About The SVS SB-16 Ultra Subwoofer
Before you listen to the SVS SB16-Ultra be sure to make sure you don't have any loose fillings – otherwise you could be in trouble, because this powerful subwoofer will shake anything that can move, and many things you thought were locked down. It can, by itself, form the foundation for the best home theatre setups but things get even better when two or more are specified. Bass this good is extremely addictive so if you ask for a demo … well, you have been warned. Just don't bring your motorbike to pick them up, a 3 ton truck should do the trick.
SB16-Ultra features a massive 16" Ultra driver with astonishing 8" edge wound voice coil, a stunningly powerful 1,500 Watts continuous, 5,000+ Watts peak power Sledge amplifier with fully discrete MOSFET output and an innovative subwoofer control and DSP smartphone app with custom presets for precise tuning. The ultimate sealed box subwoofer.
One Subwoofer to Rule Them All: An unrelenting passion for awesome bass performance and engineering perfection guided every aspect of the SB16-Ultra subwoofer's design. Ground breaking technology, rigorous design and extreme testing in real world and laboratory environments allowed SVS to achieve massive output levels, extreme low frequency extension, near-perfect frequency response accuracy, and pinpoint transient response. The culmination of all SVS design advancements, SB16-Ultra represents the greatest leap forward in performance and innovation since the inception of subwoofers.
Massive New 16-inch SVS Ultra Driver: When designing the biggest and most formidable driver ever used in an SVS subwoofer, it was of utmost importance to meet or exceed the same supreme standards of control and accuracy as every other subwoofer SVS manufactures. One huge advancement that allows the SB16-Ultra to handle the crushing force of a 16-inch driver is the 8-inch edge wound voice coil, the largest ever deployed in a consumer subwoofer. This innovation ensures ultra-low distortion and pinpoint control at the highest drive levels resulting in incredible output and low frequency extension. By nature, larger drivers are more difficult to control, but the unprecedented voice coil design ensures accuracy in frequency response and speed in transients without ever sounding boomy.
Pushing the driver are four massive, dedicated toroidal ferrite magnets that unleash a staggering 95mm peak to peak excursion and the highest levels of motor force and palpable SPLs. The light and rigid 16-inch Ultra driver cone consists of a premium fiber-glass resin composite with optimal stiffness to mass ratio to maximise movement of air and sonic energy without ever distorting or losing control.
Stunningly Powerful, New 1,500 Watt Sledge Amplifier: Conservatively rated at 1,500 watts continuous, 5,000+ watts peak power, the SB16-Ultra Sledge STA-1500D amplifier's 64 Amp 200-Volt MOSFETs are the sonic muscle behind arguably the most powerful and highest fidelity subwoofer amplifier ever developed. Discrete MOSFET output results in superior handling and tighter control of the immense amplifier power and represents a major upgrade over the integrated circuits found in nearly all other Class D subwoofers.
Effortless power must be harnessed to ensure refined behaviour and pristine output at the most demanding drive levels. To achieve this, the SB16-Ultra subwoofer uses the audio industry's most advanced 50 Mhz Analog Devices Audio DSP with 56bit filtering to handle the nearly limitless power, only unleashing the perfect amount of low frequency energy at just the right time.
Innovative New Smartphone App: Compatible with Apple and Android platforms, the innovative SB16-Ultra smartphone app unleashes the full depth, force and nuance of the world's finest subwoofer. The ground breaking SVS subwoofer app controls all DSP functions and conveniently stores custom presets. It's the easiest way ever to fine tune bass surpassing 16Hz at reference volumes from the comfort of your favourite seat.
For added convenience, 2-way feedback shows updates in real time on both the app and subwoofer interface and Bluetooth connectivity allows adjustments to be made even when the subwoofer is not in sight. Control is also available via IR remote and an intuitive front panel display.
Acoustically Inert, Rigidly Braced Cabinet: A subwoofer capable of creating such extreme levels of sonic energy requires a formidable cabinet design. The SB16-Ultra is built with a double thick MDF front baffle and rigid internal bracing to support the massive drive unit and to ensure an acoustically inert environment. The highly reinforced internal design eliminates any chance of coloration or resonance from the cabinet, even when the deepest low frequencies are played at reference sound pressure levels.
