Featured Home Theater System: Travis in Snoqualmie, WA

Travis in Snoqualmie, WA

Seeking low frequency output that would put his local IMAX theater to shame, Travis from Snoqualmie, WA finally got his wish after relocating to a new home with a spacious enough area to build a legit home theater. Enter dual PB16-Ultra subwoofers and a level of system performance he can only describe as “visceral”. Now, everything from classical music to sci-fi movies are a true sensory escape.

Questions And Answers:

When/why did you first start getting into high performance audio?

I fell in love with audio equipment in the mid 90’s when I was in college. In fact, I got a second job so I could afford to have a nice system.

How did you first hear about SVS?

I did a lot of research and in nearly every article about bass management and performance had a reference to SVS. If everyone reviewing subwoofers mentions SVS, they have to be doing something right (and I can confirm that they are).

What led to your decision to go with dual PB16-Ultra subwoofers and a PC-4000?

There are a lot of places you can save money, in my opinion the center channel and subwoofer(s) should not be cut in quality. When I bought my first system it had a Klipsch subwoofer with dual 12’s - it never sounded that great - in fact I think my large towers created better bass. Around 2006, I purchased a Velodyne DD-15 subwoofer - night and day better than the Klipsch. When we moved homes and I had a larger space to work with I wanted something that could really fill in the space – both with low end for music and something to do the heavy lifting in movies and make it sound as impactful and powerful as an IMAX. After a lot of research, in my opinion, I’m convinced that the only subwoofer with the ability to match those output levels is a ported SVS subwoofer. I didn’t have room for a third PB16-Ultra in the rear of my room but could place a PC-4000, which helps with bass management in the room.

What has the impact been of adding the PB16s and PC4000 to your system?

In a word, visceral. The ability these subwoofers to blend with speakers is amazing - so you get completely natural bass extension that sounds like it’s coming from all the speakers - and the audio payback is exactly what the musicians or directors designed. I hear and experience elements of sound I have never heard in sound tracks from movies I’ve seen dozens of times. If tuned correctly - they change the experience in unbelievable ways. My friends think it sounds better than an IMAX theater.

What are some of your favorite movies and music for showing off your system?

Anything you put on is an experience in sound - so generally I like sci-fi (Star Wars, Star Trek) or a musical such as the Greatest Showman. For Atmos, the last Mission Impossible movie is quite a treat in spatial placement and imaging. For music I like a large range - from flight of the Valkyries to Pong Dance.

Why is having a home theater important to you?

Movies are the books and stories of today - they allow you to experience a different world. I enjoy the escape - whether listening to music, watching a film or playing a little two channel. I like going to the movies too - but now I feel like I have a better experience at home.

Anything else you’d like to share with the SVS community?

These subwoofers are absolutely amazing. I play them in extended mode and the depth that they can go is unreal. Thank-you for building a great product and selling it at a reasonable price!