woofer along with sketches of the two subs it's destined for in the near term. This new driver will eclipse the performance of its predecessor, the already legendary 12" Ultra woofer... in a major way. This totally new design, built in Ohio, will feature materials and design rarely seen even at the highest price tiers, but now is reasonably affordable in the new PC-Ultra and the totally revamped PB13-Ultra targeted for Spring 2007 sales. Both these subs will offer customers roughly twice the power reserves of the previous Ultra products. Prices are still pending, but while some increases are expected, they'll still be reasonable still. Totally new 750 watt Bash amps (some printed show materials incorrectly designated these as 950 watt amps) will drive each of these new single driver flagship SVS subs. Details regarding dual driver PB13-Ultra/2 subs will be announced later in the year, get ready for some truly special amps on those.

More surprising, and arguably as significant to music and theater bass enthusiasts, is the previously secret technology partnership with Audyssey Laboratories Inc., the first results of which will be the revolutionary AS-EQ1, a cutting-edge "FIR" based room-response correction device optimized for today's ultra deep and powerful subwoofers of any brand (though clearly we favor SVS there). The proprietary Audyssey algorithms and DSP power, combined with SVS's unsurpassed expertise in bass reproduction, will soon result in a rationally priced advanced processor that even the most sophisticated PEQ derived bass correction can't match. Easy to use, professional results, and with features and power that'll make it the "must have" device for any sound enthusiast.

Of course today's mainstays of the SVS line were well represented. The SBS-01 system (lauded in the December issue of Sound and Vision Magazine) powered one room, and a full 7.1 SCS-01 based surround sound configuration showed how adaptable and capable this package remains a year after its introduction. Want astounding clarity and more power than even our supremely capable SBS-01 bookshelf speakers can provide? Allow us to package your SVS sub with 6 of our MTM speakers (originally done as affordable center channels) and you'll have an easy time telling friends you spent twice as much (according to the thousands flowing through our exhibit, they'll believe you).

PCi subs, PC-Plus and all manner of Powered Box subs such as the NSD lines, the new SB12-Plus micro sub, and of course the stunning PB12-Ultra and Plus/2 subs wowed thousands more new SVS fans.

The long awaited MTS-01 speakers didn't make their first appearance, yet, but news inside the company has the project moving along smartly now that most of the new Ultra products are through design. Expect more news of this next big speaker family from SVS, but hopefully you will see that SVS has indeed been busy on a new generation of sound for you in this exciting Yew Year. The tweeters alone will stun knowing enthusiasts.

Best regards from your CES team, and drop us a line should you have more questions after poring through the "cut sheets" attached here. Have your printer and Adobe viewer ready, you can pretend you were in Vegas with SVS!

Ron Stimpson
SVS Co-Founder

SVS CES 2007 "Cut Sheets"

Welcome to SVS

SVS Audyssey AS-EQ1

SVS NSD Box Subwoofers

SVS PB & PC-Ultra Subwoofers

SVS PCi Subwoofers

SVS PC Plus Subwoofers

SVS PB Plus Subwoofers

SVS SB 12 Plus Subwoofer

SVS SBS-01 Speaker Systems

Monday, 18 December, 2006: Happy Holidays and CES News!

Holiday greetings to all: Click here to view a copy of our year end letter to all customers and prospective customers like you! Catch up on the latest news, hear about pending price changes and the big CES in Las Vegas!

Big news in the review world. For the month of December, Sound and Vision Magazine saw fit to review our fantastic SBS-01 surround sound speaker package, in this case featuring our new PB12-NSD subwoofer too. Suffice it to say, Ken Pohlmann liked the system, quite a bit actually. Buy the magazine for your own printed copy, or read this electronic copy courtesy of SVS and Sound and Vision Magazine.

Thursday, 5 October, 2006: Back to Canada... not for parts this time.