Problems With Vibrations From Your Subwoofer? Try This: To isolate your subwoofer from the floor and provide improved bass performance while reducing floor and wall vibrations, noise artefacts and complaints from neighbours or roommates, choose the SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System (4 Pack).
In The News
"A whole different category of low-frequency sound. May well be the best subwoofer ever made." - HomeTheaterReview
"Spending 3 times more won't guarantee better performance. I can't over-state how good 16-Ultra sounds." - Widescreen Review
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High powered, high-end subwoofer
- Driver: SVS 16" (406mm) Ultra-series driver
- Basket: Powder-coated cast aluminium basket
- Magnets: Four high-grade ferrite magnets
- Motor: Finite Element Analysis (FEA)-optimised motor structure
- Dual Shorting Rings: Reduce gap induction and lower distortion
- Pole Piece: Extended pole piece improves heat sink and thermal management properties
- Voice Coil: 8" diameter, high-power edge wound voice coil
- 78mm peak to peak Xmech excursion (65mm Xmax)
- Spider: Upgraded Nomex spider for improved linearity and driver control at extreme drive levels
- Leads: Dual 24-strand copper and Nomex composite high-temperature leads provide a pristine electrical connection from the amplifier to the voice coil
- Dustcap: Premium glass fibre laminated dustcap and reinforced composite cone sub-structure ensure a light, ridged, and neutral radiating surface
- Surround: Low-creep rubber long-throw surround for excellent durability and longevity
Amplifier Specs
- Amplifier: Sledge STA-1500D DSP amplifier
- Output: 1,500 watts RMS continuous (5,000+ watts peak dynamic)
- Type: Efficient and cool-running Class D topology
- DSP: High resolution 50Mhz Analog Devices Audio DSP with double precision 56bit filtering is most advanced subwoofer processor available for perfect audio reproduction
- Active PFC (Power Factor Correction): Ensures the cleanest 1500W output regardless of your home mains supply
- Connections: XLR and RCA stereo input/output with ultra-wide input voltage for consumer and professional audio applications
- Display: Convenient front-mounted display with subwoofer controls and 8 digit LED display
- Free App: Groundbreaking Subwoofer Control and Bass Management Smartphone App for Apple and Android Devices
- Three user adjustable parametric EQs
- Continuously variable volume/gain control
- Continuously variable (0-180 degrees) phase control
- Continuously variable (30-200 Hz) 6, 12, 18, or 24 dB/octave low pass filter frequency with disable/LFE setting
- Auto-On / On / Trigger Controls: Yes
- 3-12V trigger with 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS mini-jack input: Yes
- Standby: Green standby mode with > 0.5 watts consumption
- Input Impedance: 22kohm (RCA)/ 22kohm (XLR).
- RoHS Compliant: Lead-free construction and world-wide safety certifications
- Power Cord: Standard Detachable IEC power cord - recommended to be upgraded
Other Features
- Remote Control: Included
- Frequency Response: 16-460 Hz +/- 3 dB
- Ground Plane: 2-meter ground plane away from reflective structures (quasi-anechoic).
- Roll-off Slope: Specifically optimised to take maximum advantage of available room gain
- Please Note: To isolate your subwoofer from the floor and provide improved bass performance while reducing floor and wall vibrations, noise artefacts and complaints from neighbours or roommates, choose the SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System (4 Pack)
- Grille: Protective non-resonant steel mesh grille
- Feet: Screw-in rubber feet
- Cabinet: Robust Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) cabinet construction
- Cabinet Dimensions (WxHxD without grille): 508 x 495 x 510mm
- Cabinet Dimensions (WxHxD with grille): 508 x 495 x 582mm
- Shipped Dimensions (WxHxD): 633 x 638 x 770mm
- Color: Gloss Black or Black Oak
- Weight: 55kg
- Shipped Weight: 66kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE