Thinking of hitting the button on an SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer - other options?

[Rotor]

Thinking of picking up an SVS 3000 Micro to go with my B&W 706 S2 stand-mount speakers. (The speakers may be upgraded to the KEF R3 Meta's in the future)

Is there another sub in the same price range which I should also consider?

I like the functionality of the accompanying app. Being able to make crossover changes in the listening position is something I like. But is this a 'musical' sub that pairs well with mid-range bookshelf/stand-mounts?

 

[staticV3]

Do you need the compact size of the 3000 Micro?

If not, then your money would be better spent on a larger sub as you'd get cleaner, deeper output that way.

 

[Rotor]

I actually don't need the compact size, but I had the feeling that it would provide all the bass I am likely to need/want and the compact size was nice. The gloss finish also matches my 706's (or future R3 Meta's).

My main priority is musicality. So, quality over quantity.
What might you suggest that is a bit larger?

I did notice the SB-2000 Pro, which is around the same price. Would it be a less 'musical' sounding subwoofer?

 

[Mort]

But is this a 'musical' sub that pairs well with mid-range bookshelf/stand-mounts?

No, more of a major compromise for when space is the paramount factor. It's definitely not a 'musical' subwoofer if that means reproducing bass content. It's got many limitations.

 

[staticV3]

I actually don't need the compact size, but I had the feeling that it would provide all the bass I am likely to need/want and the compact size was nice. The gloss finish also matches my 706's (or future R3 Meta's).

My main priority is musicality. So, quality over quantity.
What might you suggest that is a bit larger?

I did notice the SB-2000 Pro, which is around the same price. Would it be a less 'musical' sounding subwoofer?

what robs subs of "musicality" are room modes.

Put the sub outside so there are no room modes and all subs will be musical.

High-pass the sub so that your room modes aren't triggered and again: all subs will be musical.

Get a larger sub that plays deeper and you'll have a slightly more difficult time to integrate it into your system and room to make it sound musical, but no matter how large:
with the right technique it can be musical.

Or just buy a smaller sub to save yourself the effort, but in turn you get less impactful bass.

Just know that musicality is not a function inherent to a certain subwoofer model.

 

[Rotor]

I came across a good price on an Elac RS700 and went with that. 12" sealed, class H amplification, and DSP room correction capabilities built in. On paper, this looks like a good solution. Definitely a different sub to the Micro 3000.

Varro | Subwoofer | RS700 | Best Audiophile Speakers

Elac - The life of sound | Best Audiophile Speakers

elac.com

 

[Willem]

In real life the best sub is two (or more) subs, plus dsp room eq. The problem with low frequencies is room modes: large peaks and dips in response, due to resonances at the frequencies related to the room's dimenions. Such room modes overwhelm any sonic differences between subs. Multiple subs allow you to smoothen the response across a wider listening position and to benefit more from dsp room equalization. Two mono subs is the minimum, and four is the practical maximum.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I agree with @staticV3, I bought 2 3000 Micros this time last year and I've managed to EQ them in my room to have a decent frequency response and they start to roll off around 28hz with a steep drop around 24hz. I would buy bigger subs today, I have just bought 2 SVS 1000 (non pro) for a discount and these 4 subs will be used in my "second" system and I'll be buying 4 RSL Speedwoofer 12s for my main system in the new year.

Now that I have a Denon 3800H and Dirac ART, I'm never going back to 1 subwoofer and will always have at least 2 but preferably 4 subwoofers.

 

[diablo]

I actually don't need the compact size, but I had the feeling that it would provide all the bass I am likely to need/want and the compact size was nice. The gloss finish also matches my 706's (or future R3 Meta's).

My main priority is musicality. So, quality over quantity.
What might you suggest that is a bit larger?

I did notice the SB-2000 Pro, which is around the same price. Would it be a less 'musical' sounding subwoofer?

I have both the SB3000 Micro and the 2000 Pro. The 2000 is the a better sub in my opinion. Less distortion and goes deeper and louder of course.
I used the 3000 Micro in my bedroom for a while but have replaced it with a KEF KC62 - which is better sounding - though more expensive and no SVS app.

 

[Oddball]

SVS 3000 is a great sub for the money. I had it as addition to my center speaker for a while and it was working pretty well.

Depending of the room and positioning, it can go pretty loud up to 30hz. What matters is what you are looking for. If you are looking for 20hz, then the meaningful move would be to PB 4000 or above that range - which would give you 20hz or potentially lower at usable (100dB+) SPL. I would definitely not go with KEF - great tech but overpriced for the FQ range they are offering.

 

[Willem]

You can only have two out of three: power and extension, size, and price. Compact subs have to use expensive technologies like dual opposed drivers to make up for their size. But if you live in an expensive but small appartment in places like New York or Paris, spending more on a smaller sub makes sense. In any case, I would never again opt for a single sub as two smaller ones will sound better than one large one.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

If size is not an issue, Monoprice's Monolith is to be considered. The Performance to Price ratio is excellent. They currently have the Monolith M-12 V2 12in THX a superb performer superior in many aspects to the highly potent SVS PB2000 Pro, for <$600...
Not a fan of the SVS3000 micro. There are much better subs at its price... Only redeeming aspects are decent performances for the size

 

[chilort]

I've listened to several of the SVS subs and the micros are not musical at all. I refer to them as "little growl boxes." Neat idea but I'm not a fan

 

[Mort]

Better than nothing with small desktop speakers. Occasionally they are useful for room nulls.

It's really just a woofer.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

Better than nothing with small desktop speakers. Occasionally they are useful for room nulls.

It's really just a woofer.

I've got some frequency response measurements in REW from A1 Evo Express for my 2 SVS 3000 Micros. I'll double check, I wouldn't call them just a woofer if I remember correctly.

 

[Golfx]

If you do not mind spending extra for better quality Perlisten makes a compact 8 inch sub with 28mm excursion that is receiving excellent reviews. They also have larger sizes.

R8s subwoofer

R-Series subs - Trickle down technology from our flagship D-Series, we’ve developed a lineup of single driver-based subwoofers

www.perlistenaudio.com

 

[Mort]

I've got some frequency response measurements in REW from A1 Evo Express for my 2 SVS 3000 Micros. I'll double check, I wouldn't call them just a woofer if I remember correctly.

Yes it's an exaggeration, especially with room modes and DSP in the equation.

 

[MrPotatoHead]

In real life the best sub is two (or more) subs, plus dsp room eq.

It looks like OP already found a solution... but is it a good idea to augment what's built into an AVR for more control and flexibility? Would it go something like:

• AVR sub out (full range?) --> Minidsp --> subwoofer(s)

 

[DSJR]

what robs subs of "musicality" are room modes.

Put the sub outside so there are no room modes and all subs will be musical.

High-pass the sub so that your room modes aren't triggered and again: all subs will be musical.

Get a larger sub that plays deeper and you'll have a slightly more difficult time to integrate it into your system and room to make it sound musical, but no matter how large:
with the right technique it can be musical.

Or just buy a smaller sub to save yourself the effort, but in turn you get less impactful bass.

Just know that musicality is not a function inherent to a certain subwoofer model.

In a subjective sense, I have to disagree here...

Once upon a time, REL introduced some smaller black-crackle-finish subs intended for AV systems. the 'Bass' as such was thumpy, tuneless and fine for explosions, but utterly useless for music as in synth keyboards or bass guitar lower notes. The proper large RELs were superb however, I recall. M&K and Jamo also made small subs and these could be set up well to 'augment' the performance of a smaller speaker.

Obviously, I have no tech data to back up what we heard back then, but to blankly state that all subs will be the same if set up right I simply cannot agree with. Something else from a few years later - a proper test done of various subs and it was deeply alarming how little high-pass some of the cheaper subs had. Even set to the lowest frequency high-pass, the models tested (I can't remember them all now, but a serious culprit was the original large and expensive Linn one), had a fair output at 100Hz and over, the Linn up to 400hz I seem to recall.

Today, maybe the comments above simply don't apply. Erin did some tests a few years back which may offer a little help, but he's stopped adding to his website and I can't trawl through a lengthy 'wordy' YouTube post (apologies Erin, but I just can't)...

 

[Mr. Reeee]

Thinking of picking up an SVS 3000 Micro to go with my B&W 706 S2 stand-mount speakers. (The speakers may be upgraded to the KEF R3 Meta's in the future)

Is there another sub in the same price range which I should also consider

Take a look at the KEF KC62.
They’re excellent and producing surprisingly deep bass given their size.
They’re worth considering especially if you’re considering upgrading your B&W to KEF R3 Meta at some point.

I like the functionality of the accompanying app. Being able to make crossover changes in the listening position is something I like. But is this a 'musical' sub that pairs well with mid-range bookshelf/stand-mounts?

I’m using 2 KC62s with KEF LS60 Wireless speakers. Fantastic! No doubt.
I tried one with my KEF LSX. Worked great.
The KEF app is great. Setup and adjustments are simple and easy.

If you can swing it, two subs is definitely the way to go!

When I added a second sub to my LS60 setup, the difference was immediate and dramatic.
Not only more bass and more articulated bass, but much more musical detail and the soundstage opened up quite a bit.

I listen to mainly classical music, all periods and genres.
Lots of complex orchestral music (Mahler, Bruckner, Shostakovich, Bartók), choral (Franco-Flemish polyphony), chamber, keyboards (organ, harpsichord, piano) and opera (Wagner, Verdi, Rameau), etc. Also jazz and (non-amplified) world music. So, it’s an extremely musical setup.