Saturday, 11 December, 2004: Only 14 more shopping days before Christmas!

We know it's tough to buy for that person on the list who has everything. But just ask them: they want an SVS. Or another SVS, or a Sound Pressure Level meter, or Avia for proper setup of your system, cables, shirts… Even if it's just a stocking stuffer, the choices are endless.

The better news? Finally, after 45 days of intense shifts, and load after load of components from our trusted suppliers all over the world... PB10-ISD subwoofers, the $429 subs that have taken the world by storm, are finally flowing out 24-48 hours after your order. That's right -- order one before Christmas and it'll SHIP before Christmas. Of course we can't promise you'll get it in time if you don't order soon… Almost all our models are shipping next day. Our Ohio factory crew will be taking Christmas Eve off, however, so delay not!

Of course with New Years right around the corner, you might be resolving to wait for what's new from SVS. Well, our American-made products are ones worth waiting and planning for, so here's what we know, what we think, and a bit about what we don't know, too. Some details remain in the works but to the best of our predictions, this is what's coming at you in 2005:

First up will be the long awaited re-introduction of our PB12-Ultra/2 back in rich wood finishes. While the essential layout and size of this sub remains as it was, we're putting on the final touches of a revised exterior which will allow not only new wood veneers, but finally piano gloss black. Gone will be the old stains over our standard maple veneer. In their place, will be real wood veneers in Walnut, Rosewood, Cherry, and yes, Maple will be back. Plus the aforementioned piano gloss black. Prices are still to be determined but we not only expect to hold the line on costs, but perhaps roll back things to even more affordable levels than before. Expect some premium over the entry level textured black, but we'll keep this premium to a minimum.

And for those who've wanted the more affordable performance of the PB12-Plus/2, but the great wood covered cabinets of the expensive Ultra Powered Box subs??? Yes, you will finally be able to have just that. While it'll cost more than our cutting-edge fine textured black, those 4 woods, and even piano gloss will be yours for a modest up-charge.

We hope to be shipping in January or February of 2005. Pre-orders for the new, sexy clean looks of these luxurious woods for both the PB12-Ultra/2 and PB12-Plus/2 will begin when production is scheduled, likely in the next couple weeks.

Right behind the PB12-Ultra/2 will be a revised PB12-Plus. Sporting slightly smaller dimensions, the same wood choices as above, and a totally new porting design, this re-introduction will also be accompanied by new lower prices, and...

Finally, a PB12-Ultra. Probably the most asked about subwoofer thus far missing from our lineup, you will finally be able to get the performance and features of the PC-Ultra, but in a traditional and finely crafted wood enclosure. Of course, the PB12-Ultra will cost more than its Plus brother, but with the Ultra woofer and Parametric EQ feature on board, you know it'll be worth every penny. We probably don't need to name the $4,000 and even $5,000 subwoofers which will be humbled by this subwoofer that'll come in well below $2K.

After that? Say later in the 2nd quarter of 2005? What customers have been begging for, and competitors dreading, for over 4 years now: a small subwoofer that deserves to wear the SVS logo. Probably starting with an entry level salvo, and fleshing out the new line later in the year. Expect a small sub that doesn't act like one. Most "micro-subs" are over-priced, under-performers dominated by a few brands putting more hype than substance going into the product. SVS changed the landscape of large subwoofers. We set expensive brands back on their heels. Now we're about to do the same with products that are heard (and felt) not seen. If you wanted an SVS and hesitated due to their generally considerable size, well your days of paying too much, for too little, are going to be relieved. The train is rolling. This will be the next big thing from SVS. Only small.

Still further into 2005 (assuming things all work out as we'd like)? Just what's probably THE most eagerly awaited thing since the SV Subwoofer: an SV Speaker. Specifically, a line of "full range" speakers which will perfectly mate to one of our subwoofers. As a package. Something you can array around your room and know it'll match your need for accurate, powerful and natural sound, without breaking the bank. Of course you know we'll avoid silly "solutions looking for problems" when it comes to features, but you know, too, that since these will be SVSs they'll trounce far more expensive speakers, look simple and elegant, and be offered in an array of finishes.

