Official Power Sound Audio Thread.

[timcat4843]

Originally Posted by Tom V.

Few options come to mind.

1)Add two more XS15se. Assuming system optimization you'll likely see a smoothing effect as well as a 4-6dB gain in headroom from 10-100hz.

2)Add two XS30se. Same as above but you'll gain 6-8dB in headroom.

3)Add two S3000i. Same as above but you'll gain 8-9dB in headroom.

4)Add two T-18s. Same as above but you'll gain 11-14dB in headroom.

I'm thinking option 2 may be the best value while also allowing you to experience something a little more powerful than the XS15se as well.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

Thanks for all the different options Tom.
Option 2 looks pretty tempting.

Decisions, decisions...

[Tom V.]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Thanks for all the different options Tom.
Option 2 looks pretty tempting.

Decisions, decisions...

Be sure to contact me before ordering. IIRC you aren't too far from our shop so we can likely discount the pricing for you a bit more than 5%.

Thanks,

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

[Mike7300]

I am considering the S3000i and the SVS SB13 Ultra. Can i please get some information as to why the S3000i would be a better choice?

Thank you

[schan1269]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

I am considering the S3000i and the SVS SB13 Ultra. Can i please get some information as to why the S3000i would be a better choice?

Thank you

PSA...

100% NA sourced(I would say just US, but pretty sure icepower is/was B&O which is Canadian, maybe???).

[Tom V.]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

I am considering the S3000i and the SVS SB13 Ultra. Can i please get some information as to why the S3000i would be a better choice?

Thank you

1)The XS15se($799 including shipping) and the SB13ultra offer just about identical performance. This has been documented here.

http://www.data-bass.com/home

2)The S3000i extends much deeper than the XS15se

3)The S3000i has about 2.5x (7-8dB) more headroom or clean output capabilities.

4)The S3000i includes a "room size" control that will allow the user to customize the deep bass rolloff to match their specific room environment.

5)All Power Sound Audio products are built in the USA versus china(svs). For those that don't believe this makes any difference. Pop a woofer out of a S3000i and look inside. Then compare that to a mass produced chinese product. You might be surprised..

Also, we offer a 30 day trial period with free shipping both ways. So you can audition our products entirely risk free.


Compared to the sb13u, the S3000i will extend deeper, and have significantly more headroom(you'd need 2 or 3 ultras to match the single S3000i). I think you would find the overall sound quality to be similar---at least until the sb13u approached its output limits. At that point the S3000i would have a clear advantage.

As noted above, if you are looking for similar performance to the sb13u, the XS15se at $799 is the better choice imo.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

[Tom V.]

Originally Posted by schan1269

PSA...

100% NA sourced(I would say just US, but pretty sure icepower is/was B&O which is Canadian, maybe???).

B&O headquarters is Denmark. Most of their circuit board production is in SE Asia though. Our amplifiers are assembled in California with some of the circuitry coming from SE Asia and some parts sourced from USA. In time we hope to have anything sourced from USA based vendors but one step at a time..

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

[schan1269]

I knew B&O was Danish(yum...ba dum...bump).

Wasn't sure if Icepower SA was spun off, wholly owned...or what.

I have a couple Beocom in the house. Relics from the days I had landline...

[Mike7300]

Originally Posted by Tom V.

1)The XS15se($799 including shipping) and the SB13ultra offer just about identical performance. This has been documented here.

http://www.data-bass.com/home

2)The S3000i extends much deeper than the XS15se

3)The S3000i has about 2.5x (7-8dB) more headroom or clean output capabilities.

4)The S3000i includes a "room size" control that will allow the user to customize the deep bass rolloff to match their specific room environment.

5)All Power Sound Audio products are built in the USA versus china(svs). For those that don't believe this makes any difference. Pop a woofer out of a S3000i and look inside. Then compare that to a mass produced chinese product. You might be surprised..

Also, we offer a 30 day trial period with free shipping both ways. So you can audition our products entirely risk free.


Compared to the sb13u, the S3000i will extend deeper, and have significantly more headroom(you'd need 2 or 3 ultras to match the single S3000i). I think you would find the overall sound quality to be similar---at least until the sb13u approached its output limits. At that point the S3000i would have a clear advantage.

As noted above, if you are looking for similar performance to the sb13u, the XS15se at $799 is the better choice imo.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

Thanks Tom, so in your opinion the SB is way overpriced for what it does.

[Scarriere]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

Thanks Tom, so in your opinion the SB is way overpriced for what it does.

I wouldn't say over priced, it's still a very good sub from what I've read. Owners are very happy with their purchase.

Myself, I had been considering the SB 2000, but am now trying to decide between the PSA XS15se or the S1500.

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by Scarriere

I wouldn't say over priced, it's still a very good sub from what I've read. Owners are very happy with their purchase.

Myself, I had been considering the SB 2000, but am now trying to decide between the PSA XS15se or the S1500.

One thing to think about, subs usually work better if installed in pairs. Dual subs can fill in the room better than a single sub. Just something to think about in case you plan on having a single sub config.