One of the most common questions we've gotten over the years was, "can I get an SVS product way up here? Yes, actually, we have long shipped SVS subs and speakers to Canada, pretty much daily. But "up there" could be way up there. Canada's a big place. Yet, folks understandably would like local service and simple Canadian shipping, sans "brokerage fees" and other silliness, NAFTA notwithstanding. The same crew behind Electronics For Less have created a new, higher line audio retail company, Sonic Boom Audio. The only place you can get SVS now in Canada, just to keep things simple. Quick and painless shopping, delivery and service. So no more border charges, plus faster, less expensive, shipping -- direct from the SBA's Toronto warehouse -- to your door. SVS long built its rugged BASH amps in Toronto, so it's high time we arrive in the region with more convenient retail. Aggressive prices, and comprehensive customer care, SVS style.  Write Sonic Boom Audio, call (905) 944-8484...or go visit www.sonicboomaudio.com. Coming to a Province near you, 15 October, 2006.

Monday, 28 August, 2006: The world of small subs just changed.

The SB12-Plus isn't just another small sub, it's the first small sub from SVS. You can find smaller, you can find more expensive, but you can't find a better small sub at this price. Period. Loaded with high-end features. And loaded with legendary deep and powerful bass that will blend perfectly with any music or movie system. Big SVS subwoofers remain the performance choice when size isn't an issue. For small to mid-sized rooms this might just be the one that slips into your lifestyle. Compact, deep, powerful, great looking and built in our Ohio factory. Shipping starts on or about the first week of October. Don't wait long to order yours.

Thursday, 10 August, 2006: Pre-order the best $600 sub in the world now.

Wow, those guys are SVS are pretty "cocky", no? Well, perhaps there's a fine line between cocky, and honest. While we're generally a modest group, and humble about our rise as the hottest factory-direct audio brand on the web (there we go again!) we're also scrupulously blunt about the speaker and subwoofer landscape facing consumers. It's a jungle out there frankly, and those "what's the best ...??" questions come up all the time. If it's projectors or toasters, or audio receivers we all have our opinions, and at SVS we're never afraid to share our opinions.

It's not "opinions" weighing in on this question however. We've tested the best of the best in this popular price point, and we're not aware of any product that'll provide more depth, more accuracy, more power and flatter/more natural sounding bass than this new PB12-NSD. The vast bulk don't provide a fraction of the performance, truth be told. And it's loaded with features too, though we're never ones to be looking for superfluous "features" that trend towards "solutions looking for problems" either.

We know, it's "big talk". But this isn't some highly polished marketing spin, it's not based on some golden-eared prognosis, or magic measurements no one can ever duplicate (because the "methodology" defies explanation). Nope, it's simply our assessment, as a company founded first upon an unsurpassed grasp of the physics of audio, and equally important, an unsurpassed commitment to providing the best performance, at any given price point. And lest we forget, the best service too, since that's as much a part of the "product" as the products themselves. We're not open 7 days a week for nothing. Together, all these things define "value" at SVS.

Jump to the PB12-NSD product page and look over the highlights of our components, and grasp the import of a frequency response chart which gives new meaning to the phrase "ruler flat". It's SO flat we didn't even use the usual industry standard "smoothing" technique. That's a raw, 1/60th octave trace of what your new SVS sub can pull out in unforgiving lab conditions. Even non-technical folks probably can appreciate that flat means even, balanced, and natural sounding bass. There are, of course, other measures of performance one might use, but frequency response is almost certainly the most important of those. It can be a challenge to find any brand with the moxie to put 2 meter "ground plane" measurements up on their pages. We do it as a routine. Ask other OEMs where their performance charts are, and how they were derived.

It's not easy to make a commitment of providing "the best" at a given price... and we'll be right up front, the $600 price on this new PB12-NSD is not going to hold for very long. Right in our rural Ohio factory, we build most of our products (from domestic and imported materials), heck we're even building the woofer in this new sub in-house. But in seven years (yes "7") we've never raised prices, even one time. We've streamlined production, bought supplies in ever larger quantities, and we've expanded sales overseas even to increase volume and prosper. But everything we buy to manufacture our products has gone up in price, several fold in some cases recently. Seven years is a long time to hold down prices while year after year we've also improved performance, looks and service too.

We might have introduced this new PB12-NSD at a new, somewhat higher price, but we're pledging to keep things where they are at least for the next 30 days or so, longer if possible. Yet, even with any increases in prices, you can bet we're not discarding our commitment to remain the price/performance leader in the audio market. Any change in price of any SVS product will always be made with full knowledge that we're not the only speaker and subwoofer brand in the world. If you want to stay the best, you are one step ahead of the competition by definition, and always mindful of what hard working people have to pay for your products. Of course you also make sure you keep the bottom line in the black, so you are there to serve that role for the future too.

Given there's no shortage of subs at two, three, even four times the cost of the new PB12-NSD which can't even begin to challenge its overall abilities, modest price changes down the road won't affect its position at the top of the heap in the $600-$700 range of subwoofers. For a limited time, $600 in three room-friendly colors. Shipping starts first week of September, 2006.

Friday, 28 July, 2006: Expanded products, services and improved prices for Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Those SVS customers living in Scandinavia have been served exceptionally well by start-up company L-Sound for over a year. Their operations were so successful we've now restructured our expanding products and service into all German speaking markets under their exclusive direction too. With a slick web site, even more aggressive prices than before and customer service that rivals SVS here in the USA, we know German, Austrian and Swiss customers are in good hands. Getting the world-class SVS product you want just got easier. New web pages reflecting this reorganization are coming soon, but customers can already visit the English version for the L-Sound store here!

Thursday, 20 July, 2006: A new kind of SVS subwoofer, the SB12-Plus

If you build the world's best "big" subwoofers for 7 years, then your first "micro" sub had better be something pretty special. SVS was born under the premise that world-class performance should not require "I own the world" budgets. Make no mistake, there's still no fooling Mother Nature. Size still "rules". We can bend those rules as well as any OEM on the planet, but the bigger the subwoofer... the easier it is to coax outstanding music and movie depth, power and smooth, linear performance from it. If you are OK with big, then there is no shortage of other SVS subs to get. But "Small" is "big" in the consumer electronics world. "Significant others" like small (sometimes), as do many others for whom unobtrusive good looks are key to your audio room's equipment list. Your home might be fairly compact too after all, and the SB12-Plus was designed for these circumstances.

.

SB12-Plus in new Rosenut finish, with magnetically retained grill removed.

So, while there are hundreds, if not thousands of tiny subwoofers out there, very very few rise to the level of the phrase "sub-woofer". Most are either very very expensive, very poor performers in one of those critical categories, or both expensive AND poor performers. We know, we've tested the best of the breed for years now. The norm? Poor frequency response, little true deep bass and limited sound pressure levels of (unless you consider loads of harmonic distortion a good thing, which we most definitely do not).

SB12-Plus 425 watt amp with PEQ, Room Compensation, variable crossover and a host of input/output options

But instead, the new SB12-Plus is a small, genuine SUB-woofer even audiophiles can love. A sub that's deep, very compact and looks as good as it works. Hidden "neo" magnets (wood and gloss black cabinets only) in the cabinets hold fast to the thick fabric covered grill frame, or you can run without for a totally clean look that'll defy any audio nut's ability to guess its cost. Serious features that serious audio fans can appreciate, and build quality you simply would not expect for the still affordable price tag. US prices starting at a mere $699 for black vinyl, $749 for wood (new "Rosenut" pictured here, along with Oak, and Maple) or $799 for immaculate piano gloss black, you'll be able to pre-order in August (export "CE" approved 220V prices will be somewhat higher). Shipping is planned for mid-late September. Special pricing will be available for these subwoofers bought with our new SBS-01 speaker sets (black vinyl was selected to perfectly match both product lines). A 5.1 package of SBS-01 mains, SCS-01 center and a SB12-Plus is soon to be a new compact music and theater system performance benchmark.

SB12-Plus in new Rosenut finish, with magnetically retained grill installed

So again, while there are many, many small "subwoofers" out there, there is only one good enough to wear the SVS logo. Those familiar with us know that's the sign you got "as good as it gets"... at any sort of sane price anyway. Expect reviewers to laud this new SVS product as setting the bar in its niche, something competitors are well used to by now. It's the advantage you get when buying factory direct (or from an exclusive SVS Authorized Dealer outside the USA), an advantage long enjoyed by the "size is no issue" crowd.

Exclusive SVS Canadian-built SB12-Plus 425 watt BASH amp

Now the legendary SVS accuracy, power and depth are yours in a tightly packaged subwoofer, a product of nearly 8 years of combined research and design. You don't even need to be a member of the "price is no object" crowd to get one.