Do NOT expect some itty bitty, turn-key, "home theater in a box" micro-system that looks like a toy out of the aisles of your local mega-mart. We're talking beefy, substantial, and powerful. Of course, too, balanced, accurate and perfectly engineered (with thousands of hours in our labs) to lash up with one or more of our world-class subwoofers. Subtle and clean enough for critical music listening, but able to take abuse movie fans in their home theaters dish out. Speakers (like our subs) that can do it all.

Of course, details on this project will be tightly controlled for a while by the SVS Skunk Works. When samples are ready, we'll get them out to a few lucky folks who'll let us know what to improve. And we'll be listening. When the reports start rolling in later this year about something new at SVS, you'll recall you read it here first. SVS... Think SV Sound.

There will be some other surprises along the way, and certainly all plans are subject to change, but that's the basic outline. So if you are already planning what to get for next Christmas... you'll have quite a list above to start with.

Happy Holidays from the entire SVS Team.

Thursday, 29 October, 2004: PB10-ISD Shipping Starts

Actually a bit ahead of schedule, the first units shipped yesterday. We pushed suppliers hard, and our own factory crew even harder to ensure a nice chunk was taken out of the earliest pre-orders. More recent orders will continue to go out next week and by the end of November we expect to be caught up (just in time for all your Christmas shoppers!). More reviewer subs will be going out as we catch up to demand but rest assured all who have experience this sub so far have been universal in claiming that no other sub even close to the PB10-ISD in price can do what it does. If you can spend more, we have still better subs for sure. If $400 is the top of your game, then there simply is no better choice. None. Price remains $400 for only a few more days!

Saturday, 16 October, 2004: PB10-ISD Regular Price Announcement

While we nearly never have sales (we prefer to keep prices as low as possible all the time), SVS announced a special "pre-order price" for the PB10-ISD. At $399, and with its unprecedented performance, it's hardly any surprise that the numbers ordered thus far have shattered records set with other model introductions. Consequently, those ordering now will have to endure a bit of a wait. Many more component shipments are streaming in, and our Ohio factory crew is already working overtime to catch up. The first PB10-ISD shipments might still sneak out around the last day of October -- with the bulk of pre-orders to follow shortly after in the first week of November. Orders coming in now can expect to ship late in November. We hope you can understand the potential for a slight delay on yours while our supply lines fill up.

The good news is that we're keeping our $399 pre-order price in place until at least mid-night 31 OCT, even if the first units shipped out earlier in that week! If we have not shipped by the end of OCT, we will keep pre-order pricing in place until we DO ship the first production units. This is just a little way of us keeping the SVS staff on its collective toes. We'll announce here when the first units have finally left our dock.

And that regular price for the PB10-ISD? Still a very very reasonable $429, plus shipping.

Given you would need several of pretty much any competing sub to keep pace with the deep bass performance of the PB10-ISD, we think that's still a screaming deal.

So, no earlier than Sunday, 31 OCT our pre-order pricing for this killer new entry level SVS will finally come to a close and climb slightly to $429. The fact our entire first production run is already sold out ought to tell you just how eagerly awaited the PB10-ISD is.

Not quite sure if you want to jump on the bandwagon? Not convinced this is THE $400 price class sub that bests all others... by a wide margin? Take a look at this review of a pre-production PB10-ISD (fully to production spec). The Secrets of Home Theater and Hi Fi hired new subwoofer test guru Ed Mullen to craft a thorough and unflinching examination of what this SVS was capable of. Since Ed's already tested the best from SVS, and a couple competitive subs, we expected he'd put us through the entire regimen of revealing objective and subjective torture tests. We weren't disappointed.

Ed Mullen said the PB10-ISD... "is a remarkable achievement, and truly represents a quantum leap forward in the $400 subwoofer class."

Which of course is fortunate for us... since that's just what we set out to achieve with this new SVS. Ultimately it's our customers that now have a new standard in performance that's as affordable as it is remarkable... we just build the subs people want. Get one, and you'll wonder why we're not charging twice the pending $429 regular price. Hurry, and you steal yours for $399 till Sunday the 31st of October.

