Your 3 years old video is still relevant. My amp died, learned SVS could still ship me the same replacement. Installing it today. Thank you for making that video.
As I write this, I'm waiting on the fedex van delivering mine. One thing to note, the original amp has only a two prong power cord, a standard 3-prong cord works fine, there just isn't a pin on the amp for a ground. I think one reason for this is it makes it less likely you'll get hum if using unbalanced connection, so the replacement might cause problems for some folks. You can fix that with an adapter though it's better to go with the balanced connects.
Would you happen to know the impedance of the subwoofer? I'm thinking about building an enclosure and it would be nice to know what sub I would need to get before purchasing this amplifier.
I'm sorry, I really don't know and don't want to tell you wrong. I bet you could email or call SVS and they'd tell you. The couple times I've contacted them, each person I've spoken to is a big nerd and seems legitimately wanting to help (compared to some other customer supports..)
I just saw the email from svs this morning then found your video on yourtube. Thx for the great video. Are you going to do some testing or sound demo later? Wonder if it's worth the upgrade.
Nice video. Once this is upgraded, is the ultra 13 supposed to be identical to the PB-4000? Do you notice the sound being much louder and perhaps cleaner?
Hey! I just bought a PB13 Ultra for $650 which is insane but it still has the previous sledge amp. I do have an SB13 ultra with the upgraded amp and for some reason the SB is louder than the PB right now! The volume on the PB is at 0.0db and the SB is on -8db so it doesn't really make any sense to me. Is there something I should adjust on the PB amp? I'm fairly new to this stuff so I'm kind of unsure what features like slope and stuff like that are. If anyone is familiar with what I'm talking about and can help, I would LOVE to hear what I can do to better the PB.
excellent video buddy, I'm thinking of upgrading my pb13 Ultra too. Is the difference in sound worth the upgrade. The sub sounds perfect out of the box but before I shell out on more ££ need some reviews from someone who has done the upgrade. Let me know mate, cheers! The smart app functionality is definitely a plus though.
Thx for taking the time to do this, it was very helpful. I'm probably going to order this kit. I found very quickly that being able to set the sub parameters in the listener position would be very helpful. My amp stopped working sometime over the past year. I've had this sub about 10 years. I am a little put out the amp went so quickly. Hopefully this one will last longer.
I’ll add a note here for some folks if you’re upgrading a PB series (ported) Sometimes these upgrade kits are shipped and labeled in what appears to be an SB amplifier. The serial number will will start with an SB and the label has “SB” crossed out and “PB” hand written in its place. I had this happen when I purchased my upgrade kit from my local SVS dealer and I thought perhaps they may have been pulling some funny business with me and sent me the wrong amp for my PB13-Ultra. I contacted SVS and got an immediate response: “The STA-1200D platform is the same for both the SB and PB model subwoofers, with the only difference being how that amplifier is internally "flashed" for the proper port tuning for the subwoofer. If the amplifier is installed in the subwoofer and then connected to via the SVS App, you should see a "PBxxxxxx (x = model number) amp identifier at the top of the App, and you should see a "Port Tuning" option when the Menu icon is tapped at the top right of the App. If so, that amplifier has been flashed properly for use with the PB13-Ultra subwoofer. It’s also possible you could see a “PC” identifier which indicates it is flashed for a PC13-Ultra. Rest assured this is a non issue if you received this amp for a PB model as the port tuning modes are identical between the PB and PC models. I didn’t ask but what I believe SVS does is allow it’s dealers to only have to stock “SB”spec STA-1200D amplifiers to keep overhead costs down and then allows them to flash them depending on what the customer requires.
I'm thinking of doing the upgrade myself, could you provide any detail on changes you noticed or did you do it primarily for the app functionality? Thanks
little of both. I am NOT a super audiophile. I can't give you specific adjectives about how differently they sound But I can tell that bass in movies and music is more enjoyable. Hard for me to put that into better words, I just think that after a year, it's not just a placebo effect because I still watch things I had seen before and think "yep, I can tell this just sounds better". Example, that opening scene from Lord of the Rings where Sauron is defeated and there is that awesome Bass effect. Also, I do like the app functionality, though after setting things up, I rarely check it again. But it is certainly nice. If nothing else, I turn these off every week that I work, then back on the weeks I am off. Sometimes I forget if it's on or off, and so I just pull up the app while I"m on the couch and see if they're connected. Definitely not worth upgrading just for that, but it's super convenient LOL!