Features

Proprietary SVS-built, high-performance 12" Plus woofer

425 watt BASH ® digital switching amp

CAD cabinet with 1" front baffle, glass lined

Single band Parametric EQ

Room compensation control, continuously variable phase

Full crossover with RCA, high-level or XLR inputs/outputs

Precise CNC-milled panel construction, hand-worked real wood veneer

Front-firing design with flush-fit baffle

Removable, compliant floor isolation points

Custom finish choices to match any decor (black vinyl, maple, oak, rosenut, black gloss)

Rigid grill, chrome pin or invisible “neo” attachment  

Extra heavy-duty removable 8 foot power cord

Contemporary, "seamless" enclosure styling

+/- 3 dB 22 Hz-150 Hz or better (2-4hz deeper in small to mid-sized rooms)

Ultra compact: 14" wide  x 14" high x 15" deep (with grill installed)

Weight: 40 pounds

Monday, 3 July, 2006: SBS-01 and friends... is Silver (or White) the "new Black"??

Black is the perfect color for sound gear... unless it's not. Then it's really, really not what you want probably. And that's before any "significant other" weighs in. Speakers have to work in the real world of multi-purpose rooms after all. Take a look around at the plethora of silver anything, receivers, DVD players, projectors and all manner of TV's and you quickly realize, that while still a classic, black is now fully joined by some subtle alternatives. But, we're not talking about plastic wood (or wood that looks like plastic). Our new SBS-01 in Sterling Silver is just the thing for modern decor of your stylin' home with your small theater or bedroom plasma system.

SBS-01 5.1 package in Sterling Silver with the new PB12-NSD (expected price about $1,175). Pre-orders in August with shipping in September, 2006.

White, of course, is always the favorite whenever you are looking to hang speakers in a new room with little additional paint work and more or less "stealth" visibility. Naturally, they are joined by the perfectly matched SCS-01 center channel. Performance is always king at SVS, but even we appreciate nice design when we see it.

SBS-01 5.1 package in Cream White, grills removed, with the new PB12-NSD (expected price $1,175). Pre-orders in August with shipping in September, 2006.

Because we know (we've used or tested thousands), many entry level speakers simply look cheap, as if designed by a committee that never held a meeting. Not these SVS speakers. They're internally braced, with custom drivers, high-end crossovers... but no cheesy fake wood. Instead, these hand shaped cabinets arrive without that "origami" or square corner look so common in the affordable range of audio. Check out the elegant, smooth styling, subdued graphics, and a minimum of junk hanging on their lines. These are the rare sort of speakers which could have their price tags multiplied a couple times, and still not be out of place in terms of heft and sheer quality of materials. To say nothing of their performance, which is already award-winning, and equal to the reputation long ago set by their subwoofer cousins. Who says performance can't look good unless you are loaded with cash?

Note the family styling and in a few days, new packages available too with the new PB12-NSD subwoofer discussed more below. You get to "Supersize" your SBS-01 surround or stereo package with minimal fuss and a grouping of product that sets the industry standard at the price point in pretty much all regards. Pre-orders on the new finishes start soon.

Sunday, 2 July, 2006: Back to the beginning. A new PB12-NSD.

When your first powered sub, in the ubiquitous "box" form factor, is a smash hit like the "old" PB12-ISD was (called the PB1-ISD upon its debut some years back), you understandably might leave well enough alone. In fact, we did for quite a while. Today's PB12-NSD is our oldest Powered Box design and was, (despite never being seriously challenged at the $600 price point), overdue for a fresh look and benefit from our years of refining audio packages.

So while the name stays the same (Powered Box, 12" - single NSD type woofer), just about everything about it is different from before, save that latest NSD woofer and our stalwart 325 watt BASH amp. While the look is different for this product, it's very familiar to SVS watchers.

Comparison of the $429 PB10-NSD (left) and the $600 "Supersized" PB12-NSD (right):

The PB10-ISD (above left, now the "PB10-NSD") was SVS's first entry into the truly budget class of subwoofers and was one of those "freaks of nature" right from the start. Inexpensive, stunningly powerful, deep, accurate and perfect on music or movies. The combination of shape/size, and CNC construction provided for a simple, elegant and brutally effective sub that worked so well, we knew it was a new family direction before the ink was dry on early performance charts.