Thursday, 14 October, 2004: Avia Guide to Home Theater joins SVS

The home theater setup DVD that SVS recommends, you can now get Avia at a great price from SVS. Save even more when you get the "must have" Radio Shack SPL meter. The two piece bundle is only $80!. Both items come without additional shipping charges if ordered with your SVS.

We've said it many times before, but it's worth repeating: Having these tools means you are prepared to get the most out of your investment in both video and audio equipment. We know you wouldn't inflate the tires on your Corvette, Porsche or Ferrari until "they looked about right". Don't make the same mistake with your home theater. Instead, take care to run through this great DVD using your "Rat Shack" sound meter. Once you do you'll understand more about what's really right ... than do a whole platoon of "golden ears" operating without these accessories.

Wednesday, 06 October, 2004: Shuffling the model name deck

While SVS has added one new and innovative subwoofer model after another over the last few years, little has changed in our model naming convention. The Powered Box (PB) line is due for a face lift in the next few days to better denote the types of subs, and types and sizes of woofers within. Use the "cheat sheet" here to help keep thing straight as we transition things.

No real changes have been made to these models you know and love so much, just the names will be amended. Friday night (8 OCT) and into Saturday morning the web techs will descend on the site to make it all happen. The shift will coincide with the release of the 2004 Sound and Vision Buyer's Guide... where all the fall SVS lineup will be tabulated once again for you.

Introduction of the killer new 10" woofer in the PB10-ISD necessitated this tweak to our naming. Above, you can see that all 12" woofer subwoofers are indicated with the "12" and followed by the woofer type, and the number of woofers. Those products with "only" one of our killer woofers are left without the number of woofers. This new model system will grown as SVS grows.

So, if you think this shift in naming opens the door to still more variations... and even totally new SVS models that build on the new names... well... you would be right. More news on this after our Fall Board of Directors meeting.

So go ahead and print this out and clip it to you office cubicle, pin it to the the University library bulletin board, or tattoo it to your forearm. You don't want to lose track of the latest SVS models!

Of course the new PB10-ISD will stay the same for now, but as we said, don't be too surprised if new models and types of SVS's, even new woofers, are all revealed in the weeks and months ahead. If it's one thing you know about SVS it's that we don't stop innovating long. We promise not to change model name more than every 3-4 years however!

Tuesday, 28 September, 2004: Last chance for a rare SVS discount! Shipping starts next week too.

Everyone knows SVS doesn't make you wonder when the latest in a never ending series of sales is going to end. We don't have sales. Instead we keep our prices as low as our financial staff will allow (then we sneak then down a bit more). Always, "24/7" as they say. If you see a price on an SVS it's as low as we go. Only returning customers (sometimes on their third or fourth SVS upgrade) get a bit of a discount. Other than that your only chance is to catch new product intro's like the PB2-Ultra/Black... to get a better than world-class deal.

For just a couple more days the superlative performance and sexy good looks of the PB2-Ultra (soon to be dubbed the PB12-Ultra/2) can be had for had for only $1,799. After that prices go to $1,999, probably for good. Even at that "regular" price it's a screaming deal. At $1,799?? Well let's just say our accountant has been looking for the rest of us for a couple weeks now.

The bright side of the story?? Our new cabinets start arriving this Friday and shipping on the long-awaited PB2-Ultra in black starts next week. More news on new wood finished PB2-Ultra subs will be coming soon too. Expect some slight changes to the cosmetics of these new high end finishes, with far more finish options and wood choices. Price for the PB2-Ultra/Black goes up Monday, 4 October.

Wednesday, 15 September, 2004: PB10-ISD Blows in like a hurricane

Saturday, 28 August, 2004: "As Seen on TV"... SVS 25-31PCi Reprise

Lest you think our latest products are the only thing exciting at SVS, we submit this piece from Tech TV's "Call for Help"™ show, featuring Dr. John Johnson from The Secrets of Home Theater and Hi Fi ©. He wades through just a few of the issues surrounding today's home theater hookups, and you'll see our stalwart 25-31PCi highlighted, as it proceeds to blow away host Leo Laporte and the show's crew. Suffice it to say the Tech TV studios have never been the same.