@@TheSwartz It gives you more 200 watts more power. Your original is a 1000D and the new one is a 1200D. The sub will sound the same but have more power to control the Sub. The APP addition is the real reason they offer this upgrade. Makes it convenient not having to adjust the Sub from the back.
Hey man i got some quick question in your video at 20:47 is this included in the package? Or did you just bought that? i got mine too but the one way cord you said was missing. hope you got some quick response THANKS IN ADVANCE!
If you are referring to the male spade adapter, yes, it came with the kit from SVS. Around @3:40, you can see it referenced in the installation guide as (Included). Look at the list at the top of the page. Sorry yours is missing.. surely they'll send you one? Hope that helps!
Its more to do with the addition of the Bluetooth APP controller instead of using the knob. The SUB is going to sound the same, with perhaps a little more power. The original amp is a 1000D and the new one is 1200D. The new one allows you to set the Sub up without having to move it to get to the back.
You doing it wrong ly.. first u have to tap the maskin tape on the bottom, so that it wont fall off. Then use the ellen-key and insert it into the hole of he top part, then pull it out. This way u have strong grip to push up the amp board, and once it pull out, the amp board wont fall off and scratch the wood surface because it hold by the maskin-tape.
In my opinion, bass is definitely sounding better, but to be fair, I did a LOT of other changes at the same time: upgraded two subs, re-positioned them, upgraded receiver, and did a little more calibration than I'd done in the past. So, hard to say 100% what piece this upgrade made.
@@moveezy5591 Keeps you from having to adjust your sub from the back. You can do all adjustments from your mobile from the comfort of your sofa or recliner.
Short Answer: Yes Long Answer: This was part of a major upgrade to the whole room (new amp, added 6 atmos height speakers, re-arranged the entire room, etc.)... so I was going to re-do the setup anyway. I did a normal Audyssey today just to get up and running and enjoy some music, a game and movie... these sound great already, but tomorrow, I'll take some REW profiles and dial things in :)
It allows the new amp to be controlled through a phone APP so that you don't have to get up and change settings in the back of the sub. With the new amp you can do it from your phone or iPad. The SVS 13-Ultra Amplifier Upgrade Kit is for existing owners of the SVS SB13, PB13, PC13-Ultra, PB12-PLUS, and PC12-PLUS Subwoofers. Reply
~14" x 8.5" That's a quick measure with a ruler. This fits VERY precisely, so, keep that in mind if you might need an official, to the millimeter measurement from SVS?
@@TheSwartz Thanks Swartz! I'm planning to upgrade an SVS 25-39PCi (ported cylinder) by making a wood spacer. Not the best fit but at $400, this is an amazing deal for a subwoofer amp w/ DSP.
Your 3 years old video is still relevant. My amp died, learned SVS could still ship me the same replacement. Installing it today. Thank you for making that video.
I like real time videos...where you get to see real world problems....well done
I should start a 24 hour show then, nothing but my real world problems lol ;)
Please please please do a follow up video, I have 2 PB13 ultra and I’m thinking about upgrading; but I want to know if it’s worth it. Thank you....
As I write this, I'm waiting on the fedex van delivering mine. One thing to note, the original amp has only a two prong power cord, a standard 3-prong cord works fine, there just isn't a pin on the amp for a ground. I think one reason for this is it makes it less likely you'll get hum if using unbalanced connection, so the replacement might cause problems for some folks. You can fix that with an adapter though it's better to go with the balanced connects.
back in stock!
Would you happen to know the impedance of the subwoofer? I'm thinking about building an enclosure and it would be nice to know what sub I would need to get before purchasing this amplifier.