I have a dual SB2000 set up in my family room, really smooths out the bass. I tried using just a single but it was not the same. I wanted to go with PSA and get a dual XS15SE setup, but they only had satin black finish and I really wanted piano black. While I am happy with my dual SB2000s, I *think* I would be happier with a dual XS15SE set up. If PSA only had more finish options...

[Scarriere]

Originally Posted by ImPulSive

One thing to think about, subs usually work better if installed in pairs. Dual subs can fill in the room better than a single sub. Just something to think about in case you plan on having a single sub config.

I have a dual SB2000 set up in my family room, really smooths out the bass. I tried using just a single but it was not the same. I wanted to go with PSA and get a dual XS15SE setup, but they only had satin black finish and I really wanted piano black. While I am happy with my dual SB2000s, I *think* I would be happier with a dual XS15SE set up. If PSA only had more finish options...

Great point!
I was hoping the SUB 10 I have will play nice with either of the PSA's I am considering. If not, I'll relegate it to the living room while saving for another of the PSA's.
My room is pretty small, so I'm thinking that the single XS15se or S1500 will be more than I need.

Going by your Sig, I wouldn't have any regret at all with the great gear that you're enjoying now!

[Scarriere]

http://www.soundandvision.com/conten...y-home-theater

Funny how I see that minutes after my post.
I also read the same in one of Big Daddys subwoofer threads last night.
Hmmm...

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by Scarriere

Great point!
Going by your Sig, I wouldn't have any regret at all with the great gear that you're enjoying now!

Thanks. One of these days I will get that sig updated. I have a few changes to make to that plus I want to add my family room setup too. Last time I tried to do that there was not enough room in the sig to have both, hit a limit. Maybe that has changed since then? Guess I will find out this weekend, hopefully.

[Mike7300]

Is it a big deal if I have an object about 5 feet directly in front of the sub?
I think that's the only way I could have room for dual subs.

[Tom V.]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

Thanks Tom, so in your opinion the SB is way overpriced for what it does.

Actually, I think it is more accurate to say the XS15se is *way* under priced.

Look at the ML dynamo 1500x and the JL112. Those are about double the price of the XS15se too...and all four subs have VERY similar performance.


But imo there is a lot more to consider with a purchase like this. Build quality, customer service, warranty, and other purchase incentives such as free shipping both ways.

Some prefer to purchase a product made in the USA versus china, for others it isn't a consideration.

All four are very good subs, you really can't go wrong. We do feel being around half price(and made in USA) makes the XS15se a tough to match value though.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

[Tom V.]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

Is it a big deal if I have an object about 5 feet directly in front of the sub?
I think that's the only way I could have room for dual subs.

Not at all. Bass sound waves are very long...20hz is about 55ft for example. They are really affected in the way you're worried about. Remember car bass? Guys put the sub(s) in the trunk and you can hear it fine in the front seats..

Now, the placement of the sub in the room can make a big difference on the quality of bass you'll enjoy at the seating position(s). Dual subs will usually provide a smoothing effect in this regard---taming any room induced peaks or dips.

If you have budget for the SB13u, dual XS15se at $1499 would be another good option to consider.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by Mike7300

Is it a big deal if I have an object about 5 feet directly in front of the sub?
I think that's the only way I could have room for dual subs.

Like Tom has already stated, it should not matter. As for placement and getting the best sound, search for the subwoofer crawl method, if you have the freedom to move your sub(s) around somewhat.

Also I would recommend using REW software along with a decent calibrated microphone. I usually recommend getting the following mic from Parts Express which works well with REW, but you can try others or buy elsewhere. I have the Dayton and it works well, just remember to tun off AGC control in your computer for the mic, and to download and use its calibration file. Behringer is another brand people use.

Dayton Audio UMM-6 USB

Would recommend that you have a mic stand too, makes it easier to place the mic in proper place for measurements.

Using REW can help fine tune the placement of the subs and their phase adjustments and volumes. There are tutorials out there to help with that. I find it useful to do this subwoofer tuning before diving in to calibrate via Audyssey or any other package that is built into your gear. If you are willing to put in the extra work, you will get more out of your subs.

[Spookymulder]

REW is like a rabbit hole though... you've been warned

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by Spookymulder

REW is like a rabbit hole though... you've been warned

Yes, sometimes I curse the day I downloaded and installed it. Ignorance can be bliss sometimes... But after all that, my systems do sound better post REW.

[Mike7300]

Originally Posted by Tom V.

Not at all. Bass sound waves are very long...20hz is about 55ft for example. They are really affected in the way you're worried about. Remember car bass? Guys put the sub(s) in the trunk and you can hear it fine in the front seats..

Now, the placement of the sub in the room can make a big difference on the quality of bass you'll enjoy at the seating position(s). Dual subs will usually provide a smoothing effect in this regard---taming any room induced peaks or dips.

If you have budget for the SB13u, dual XS15se at $1499 would be another good option to consider.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

Would you recommend dual XS15se or one S3000i, and then saving up for another down the road.