In use at everything from Madonna's oh-so-chic art show in NYC, the personal home theaters of none other than Peter Staddon (head of 20th Century Fox Home Video) and top sound engineers like "Big Mick" Hughes of Metallica, plus high-zoot, price-no-object theater installers like Dennis Erskine... SVS gets around. Even Guy Kuo, one of the brains behind Ovation Software's "Avia" is a long-time customer. So SVS's aren't just the choice of savvy enthusiasts like you and your dedicated staff here ... they're used by discerning professionals who could have any subwoofer they want. And they pick SVS. Made in the USA. Designed, built and supported like nothing else.

Wednesday, 25 August, 2004: All the SVS News is at the entry level?

Not hardly. When we say "SVS listens" ... it's not some trite marketing spin for "sorry that's not something we're ever going to offer". And when many of our thousands and thousands of customers ask for something, well, it's hard to ignore.

For a long time folks have been asking for the incredible performance and sound quality of our top dual driver subwoofer... the PB2-Ultra... in a more affordable package. Much as people like the allure of the Ultra's real wood cabinet... black finishes, and more importantly, affordable black finishes are a hot ticket.

It wasn't easy, but the R/D Department at SVS did it. They've finalized the way to get incredible Ultra woofers into a box that more folks can budget for. While it's still a premium over the excellent PB2-Plus, you might find the $1,799 introductory price for its Ultra sibling quite stunning. Don't wait long though, with the end of PB2-Ultra/Black pre-orders (about 4-6 weeks) the price climbs to a still very low $1,999 . Of course those that want the top quality of real wood will still be able to get that too, and we'll have some pretty amazing news in that arena soon too (hint, think cleaner looks, and additional real wood veneers) though work continues on that effort. Stay tuned.

Monday, 23 August, 2004: PB10-ISD Pre-order announcement is here

There will be more meat on the bones of the PB10-ISD pages in the coming days, but the basics are there, enjoy.

Pre-order your state of the art affordable SVS starting 15 September, 2004 for the intro price of only $399. Shipping of the first units is planned for the last days of October. Confidence is high we'll meet that self-imposed deadline, though any delays will be worked relentlessly until all those who have ordered have theirs..

The pre-order price will be in effect till the first units leave our factory (even if there is a slip in that schedule. Four colors will be available, though pictures are still pending of of the Sand (Tan) and Slate (Gray) units. Final prices which will affect orders once shipping begins are still in the works. Some small price hike will probably be needed after all costing numbers are crunched.

So, had enough? Or are you thirsty for more??

Friday, 20 August, 2004: The PB10-ISD train is moving

And we mean train, as in locomotive power, with glued to the rails stability, and agility too. It's been said that if a subwoofer goes low, deep, flat and plays loud pretty much everything else sorts out for the enthusiast. Music, and even more so movies, demand linear bass that reaches down and grabs you, slams you in the chest, and is still stunningly accurate and subtle too.

So what about the PB10-ISD in this regard? Well the torture chamber better known as the SVS R/D Lab has been just hammering a early sample on every sort of DVD soundtrack and music CD imaginable and simply can't get it to behave badly. As it should be, just because this is an entry level subwoofer, it's still an SVS first and foremost.

And that all critical frequency response? How about this: +/- 1dB from 21-125hz quasi-anechoic. And using the industry standard +/-3dB window… 18-200hz ??

Folks there are some decent subs in the $400 price class, we've tested them too. None do this, not with the power this sub provides. At some point someone might match this new guy from SVS against others in the class. Till then, you can take it from us, around this cost, subs don't get better than the Made in the USA PB10-ISD.

Thursday, 19 August, 2004: Entry Level Dream Sub? If you have "only" about $400 to spend, but want the world's best performing sub anywhere even close to that price? Just say "PB10-ISD". Stay tuned for a full update before the weekend is over - till then, we thought perhaps just three pics to wet your appetite? One of four hot colors. Your dream sub... or the competition's worst nightmare? Both are possible we think. Sunday, 15 August, 2004: More news on PB10-ISD coming soon We're hard at work on the next installment of news of the hot PB10-ISD, the SVS that will lay down the gauntlet for all other subwoofers in the $400 price class. Pictures, graphic results of our final round of quasi-anechoic frequency response testing, and maybe a bit about pre-order dates and prices too. Stay tuned.