I'm sorry, I really don't know and don't want to tell you wrong. I bet you could email or call SVS and they'd tell you. The couple times I've contacted them, each person I've spoken to is a big nerd and seems legitimately wanting to help (compared to some other customer supports..)
@@TheSwartz You're right! They answered my email quickly, the subwoofer's impedance is 4 Ohm. This helps a lot!
I just saw the email from svs this morning then found your video on yourtube. Thx for the great video. Are you going to do some testing or sound demo later? Wonder if it's worth the upgrade.
Thanks for the video. I also got the email today from SVS regarding this upgrade, was it worth it? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Nice video. Once this is upgraded, is the ultra 13 supposed to be identical to the PB-4000? Do you notice the sound being much louder and perhaps cleaner?
I just got mine today.. totally worth it. Much cleaner and delivers a big punch
Hey! I just bought a PB13 Ultra for $650 which is insane but it still has the previous sledge amp. I do have an SB13 ultra with the upgraded amp and for some reason the SB is louder than the PB right now! The volume on the PB is at 0.0db and the SB is on -8db so it doesn't really make any sense to me. Is there something I should adjust on the PB amp? I'm fairly new to this stuff so I'm kind of unsure what features like slope and stuff like that are. If anyone is familiar with what I'm talking about and can help, I would LOVE to hear what I can do to better the PB.
This was actually a very good video.
Thank you :)
excellent video buddy, I'm thinking of upgrading my pb13 Ultra too. Is the difference in sound worth the upgrade. The sub sounds perfect out of the box but before I shell out on more ££ need some reviews from someone who has done the upgrade. Let me know mate, cheers! The smart app functionality is definitely a plus though.
Thx for taking the time to do this, it was very helpful. I'm probably going to order this kit. I found very quickly that being able to set the sub parameters in the listener position would be very helpful. My amp stopped working sometime over the past year. I've had this sub about 10 years. I am a little put out the amp went so quickly. Hopefully this one will last longer.
I’ll add a note here for some folks if you’re upgrading a PB series (ported)
Sometimes these upgrade kits are shipped and labeled in what appears to be an SB amplifier. The serial number will will start with an SB and the label has “SB” crossed out and “PB” hand written in its place. I had this happen when I purchased my upgrade kit from my local SVS dealer and I thought perhaps they may have been pulling some funny business with me and sent me the wrong amp for my PB13-Ultra.
I contacted SVS and got an immediate response:
“The STA-1200D platform is the same for both the SB and PB model subwoofers, with the only difference being how that amplifier is internally "flashed" for the proper port tuning for the subwoofer. If the amplifier is installed in the subwoofer and then connected to via the SVS App, you should see a "PBxxxxxx (x = model number) amp identifier at the top of the App, and you should see a "Port Tuning" option when the Menu icon is tapped at the top right of the App. If so, that amplifier has been flashed properly for use with the PB13-Ultra subwoofer. It’s also possible you could see a “PC” identifier which indicates it is flashed for a PC13-Ultra. Rest assured this is a non issue if you received this amp for a PB model as the port tuning modes are identical between the PB and PC models.
I didn’t ask but what I believe SVS does is allow it’s dealers to only have to stock “SB”spec STA-1200D amplifiers to keep overhead costs down and then allows them to flash them depending on what the customer requires.
Any others that done the swap care to provide feedback as to if it was worth it?
I'm thinking of doing the upgrade myself, could you provide any detail on changes you noticed or did you do it primarily for the app functionality? Thanks
little of both. I am NOT a super audiophile. I can't give you specific adjectives about how differently they sound But I can tell that bass in movies and music is more enjoyable. Hard for me to put that into better words, I just think that after a year, it's not just a placebo effect because I still watch things I had seen before and think "yep, I can tell this just sounds better". Example, that opening scene from Lord of the Rings where Sauron is defeated and there is that awesome Bass effect. Also, I do like the app functionality, though after setting things up, I rarely check it again. But it is certainly nice. If nothing else, I turn these off every week that I work, then back on the weeks I am off. Sometimes I forget if it's on or off, and so I just pull up the app while I"m on the couch and see if they're connected. Definitely not worth upgrading just for that, but it's super convenient LOL!
