SVS has introduced its latest flagship subwoofer series, the 17-Ultra R|Evolution. The new series represents a rethinking of subwoofer design and technology, boasting substantial advancements in driver construction, amplifier design, digital signal processing (DSP), and room calibration. These innovations aim to provide consumers with unprecedented low-frequency output, greater control, and a user-friendly experience.

The standout feature of the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series is its newly developed 17-inch driver, which is the largest SVS has ever produced. Designed from scratch, this high-excursion driver is built with a glass fiber composite cone and a long-throw SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) surround.

At the core of its operation is a toroidal ferrite electromagnetic motor, which provides the necessary power for handling extremely low frequencies. This design allows the subwoofer to reproduce sounds well below human hearing thresholds, with the sealed SB17-Ultra reaching as low as 15Hz, and the ported PB17-Ultra reaching down to 12Hz.

Key to the driver’s performance is a dual eight-inch voice coil made from copper-clad aluminum wire. This hybrid material allows the voice coil to balance the thermal capacity and magnetic field strength needed for the high power demands placed on the driver. By combining these materials, SVS has created a subwoofer that is capable of delivering both high power output and precision control, even at extreme volume levels.

“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.”

The 17-Ultra R|Evolution subwoofers also feature an STA-2800D Class-D amplifier, which uses a dual mono-block design. This setup allows each of the dual voice coils to be driven independently, increasing power delivery while maintaining control.

With the addition of eight high-current MOSFETs (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors), the amplifier can efficiently deliver the necessary power without sacrificing performance. According to SVS, this amplifier design ensures that the subwoofers provide reference-level output, with high efficiency even during periods of intense operation.

SVS has also integrated an onboard AC line conditioner with power factor correction into the subwoofers. This feature helps stabilize the incoming voltage, correct waveform distortions, and reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In practice, this means that the subwoofers remain stable and reliable, even in less-than-ideal electrical environments.

The 17-Ultra R|Evolution series integrates a sophisticated DSP system, which SVS claims is among the most advanced on the market for subwoofers. The DSP, powered by a 295MHz Analog Devices chip, handles all aspects of performance, from shaping in-room response to managing thermal and current conditions within the amplifier. This level of control ensures that the subwoofers perform consistently across different listening environments.

To further enhance user experience, SVS has developed a new auto EQ room correction feature. Using the built-in microphone of a smartphone and the SVS app, users can automatically calibrate their subwoofer to their specific room environment.

The auto EQ applies equalization filters to optimize frequency response and compensate for room acoustics, ensuring that the subwoofer delivers clean and balanced low frequencies. This feature will be available through an over-the-air app and firmware update, set for release in the near future.

SVS has placed a strong emphasis on user accessibility with the 17-Ultra R|Evolution series. The subwoofers can be controlled through the SVS smartphone app, which provides a wide range of tuning options. Users can adjust volume, low pass filters, phase, polarity, and room gain compensation, among other settings.

Additionally, the app includes three memory presets for quickly switching between custom configurations, allowing users to adapt their subwoofer to different listening scenarios.

Both models in the series, the SB17-Ultra (sealed cabinet) and the PB17-Ultra (ported cabinet) are available now. The SB17-Ultra is priced at $2,499.99, while the PB17-Ultra is priced at $2,999.99. Finish options include Piano Gloss Black and Premium Black Oak Wood Veneer.