And the new PB12-NSD pictured above right and elsewhere in this update? Well, the family resemblance is striking we think. Imagine the current PB10-NSD as the older (but smaller) brother to this new SVS sub... just all pumped up by a year at the gym. It's the same only bigger, the PB10-NSD... but "Supersized" (no added fat or calories however). A massive 4" port where the PB10-NSD gets by with a 3" one, that big proprietary SVS 12" NSD woofer, and a cabinet so big and robust we packed in two intricately machined and computer designed braces inside, to keep everything sound as a pound. Gone is the traditional, but heavy, SVS signature base plate -- replaced with a simple front firing layout. Gained is even more enclosure volume, and more room for a longer, deeper breathing port. So, it's everything that the PB10-NSD is, but more of it. It's more quantity to go with all that great quality sound. Over 50% more powerful, the PB12-NSD is THE sub to get when a few more $$ can be milked from the budget, and you have a thirst to fill up a larger room than even the talented PB10-NSD can fill.

And because we long discovered a "black" finish is perfect, only until it's not, we're offering 3 designer colors including the debut of sterling silver. Fact is, in much of the world, "silver is the new black" and one look around your own rooms, a silver plasma screens, silver DVD players and silver Tivo machines you might start to agree.

Partner up a PB12-NSD with our amazing SBS-01 speaker systems (also coming in white and silver to join traditional black) and you save even more on the rock bottom $600 price. All bundled up with the bookshelves and center you'll swear the new sub was cut from the same cloth as the speakers and it's smaller PB10-NSD sibling.

We would say, say "if you find a better sub for $600... buy it" blah blah blah ...but we know how immodest and disingenuous that would be. We're honest to a fault around here, but we're also well aware, that at this price point (special 220V, CE approved export model prices will be higher), there IS no better sub for $600. Not for music, not for movies, not for nothing. Last we checked, no would-be competitors here were even close.

Pre-orders start in a couple days, with shipping expected in mid/late August. Limited quantities of the (dare we say it?) "Classic" PB12-NSD are still available, but won't last long.

Tomorrow? Our first look at the long-awaited SBS-01 speakers (and the packages of course) in room-hanging friendly Cream White and Sterling Silver to match the same finishes as the latest PB10-NSD and PB12-NSD.

Saturday, 10 June, 2006: PB10-NSD. Pre-orders at hand, and much more.

We've been trickling a few out with 5.1 and 7.1 SBS-01 surround sound speaker packages, but now you can get the newly updated PB10-NSD with a stand-alone order. Black will begin shipping during the week of 26 June, so get your order in soon to snag one of the first. Cream White and newly minted Sterling Silver are in pre-order status, and should ship in early August (and as many have asked, decorator-friendly White and Silver versions SBS-01 speakers will be right behind those). Go here for more on this update to a modern SVS classic, the PB10-NSD.

On the pre-order horizon? How about a totally revamped PB12-NSD with styling that mirrors the PB10-NSD? Also, sporting Charcoal Black, White and Silver, the new PB12-NSD (still priced at $600) will have deeper tuning than its predecessor design, and will be the natural upgrade sub for SBS-01 package customers who want even more kick than the PB10-NSD can provide (which is pretty substantial already). Look for pre-orders on this killer new entry level SVS sub in a week or so, along with the first sneak peak photos. Our growing export Dealers throughout Europe and Australia will see this sub coming too, where it will bring unprecedented performance to an affordable price point.

No "Ginsu" knives ... but wait... there is more: The long awaited SB12-Plus is coming to pre-orders soon. Small, affordable and with performance that will (shocker) set a new standard in price/performance in the micro-class of subwoofers, it's probably the most anticipated new SVS product in years. A mere 14" sealed cube with a slick custom grill and simple, elegant styling, it will offer virtually every control and hookup option we've crammed into a sub, and then some. While still eschewing those gimmicky features in search of a problem, the SB12-Plus packs depth and linearity you formerly couldn't find unless spending far more. Coming in two kinds of black and three wood finishes, this over-achiever will range from $700 to $800. If you need small, but always craved the superlative music and movie performance of a real subwoofer (truth be told, few in the micro-class really rise to the definition) ... help is arriving in the form of the first really compact SVS sub. Pre-orders planned for July, with shipping expected in late August or early September. Like the PB12-NSD, this new SVS sub will also be available to our overseas customers.