@@TheSwartz It gives you more 200 watts more power. Your original is a 1000D and the new one is a 1200D. The sub will sound the same but have more power to control the Sub. The APP addition is the real reason they offer this upgrade. Makes it convenient not having to adjust the Sub from the back.
Hey man i got some quick question in your video at 20:47 is this included in the package? Or did you just bought that? i got mine too but the one way cord you said was missing. hope you got some quick response THANKS IN ADVANCE!
If you are referring to the male spade adapter, yes, it came with the kit from SVS. Around @3:40, you can see it referenced in the installation guide as (Included). Look at the list at the top of the page.
Sorry yours is missing.. surely they'll send you one?
Hope that helps!
Did you return your old plate amp or did you resell it??
I resold both on eBay
Very useful video man! I wonder how much better is the sound going to be. Would you a video about it?
Its more to do with the addition of the Bluetooth APP controller instead of using the knob. The SUB is going to sound the same, with perhaps a little more power. The original amp is a 1000D and the new one is 1200D. The new one allows you to set the Sub up without having to move it to get to the back.
Do you know if that's the same amplifier upgrade kit that will go in in sb4000?
Sorry, I don't know anything about that one, so I would only be speculating and I'd hate to tell you wrong.
Any idea on the height x width on this one?
You doing it wrong ly.. first u have to tap the maskin tape on the bottom, so that it wont fall off. Then use the ellen-key and insert it into the hole of he top part, then pull it out. This way u have strong grip to push up the amp board, and once it pull out, the amp board wont fall off and scratch the wood surface because it hold by the maskin-tape.
Excellent advice regarding the tape. I wish I thought of that. Thank you.
I have no intention of returning the old one. Going to keep it for a spare if this one blows....
hi can you measure the dimension of the amplifier ? thank you
Works this with a PC13-Ultra too?
the SVS 13-Ultra Amplifier Upgrade Kit is for existing owners of the SVS SB13, PB13, PC13-Ultra, PB12-PLUS, and PC12-PLUS Subwoofers.
Does it sound better or is it just the mobile app
In my opinion, bass is definitely sounding better, but to be fair, I did a LOT of other changes at the same time: upgraded two subs, re-positioned them, upgraded receiver, and did a little more calibration than I'd done in the past. So, hard to say 100% what piece this upgrade made.
@@TheSwartz how much more effective is the app
@@moveezy5591 Keeps you from having to adjust your sub from the back. You can do all adjustments from your mobile from the comfort of your sofa or recliner.
What is the purpose of replacing this amp?
App support and what ever else comes with it
Control it with your phone and adds little bit more power.
Did you have to retune your surround sound system?
Short Answer: Yes
Long Answer: This was part of a major upgrade to the whole room (new amp, added 6 atmos height speakers, re-arranged the entire room, etc.)... so I was going to re-do the setup anyway. I did a normal Audyssey today just to get up and running and enjoy some music, a game and movie... these sound great already, but tomorrow, I'll take some REW profiles and dial things in :)
Thanks. I just ordered my upgrade today. So you think it was worth buying it?
I’m definitely looking forward to getting mine. The extra power will be nice
What does the upgrade do
It allows the new amp to be controlled through a phone APP so that you don't have to get up and change settings in the back of the sub. With the new amp you can do it from your phone or iPad. The SVS 13-Ultra Amplifier Upgrade Kit is for existing owners of the SVS SB13, PB13, PC13-Ultra, PB12-PLUS, and PC12-PLUS Subwoofers.
Reply
Wasn’t there another white wire that came with the kit? What is that for?
what are the dimensions of the plate amp?
~14" x 8.5"
That's a quick measure with a ruler.
This fits VERY precisely, so, keep that in mind if you might need an official, to the millimeter measurement from SVS?
@@TheSwartz Thanks Swartz! I'm planning to upgrade an SVS 25-39PCi (ported cylinder) by making a wood spacer. Not the best fit but at $400, this is an amazing deal for a subwoofer amp w/ DSP.