Update: SVS officially released its new 17-Ultra R|Evolution Series Subwoofers on October 1, 2024. Final specifications and new photos have been added to the article.
Speaker maker SVS likes to surprise its fans and customers with new products at trade shows like CES and CEDIA Expo. At CES 2024, it was their new flagship speaker line, the Ultra Evolution series. This week at CEDIA Expo 2024 in Denver, the company showed off their latest surprise: a 17-inch beast of a subwoofer that can extend all the way down to 12 Hz (±3dB) in its ported version and 15 Hz in the smaller sealed version.
Note: the company initially claimed a low frequency response of 8 Hz on the ported version and 11 Hz on the sealed version, but the productions versions are rated down to 12 Hz with two ports open (ported version) and 15 Hz for the sealed version, each at -3dB.
The new models are the SB17 Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer ($2,499) for the sealed version and the PB17 Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer ($2,999) for the larger ported version. We’ll refer to them as Ultra Revolution because it’s simpler. Apparently they were going to name them Ultra Evolution to match the flagship speaker line but some car audio company claimed a copyright on that term so they made a last-minute change.
While the human ear only perceives sound down to about 20 Hz, sounds in nature can extend below that and a subwoofer that can extend below the reach of human hearing can create a more impactful bass experience that you can not just hear but feel in your core.
We got to hear a demo of the ported version and the bass was not just extended but tuneful and precise. Stereo music tracks and immersive Dolby Atmos movie clips took on a new dimension of realism and impact with a pair of the 17-inch subs joining the new Ultra Evolution loudspeakers in an impressive-sounding 5.2.2 channel home theater set up.
Both versions of the Ultra Revolution sub use the same all-new 17-inch driver, DSP and amplifier platform. The subs feature dual voice coils and each voice coil has its own dedicated amplifier for a true dual mono design. The DSP (digital signal processing) on each sub is optimized for the specific enclosure type (ported or sealed) with five times the processing power of its predecessor. And each sub features fully regulated power supplies.
At the show, the company hadn’t provided final specifications, but we are including what was printed on their sign (above). These specs are subject to change as the unit goes into production. Production specs are included below.
- High-excursion 17″ SVS driver with dual 8″ voice coil design
- 2,800 Watt RMS, 6,000 Watt Peak Power with Discrete MOSFET Output*
- SVS Auto Room Correction with Outboard Microphone
- Subwoofer Control Smartphone app with 6 PEQs, custom presets and advanced calibration tools.
* Final amplifier power specifications have not been released due to new FTC requirements. However, we’re told power is considerably more than 16-Ultra subwoofers.
According to SVS CEO Gary Yacoubian, “The outcome of all this design and development is the deepest low frequency extension we’ve ever had in a subwoofer as well as the highest output, but still with the same delicacy, refinement and musicality that our customers have come to expect from SVS.”
The 17-Ultra Revolution subwoofers will be the company’s first to support Auto Room EQ, so they’ll reach their peak performance in your specific listening room, living room or home theater. This may not be delivered at launch but will likely come in a future app update. SVS says that future subwoofer products will also feature Auto Room EQ.
Specifications (Updated for Final Production):
| SB17 | PB17 | |
| MSRP | $2,499 | $2,999 |
| Cabinet Configuration | Sealed | Ported |
| Driver Size | 17″ | 17″ |
| Amplifier | STA-2800 Class D | STA-2800 Class D |
| Useable Low Frequency Extension (-3dB) | 15 Hz | 12 Hz (extended mode, two ports open) 14 Hz (standard mode, all ports open) |
| Max Low Frequency Output at 30Hz | 132.3 dB | 137.1 dB |
| Frequency Response ±3dB | 15Hz to 320Hz | 14Hz to 220 Hz (standard mode, all ports open) 12Hz to 220 Hz (extended mode – two ports open) |
| Port Size | N/A | 3 x 4″ |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR, IR, USB (for wireless transmitter) | RCA, XLR, IR, USB (for wireless transmitter) |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA |
| Standby Mode | yes | yes |
| Low Pass Control | yes | yes |
| Low Pass Slope | 6dB, 12dB, 18dB or 24dB / octave | 6dB, 12dB, 18dB or 24dB / octave |
| Phase Control | 0 – 180 degrees continuous | 0 – 180 degrees continuous |
| Parametric Equalizer | yes | yes |
| Room Gain Compensation | yes | yes |
| Grille Material | Fabric Mesh | Fabric Mesh |
| 5 Year Unconditional Warranty | yes | yes |
| Lifetime Tech Support | yes | yes |
| Finish | Gloss Black, Black Oak | Gloss Black, Black Oak |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (H x W x D) | 20″ x 19.5″ x 21.2″ | 25″ x 21.7″ x 29.3″ |
| Weight | 124 lbs | 164.7 lbs |
Price & Availability
The new SVS 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers are available to order as of October 1, 2024 at the following prices:
- SB17 – $2,499 at SVS (sealed)
- PB17 – $2,999 at SVS (ported)
Tip: SVS 17-Ultra subwoofers replace the 16-Ultra subwoofers (2016 models), which could go on sale to clear out inventory.
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