| SVS, a leading manufacturer of high-performance speakers, subwoofers, and accessories, proudly announces a new flagship subwoofer series, 17-Ultra R|Evolution. A complete reimagining of subwoofer design for the Ohio-based audio brand, innovations abound in the new series making it the most powerful, sophisticated, and user-friendly SVS subwoofers ever introduced to the consumer market. 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 55lb toroidal ferrite magnet motor, SVS designed the first ever dual eight-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 round out the driver design. This combination generates massive sound pressure levels well below the threshold of human hearing (15Hz for SB17-Ultra and 12Hz for PB17-Ultra) with frequency response accuracy and acoustic linearity.Generating the sonic muscle behind the most powerful and highest fidelity SVS subwoofers ever 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 the most sophisticated DSP ever to optimize all aspects of performance and usability. The 295MHz 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 (Digital-to-Analog Converters) 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 most comprehensive subwoofer control smartphone app available. 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 convenient memory presets for fast and easy 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. The simple process requires just a few steps and achieves pristine fidelity by resolving all the acoustic issues caused by your room in a few easy steps. Auto EQ Subwoofer Room Correction will be available via an over-the-air app and firmware update coming soon. “SVS is a restless company. We are never satisfied with making modest improvements just for the sake of launching a new product,” said Gary Yacoubian, SVS President. “That restlessness is what fueled the top to bottom advancements of our flagship 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers. Literally every part of the ecosystem was reimagined to achieve an unprecedented level of low frequency performance and world class user experience. They truly represent a quantum leap forward in subwoofer design and I could not be prouder of what our team accomplished.” Details and U.S. pricing are below, both models are now shipping in the US.SB17-Ultra R|Evolution – sealed cabinet – $2,499.99 PB17-Ultra R|Evolution – ported cabinet – $2,999.99. Finish options include Piano Gloss Black and Premium Black Oak Wood Veneer finishes.All SVS products are backed by a five-year unconditional warranty, 45-day in-home trial, fast and free shipping, expert lifetime support, SoundPoints loyalty program, and all the guarantees of the SVS Customer Bill of Rights. For more information, please visit www.svsound.com or follow SVS on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, or X(Twitter). |
The History of SVS
SVS (short for Subwoofer Systems) started in the late 1990s as a passion project by a group of audio hobbyists and engineers who were frustrated with the lack of affordable, high-performance subwoofers in the consumer market. What began as a direct-to-consumer, internet-based startup has since grown into one of the most recognized and respected names in home audio, particularly in the realm of subwoofers. Today, SVS is no longer just a subwoofer brand—they’re a full-range loudspeaker and electronics company with a commanding presence in audiophile and home theater communities, from enthusiast forums to the showroom floors of Magnolia AV.
SVS was originally launched in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1998, and quickly gained attention in online audio forums for their no-nonsense, performance-first subwoofers. The earliest models, like the CS and PCi cylindrical subwoofers, stood out not just for their unique shape but for the sheer output and depth they offered for the money. Enthusiasts quickly took notice, and word-of-mouth buzz on forums like AVS Forum and Home Theater Forum turned SVS into a grassroots success story.
The company’s founders—engineers and tinkerers themselves—engaged directly with the community, answering questions, taking feedback, and continually refining their designs. This hands-on, customer-first approach earned SVS credibility at a time when few audio companies were participating in public conversations online. SVS didn’t rely on traditional dealer networks or flashy advertising in the early days. Instead, they built trust by showing up, shipping good products, and standing behind them with generous warranties and customer service.
As the product line expanded, SVS added more traditional box subwoofers, including the PB (ported box) and SB (sealed box) series. These models were built around high-excursion drivers, powerful BASH and later Sledge amplifiers, and tuned enclosures designed to deliver tight, deep bass across a range of room sizes. Whether for music or movies, SVS subs began showing up in systems ranging from modest living rooms to dedicated home theaters.
What helped elevate SVS beyond the online niche was the brand’s ability to scale without losing its identity. They maintained their direct-to-consumer model while also expanding into more traditional retail. Their eventual arrival in Best Buy’s Magnolia AV showrooms marked a significant step. It brought the SVS brand to a broader audience—those who might not follow online forums or seek out boutique audio dealers. Despite entering big-box retail, SVS retained its pricing discipline, customer support ethos, and commitment to delivering more performance per dollar than most of its competitors.
By the mid-2010s, SVS had expanded into full-range loudspeakers with the Prime and Ultra series. These speakers, like the subwoofers before them, were engineered to offer audiophile-grade sound without the inflated price tags often found in the high-end world. The Prime Bookshelf and Ultra Tower models earned praise for their neutral voicing, dynamic range, and build quality. They were often compared favorably to far more expensive options, further solidifying SVS’s reputation as a value-oriented audiophile brand.
Another turning point was SVS’s embrace of social media and content marketing. The company didn’t just advertise online—they built a community. SVS regularly posts videos, behind-the-scenes content, setup tips, and live streams that engage directly with their audience. CEO Gary Yacoubian has been especially visible, frequently appearing in SVS videos and events to personally connect with customers. That visibility and authenticity has helped humanize the brand and keep it approachable, even as it has grown.
SVS has also leaned into the custom installation channel, with products that appeal to integrators and CI professionals. Their in-wall and in-ceiling speaker options, along with wireless subwoofer adapters and compact models like the SB-1000 Pro, have made them a flexible solution for both traditional two-channel listeners and those designing whole-home or theater systems.
In 2020, SVS introduced a full-featured wireless speaker system with the Prime Wireless series, including powered bookshelf speakers and streaming amps. These products brought SVS into the smart audio category, offering audiophile-grade sound with modern connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and app-based control. It was a move that reflected SVS’s understanding of where the market was heading—toward versatile, performance-driven solutions that fit into everyday life.
Today, SVS remains privately held and fiercely independent. They’re a rare example of an audio company that has grown without compromising, retaining their original mission of making high-end sound more accessible. Their blend of technical performance, user-friendly features, and customer engagement has earned them loyalty from a wide cross-section of listeners—from first-time buyers to veteran audiophiles, custom installers to die-hard home theater builders.
