PB-12/Plus-2 - PB-12/Ultra-2 comparisons?

[Smurfin]

Does anyone know if there have been any direct comparisons between the Plus and the Ultra 2s? Having owned both but in different flavours and different rooms (and the listening being weeks apart), I'm not really in a position to have a definitive idea. I personally felt there was a slightly different tone, but my view is totally coloured and subjective due to not being able to do a side by side comparison.

I know SVS basically say the Ultra offers more headroom and clean output, but with monster subs like these, in a reasonably sized UK living room, does this really make a difference?

If there IS anyone who's done a comparison or knows of any links then it would be much appreciated

Cheers
Matt

 

[Mroizouk]

This review is the closest I've found to such a comparison. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_3/svs-pb2-ultra-subwoofer-9-2004.html

 

[Smurfin]

Thanks

 

[Ettepet]

Another "half" comparison would be:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?postid=2248517#post2248517

I know SVS basically say the Ultra offers more headroom and clean output, but with monster subs like these, in a reasonably sized UK living room, does this really make a difference?

Having owned both I would say a definite: Yes.

I discovered from the first day on that my current Ultra/2 performs with noticable more ease. To what extend the extra weight and slightly different frequency curve of the Ultra/2 plays a part I have no idea. Even at lower volumes it produces a more 'confident' sound. Unfortunately there was a full week in between selling one and buying the other, so I never had them running together to compare them thoroughly.

 

[Nimby]

Were you using both at the same tuning point? (number of plugs)

Nimby

 

[Ettepet]

Were you using both at the same tuning point? (number of plugs)

Sure. As the topic opener here, I was very interested in the differences between the two. At that time I had two port-plugs, and "elaborate" settings on my BFD to optimize performance (tried out the other configurations too of course). The last few months I decided on only one port-block, and just 4 BFD-adjustments, and haven't been happier since.

As far as I could tell "tuning" had nothing to do with it.

 

[Nimby]

Bear with me.

The number of plugs in place would affect the ability of a sub to "breathe more easily". It is well known that the higher tunings of multi-port SV Subs always produces the most output. While plugging ports lowers the tune and increases output at lower frequncies. But it also reduces output at higher frquencies and on loud peaks. So, no free subwoofer lunch for T-Rex if his mouth is already full.

Subjectively and on test, the more open ports, the greater dynamic range and the higher the peak SPLs. Which would surely sound like a more powerful sub to the listener? I've read elsewhere that the best tuning is often the middle one. With only one of the three ports plugged. Best of both worlds really. A bit more LF reach without losing too much output where it matters.

Just thinking aloud. It might be all complete cobblers.

Nimby

 

[Diamond]

Putting weight on top of it might also better the sound? The weight difference is there.

 

[Ilkka R]

Does anyone know if there have been any direct comparisons between the Plus and the Ultra 2s? Having owned both but in different flavours and different rooms (and the listening being weeks apart), I'm not really in a position to have a definitive idea.
Cheers
Matt

Didn't you have the PB2+ and then PCU, but not the PB2-Ultra?

 

[Smurfin]

Yes I did, by "different flavours" I meant I've owned subs with both drivers but different models...i.e PB2+ and PCU.