With all this you might think there's no more to give. However, the MTS-01 mid-level speaker packages are still very hot in development. While probably slipping towards the end of the year, the refinement and sheer performance of current prototypes has SVS R/D Chief Tom Vodhanel pretty excited (and old-timers know that's not easy to achieve). More news as it develops on the MTS-01 set, but you can see the pace of product development at SVS is pretty relentless, with the customer the ultimate beneficiary.

Friday, 26 May, 2006: PB10-NSD. Memorial day surprise.

You probably guessed this was coming, though the details might surprise long-time SVS fans (and confound competitors alike). The New SVS 10" woofer (below) is indeed slated to be built in-house, along side other models, such as the new 12" NSD, and Plus 12.3 woofer. But here's the surprise: We're quite happy to announce this coming component merely matches the storied performance of its predecessor, the 10" ISD (built exclusively for SVS by long-time supplier TC-Sounds). Fortunately for us no subs sold in the US ever came close the the 10" ISD, so the dominance continues, but with a change in model name and some cosmetics.

When you have a subwoofer as good as the PB10-ISD, sometimes all you can swing for is par (like matching Tiger Woods on your typical 18 hole pro-course if you will). We're ambitious at SVS, but experienced enough to know that if your new, somewhat nicer looking woofer... that's built with your own design and under your quality control... is "only" as good as the Tiger Woods of your lineup (that'd be the 10" ISD in this context) you call it a day.

We did all that, and did call it a day just recently with this driver. It won't be shipping to US customers in quantity for some weeks, but since many folks had asked, we felt it time to announce it was coming... after we blow out stocks of the PB10-ISD.

Keen observers will note that the NSD 10" looks quite a lot like the new Plus 12.3 woofer. Even keener observers will remind the first group of observers that the parts mix of the "old" (and still world class) 10" ISD likewise borrowed a bit from the "old" Plus 12.2 woofer (basket design among other things). Of course, most the looks in this case are dominated by the newer, though proudly generic, 12 spoke aluminum basket (one of the few components not custom designed for this update). Given the guts of the woofer and overall design and costing parameters however, it's again like its predecessor 10" ISD, and keeps the entry level nomenclature (and off the map performance).

So, what about the "Classic" PB10-ISD then? It's in stock, and it'll soldier on till we're out (with only black and white still in stock). But, because we know some folks might be looking for a bit of incentive NOT to wait that long to buy... and finally grab the SVS they'd long aspired to, we're making our last production run irresistible with an unprecedented $50 rebate applied when you buy (which also was applied to those few customers, shipping now, who'd been backordered on black). Don't call it a sale. You know the drill: "SVS doesn't have sales because our subs already outgun and outnumber every OEM's slate of subwoofers, typically at a fraction of the price". Nope, it's not a sale. Call it a "transitional blowout/clearance". A farewell to the sub that put SVS on top of the entry level market overnight, pretty much everywhere in the world (it's one of SVS's growing list of export models too). Even though the PB10-NSD will carry on in the same tradition, we're genuinely celebratory about the ability to put the few remaining PB10-ISD's into folks' homes for $379, (plus shipping, naturally).

When its shipping (in probably the late July/early August timeframe), the updated PB10-NSD will be at the merely outstanding price of $429.

So if you were looking for the subwoofer already unmatched under $500. If you simply refuse to pay "full price" on anything; and you were waiting in vain for that SVS sale (the sort other brands never seem to cease), well this is as close as you are likely to come for a long time. Order one of the PB10-ISD's still in stock (again, only white and black) and it'll ship in a day or two. Starting next week however, pre-order a PB10-NSD, and you'll have to hunker down for a wait of a month, maybe two while we gear up production. Given pending resumption of the $429 price, and the fact performance changes are nil, we know what smart shoppers will do (buy two of the PB10-ISD and pocket $100 probably).

Sunday, 21 May, 2006: If you gotta have it, you gotta have it (or them).

