SVS 13-Ultra Amplifier Upgrade Kit

[Richx200]

I have two SB 13 Ultras and have been thinking about the SVS amp upgrade $400.00 @. I attached the specs of each amplifier. They are both Sledge amps with the upgrade being 1200 watts and stock amp 1000 watts, There is also a calibration upgrade that allows the speaker to be adjusted from a phone. I did read some reviews that claimed better, tighter bass and easier adjustments. I wouldn't mind the cost of the upgrade if it adds value.

Were the SVS 13 Ultra subwoofers under powered and needed the upgrade, or was the selling point the calibration ?

Has anyone made the upgrade or researched this upgrade, is it worthwhile ?

 

[dfiler]

It will be completely inaudible. 1000 vs 1200 is an indistinguishable amount of power. There is no difference in audio quality.

Source, I have both a PC13 and a PC4000. The amp on my PC13 died so I replaced it. Even with my anecdotal story, the specs show that there is no audible difference. There is no distortion that will be eliminated by the new amp and the power difference is trivial. Remember, it takes double the power to gain 3dB.

That said, it does provide configuration via the phone app. I kind of appreciate being able to level match between the PC13 and PC4000. Though they do have slightly different drivers. The rest of the app sits unused since I'm running Dirac live bass control.

More important than any of this is placement in the room. Moving the sub even 3 inches has a larger impact than the difference in these two amps. Literally, placement has a much larger impact.

 

[haris525]

I did this upgrade, went from 800w to 1200w, I did notice a difference. Maybe a 1 to 1.5db. I am very sensitive to bass, so to make sure I tested with an audio meter, and yes there was a difference. The difference was more pronounced with dynamic drops in movies. Maybe because I upgraded 2 subs? I am not sure. But overall I like the change. Biggest thing is the app, these subs are heavy, so controlling them via the app is pretty amazing. Be careful with the screws as with both of my subs they were super tight, and I though I would break the heads.

 

[Hayabusa]

The sledge amp has one drawback: it has a noise gate build in that is audible in low volume situations.
I my case this was audible when using a high x-over frequency.

 

[dfiler]

I did this upgrade, went from 800w to 1200w, I did notice a difference. Maybe a 1 to 1.5db. I am very sensitive to bass, so to make sure I tested with an audio meter, and yes there was a difference. The difference was more pronounced with dynamic drops in movies. Maybe because I upgraded 2 subs? I am not sure. But overall I like the change. Biggest thing is the app, these subs are heavy, so controlling them via the app is pretty amazing. Be careful with the screws as with both of my subs they were super tight, and I though I would break the heads.

What do you mean by 1 to 1.5dB? Are you saying that you're playing these subs at maximum volume without clipping?

If not, simply turning up the old amp achieves audibly identical sound.

 

[Richx200]

It will be completely inaudible. 1000 vs 1200 is an indistinguishable amount of power. There is no difference in audio quality.

Source, I have both a PC13 and a PC4000. The amp on my PC13 died so I replaced it. Even with my anecdotal story, the specs show that there is no audible difference. There is no distortion that will be eliminated by the new amp and the power difference is trivial. Remember, it takes double the power to gain 3dB.

That said, it does provide configuration via the phone app. I kind of appreciate being able to level match between the PC13 and PC4000. Though they do have slightly different drivers. The rest of the app sits unused since I'm running Dirac live bass control.

More important than any of this is placement in the room. Moving the sub even 3 inches has a larger impact than the difference in these two amps. Literally, placement has a much larger impact.

I did read forum reviews that said the upgrade provide a cleaner, more punchy sound. If that isn't the case, then I would be buying the upgrades for the app.