SVS Launches New Flagship Subwoofer Series

SVS has announced a new flagship subwoofer series, 17-Ultra R|Evolution. A complete reimagining of subwoofer design for the Ohio-based audio brand, it is the most powerful, sophisticated, and user-friendly SVS subwoofer ever introduced to the consumer market.

SVS 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer series

Starting with the driver, it was a ground-up process engineering the largest, most formidable driver ever deployed in an SVS subwoofer. To ensure stable transfer of electro-magnetic current from the dual mono-amplifier to the 55-pound toroidal ferrite magnet motor, SVS designed the first ever dual 8-inch voice coil, resulting in effortless output with exacting control over the 17-inch driver. Copper clad aluminum voice coil wire combines the best properties of both elements, yielding ideal thermal capacity and magnetic field strength in the motor.

An all new high-excursion 17-inch driver features a glass fiber composite cone, long-throw catenary SBR rubber surround, and toroidal ferrite electromagnetic motor. This combination generates massive sound pressure levels well below the threshold of human hearing (15 Hz for SB17-Ultra and 12 Hz for PB17-Ultra) with frequency response accuracy and acoustic linearity.

SVS 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofer driver - exploded view

Generating the sonic muscle is a unique dual mono-block STA-2800D Class-D amplifier with MOSFET output stage. Each amplifier drives one of the dual voice coils to increase the power into the motor while asserting pinpoint control and maximizing output potential. Eight 60-amp/200-Volt MOSFETs deliver extreme high current for reference-level output with maximum efficiency.

Given the amplifier’s output potential, SVS designers needed an equally capable power supply to accommodate the limits of a typical 15-amp home AC circuit.17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers have an answer for this, too. An onboard AC line conditioner with power factor correction stabilizes the incoming voltage, corrects waveform distortions, and eliminates electromagnetic and radio interference. By doing so, it continuously optimizes signal quality while ensuring the subwoofers remain impervious to voltage fluctuations.

While DSP remains absent from many subwoofers in the market, SVS integrated a sophisticated DSP to optimize all aspects of performance and usability. The 295 MHz Analog Devices DSP orchestrates every function of the amplifier to shape in-room response and stabilize AC voltage delivery while managing a multi-point thermal and current monitoring system for optimal performance and efficiency. In addition, advanced digital audio processing and DACs with 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio provide greater headroom, lower noise, and pristine fidelity.

Calibration of the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series is managed via the a smartphone app. The SVS app features controls for volume, low-pass filter, phase, polarity, six parametric equalizers, room gain compensation, port tuning (PB17-Ultra R|Evolution only), power management settings, and more. There are also three memory presets for fast system adjustments to match your listening preferences.

Also new to the 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers is the intuitive Auto EQ Subwoofer Room Correction. Using the SVS app and the built-in microphone on a user’s smartphone, the feature applies equalization filters, capitalizes on available room gain, and optimizes in-room frequency response at main listening positions for optimal in-room performance. Auto EQ Subwoofer Room Correction will be available via an over-the-air app and firmware update coming soon.

Details and U.S. pricing are below, both models are now shipping in the US.