Sunday, 08 August, 2004: SVS News Outage?

If you go a while without some news from SVS, then one of two things is going on. Either we're taking a well deserved rest... or we're working on big things.

Word to the wise: We don't rest.

Stay tuned for some things that are news indeed; but chew on this in the mean-time: SVS has for several years now dominated the "rather large" and "rather expensive" subwoofer market exploding on the web -- always providing industry-leading value. At any price point you care to mention, from $550 (where our stellar 25-31PCi resides)... to incredible $2,400 PB2-Ultra... there are few, arguably no other OEM products that stand up to the onslaught of depth, power, accuracy or variety our products provide. To our way of thinking, you don't create a brand, and become THE brand in the tough INTERNET direct-to-consumer market any other way. Still, we know even $550 is a bit pricey for those on more modest budgets... and certainly no one has ever accused SVS of building the smallest subwoofers in the world (only the best).

So what's new? Something's going to change all this?

In a word.... Yes.

A couple of "things" actually. One we'll be publicizing in just a short time, with pre-orders probably just a few weeks away. While this latest new product salvo won't directly address the demand for "small" subwoofers worthy of the SVS logo... it will finally bring true enthusiast levels of power, depth and clean, linear performance that's down to earth price-wise. As today, there will indeed remain many other brands still less expensive, and others that are smaller too. But this time we think a "right sized" and affordably priced sub will finally, after many years of waiting, and months of intense R/D... FINALLY warrant the label of "SVS".

In many ways it's been the toughest demand customers have placed on us. After all, the market-place is littered with scores of brands, and possibly hundreds of models in the $400 and under price-point. So we took this challenge with customary resolve, and our typical methodology. 1.) Develop new components that re-define state of the art at that price. 2.) Test the dickens out of the design until it simply can't get any better. 3.) Keep the accountants out of the room till we set a price that ensures "Made in the USA" and "World-Class" terms that aren't mutually exclusive in the entry-level range.

As always, you can trust SVS to use better parts, spend more time, and offer more choices than anyone else. And do it with objective, verifiable and downright class-shattering levels of "out of my way" performance. Keep an eye on these very pages for the early pics of the new SVS that anyone not made out of money will aspire to. The PB10-ISD will set the standard in low-cost subs for music and home theater.

Full stop.

OK not FULL stop: One other piece of "In Other News" news.

As most seasoned music and movie enthusiasts know, proper calibration of your surround sound system, including your SVS, is not only easy, it's downright critical!

Finally you can can get the ubiquitous and essential "Rat Shack" SPL meter from SVS for just about the same price of one from Radio Shack itself. $44 when ordered with your sub. Save the trouble of hauling yourself to the store and getting one. (Small UPS charges may be added if bought separately.)

Using an SPL meter to adjust the sound level of all your speakers (not just the subwoofer) is easy, and not unlike checking your car tires with an air pressure gauge. If you don't have one (the SPL meter that is) by all means stop reading this now and get one! Avoid the embarrassment of not being able to whip out your SPL meter and impress your friends and family on good home theater setup.

Thursday, 01 June, 2004: SVS Some won big!

Congrats to the winners and thanks to ALL you who took part in this survey. There will certainly be others down the road. Participation ran into the thousands and was testament to what we've said all along... SVS has the best customers any OEM could dream of:

Grand Prize: SVS 25-31PC-Plus

Andy Nguyen

SVS Wall Logo

Kristopher Carlisle Halsrud Paul B. Byrum Brian Gary Lund Roger Amador Brad T Howard

SVS T-shirt

David, C., Martin Thomas W. Neff Steve A. Morgan Daniel Saesim Nick Pearson Ron Romanow Tom E. Hunt John Buckley Dave Galzote Jim DeWhitt

The lucky winners are being notified via e-mail as well.

Sunday, 25 April, 2004: SVS Survey. Tell us what you think... win big!

We know some of you aren't shy about telling us what you think. Well, this time you can stand up and be counted! Results of this survey will be briefed to the SVS Board of Directors helping shape where we go in the future. After all, maybe building the world’s best subwoofers is enough... or perhaps should only be the beginning? Your call. We just put the questions out there, you answer them.