At long last, the guys and gals not content with a merely world-class subwoofer, can get the parts needed to upgrade still further. While evolutionary improvements, the new Plus 12.3 and NSD woofers will provide new power, durability and typically better real-world in-room response. The harder you push your system the more you'll hear and feel the differences.

Try one (or if you have a dual driver sub or subs... two) and if you aren't fully convinced in 45 days, return them for a refund, as with all our products. You even get an added 3 years of warranty on your woofer by virtue of this swap. If there's a bigger bargain in audio, we're not aware of it. These prices ($79 for the NSD and just $99 for the Plus 12.3) will not last long. They are clear "loss leaders" for a short pre-order period only. We aim to show to those customers quick on the draw, that SVS not only designs great woofers (as we've done for some time in partner with outside suppliers), but we can design and build them right in our own Ohio factory. It's a move towards "vertical integration" that's been coming for years at SVS, even though it runs counter to the industry trend to build virtually nothing in your own factory, much less here in the US.

Seconds into the first movie or music CD you will know that incredibly we outdid the woofers that hadn't yet been matched by anyone in our respective price points as it was.

Shipping should start in the first week of July for the Plus 12.3 and just a week later for the NSD. No charge till they ship, but prices will go up as indicated on their pages immediately thereafter, (still an affordable $129 for the NSD and $169 for the Plus 12.3).

Read more and order the Plus 12.3 woofer here. And the NSD here.

Wednesday, 17 May, 2006: Upgraders, unite.

It's not easy being top dog.  You introduce one woofer after another, and darn if they don't prove just as popular, and more so, than their outstanding predecessors.  We've been chasing demand for these new SVS-built woofers with various shipping products ever since they were introduced last month.   This weekend, finally, owners of those predecessor 12" ISD and Plus woofers will be able to pre-order the newly released performance upgrades that replace those stalwarts.  The 12" NSD (replacing the ISD) and the Plus 12.3 woofer (replacing all earlier generations of Plus woofers) will be available during the pre-order phase for a mere $79 and $99 respectively.  Purchase links will be enabled this weekend and these artificially low prices will be in effect till shipping starts around the first week of July for the Plus 12.3 woofer and the following week on the NSD woofers.

Stay tuned to the News page here for those links, which should be published before Monday.

Friday, 21 APR, 2006: NSD 12" Woofer Steps to the Front.

Well, its somewhat more sophisticated brother (the Plus 12.3 woofer, introduced last week below) might have been first out of the gate; but the NSD, replacing the venerable ISD woofer this month, takes no guff from anyone. Lots of products have been trotted out here and there as "SVS killers", but none reckoned on this new driver ratcheting up the performance bar for affordable subwoofers, again. Painstakingly born out of our newly established woofer R/D and production areas, NSD subwoofers are destined to be what the competition is chasing for quite a while, even though none seriously challenged even our "old"
ISD based products. When a woofer like the NSD eschews all but basic cosmetic touches, it's got to get by on best-in-class performance instead.

No problems in that department. Because the NSD had a lot to live up to (the ISD was arguably the best in the world in its class already), we took this new woofer's development as seriously as any project we've ever begun. Rest assured, this NSD is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, and is true to its legacy... in fact, it's so good we knew the redesigned Plus 12.3 woofer had to debut about the same time just to earn its own place in the SVS arsenal. How good is it? Despite us holding the line on price, when similarly configured, the NSD virtually matches the performance of the last generation Plus driver (known as the dB12.2 while it was in production).

Compared to the ISD, this new SVS woofer has better efficiency (to more fully exploit the famed 320 watt BASH amp it's typically paired with)... improved frequency response for greater mid/high bass headroom... and more excursion for overall performance even the latest generation ISD woofer can't touch. You know great performance is nothing if it doesn't go the distance however, and the NSD is another SVS tour de force in the durability department: Dual spiders with integrated tinsel leads, high-tech NBR surround, state-of-the-art adhesives, hand-built construction (in our Ohio factory), and virtually every component custom designed in-house over a grueling period of both instrumented and subjective testing. Nothing that could help performance (without blowing the budget) was left out, and nothing that didn't help performance was put in.