Why bother? Just to feel good about helping the hottest subwoofer brand on the web?

Not. Fill this web survey out, include your name and e-mail address, and you could win 25-31PC-Plus Grand Prize, one 5 of our cool new Wall Logos or, an SVS T-shirt. Free stuff for telling us what you think? Only watching a movie on your SVS could be better than that!

NOTE: Survey for previous buyers only, one survey session per household please. Offer expires noon EST Friday April 30th, so start now!! Winners to be announced June 1st, 2004.

Thanks, Team SVS

Tuesday, 3 March, 2004: Bass so good, you have to see it to believe it !

With more and more of today's music and movies you can discover bass so good you really had better have an SVS before you bother hitting "Play". Your old subwoofer might "handle it" but usually this is done by lopping off whole octaves of audio the director intended you to hear, and feel. Make sure you have a sub that can really handle the latest torture tests out there.

Want to see what we're talking about? Look at our trademark "color waterfall charts" taken directly from blockbusters you love. Many are old standards, and many are brand new just making our "Bassy Scenes" list for the first time. Lord of the Rings, Monsters Inc., The Core, even "Blue Man Group" and the infamous Finding Nemo "Darla taps the tank" bit. Jump to the latest painstakingly measured and recorded snippets of what is on your favorites. Taken right off these DVD's you can graphically see why you need stronger, deeper, and more accurate bass than ever before. More than that, you need an SVS to hear what you have been missing!

Tuesday, 2 March, 2004: More stuff you really need!

Well one thing some people need is their long awaited PB2-Ultra subwoofers! With a team of workers swarming on these new subwoofers in preparation that would make a Mars rover mission manager proud, SVS management types have simply said, when they are perfect, tested, and then packed lovingly in their state of the art palletized cartons, then let us know.

Till then... get back to work!

Finally, really, the first PB2-Ultras look to be ready for liftoff this week. Remaining pre-orders will begin shipping as early as next week. With PB1-Plus orders already shipping in small quantities and the new PC-Ultras shipping nearly every day, you shouldn't have to wait long for your high-end SVS.

Nor will you have to wait ANY longer for the hot new SVS "Wall Logos" we promised. While more expensive than their predecessors, the new designs are just stunning in every respect. The sort of you expect to see hanging at the entrance of your favorite 5 Star restaurant or hotel. In white or black, and Made in the USA just for us, there's now a way to announce your class status with the world's best subwoofers, even before the lights dim.

Thursday, 5 February, 2004: Delays, and the reason they happen

Several months ago we shot for the end of January for the debut of not one, not two but THREE new subwoofers, all sporting new enclosures, new amps and in some cases, 5 color choices. We're officially off the mark, but not by much. The PC-Ultra, PB2-Ultra and PB1-Plus are all expected to ship starting next week now. Various machine tooling that normally takes a day or two took much longer this time. Still we hope you can understand, and know the delay of a week or two will be forgotten seconds after you fire one of these up.

Current products got hit with some slowdown too. In the wake of unprecedented holiday demand, we undershot our "just in time" inventory planning on a couple key parts for PCi and PC-Plus products. Just enough so that a typical wait of 2 days became more like two weeks or even more in rare instances.

The good news?? All PC-Plus and PCi subs will again be flowing in good quantities. PB1-ISDs will be right behind with shipping resuming next Friday.

We'll still be challenged by periodic shortfalls as SVS continues to chase ever growing demand; but we'll always do our best to answer your inquiries with the best information available when any delay occurs.

Thanks to everyone for their patience. Sometimes it's hard to wait for the hottest subwoofer brand on the INTERNET, but your SVS will be shipping soon.

Sunday, 4 January, 2004: Cylinder subs just got another new benchmark

We've long been our only real competition when it came to innovative, powerful and value oriented cylinder subwoofers. They're what made SVS the hottest subwoofer brand on the INTERNET after all. As promised below, albeit a couple of days later than we'd planned, the PC-Ultra pre-orders have finally begun. With a $1,099 pre-order price (full price goes to $1,149 on 31 JAN) we expect all those waiting patiently all this time won't waste much time ordering. You won't find more power, more features and more refinement in music and movie audio at several times this price.