While our Canadian-built BASH amps in our PCi and Powered Box (PB) subs carry over, the heart of these subwoofers has been transplanted with one exceeding every goal set for it by our development team more than a year ago. Shipping instead of ISD woofers for over two weeks already, we once again quietly slipped this stealthy powerhouse into production without any long hype-filled build-up or interminable wait. We're convinced it's the best driver you can get in the tough $550-$700 price point of entry level single driver subwoofers. What it does for your sound you simply won't believe. To our way of thinking at SVS, what a company creates for customers seeking "cost no object" products is certainly important ; but what you do for the rank and file that spend 600 hard-earned dollars had better be equally special.

NSD products are so special, that in the days ahead you'll see storied and award-winning SVS subwoofer names go by the wayside. Gone will be the PB12-ISD, gone the "ISD/V" and "ISD/2". Enter the PB12-NSD/V, the PB12-NSD/2 etc. Of course our trend-setting Powered Cylinder (PCi) subs will feature NSD power as well (though not having the woofer version integrated in their model nomenclature, they carry over their SVS subwoofer family name unchanged).

Naturally, the quickest way to get the latest hardware is with and order for these new subwoofers and speaker packages, now shipping daily. But, "upgraders", the guys and gals that simply want the latest hardware? Of course we'll not leave you in the cold. Bolt-in NSD performance will be yours, should you choose. Once full production is achieved next month, we'll enable pre-order links so you can get your NSD too. We've long supported efforts to keep your SVS products current with what's rolling off the line today, and the NSD will join such Genuine SVS Parts, (but still available only to genuine owners).

As with the coming Plus 12.3 woofer upgrades mentioned below, look for pre-orders to start as soon as mid-May, with shipping targeted for mid-June. Read more about the NSD on any of the revised product pages now featuring this latest SVS designed and built woofer... like our famous PCi subs here.

For the terminally tech oriented customer (you know who you are):

SVS designed, US-built, high-temp aluminum voice coil with Mil-spec polyimide insulation

Double-stacked, select-grade ferrite magnet

Dual, progressive custom spiders with integrated tinsel leads

Heavy-gauge, deep-stamped steel basket

High-excursion, custom NBR surround (Nitrile Buna-N Rubber)

High-strength/low-mass polypropylene SVS cone with inverted dust cap

Polyamide former/bobbin for max temp tolerance

Low-carbon 1008 steel single-piece T-Yoke and gap plate (electrophoresis finish)

Absolute highest quality acrylic adhesives used throughout

Extra-high efficiency, extended long throw design

Friday, 14 April, 2006 A new era for SVS woofers. The heart of your next sub?

SVS has long done things a bit differently than other speaker companies. Sadly, the all-too-common trend in the industry is to make things as cheaply as possible, wherever it takes, to garner the most profit possible along the way. Anyone that knows SVS knows we like to make a fair profit as much as the next guys, but what really gets us jazzed during our product planning? Simply making the best performing speakers and subs possible... so there's never any serious question about who's number one in any given price point. As a company, this means you are either always improving, and keeping the competition off balance... or else, that sound you hear might be the "other guys" taking top honors somewhere. The new Plus 12.3 woofer is evidence we can keep a secret and provide people even more performance than they even bargained for. "Vaporware" is something we avoid like the plague. Instead, we prefer to slip in new and improved stuff, and tell people about it later. You get what you pay for at SVS, and oft times, more.

Shipping for a month now, unbeknownst to most recent Plus subwoofer customers, this new driver started life with a clean sheet of paper ... and wasn't done till it really was better than its forebear. As usual around here, we figured final cost after the deign was done. Cost is, and always will be, the last consideration with a new design. If being the top performing audio product for the money is your goal, this is as it should be.

Naturally, we've had beta-testers and a whole host of beating on this SVS built, SVS designed gem for months longer than that. As we say in our product pages, when you have the performance of the predecessor Plus 12.2 woofer as the mark on the wall, you have your hands full, but this woofer is an unmistakable improvement in every regard. Not least of which we feel are its sophisticated good looks, and even better durability. Two years in the making, affordable subwoofers just got better with our Plus products.

Our entire first production run has come and gone but all Plus subs will resume shipping again around the 24th of April and we'll endeavor to keep the pipeline full after that.