SVS PB12-Plus/2 compared to B&W ASW850 subwoofer

[Sonic-x]

I have a ASW850 subwoofer in my setup right now. This is a demo used item which I can get for a reasonable price, about $2600, retail price in Norway is about $3900

But then there is the SVS PB12-Plus/2 which I can get brand new for about $1950 retail price. This subwoofer is said to be very good at its price range, but can it really compare to the 850?

Sadly I dont have the opportunity to take the SVS home and test it in my setup with my 803Ds.

But maybe there are someone out there who can help me decide? I agree that the 850 looks better than SVS, but is it worth the extra dollars, and does it really sound that much better?

[DrJRapp]

But maybe there are someone out there who can help me decide? I agree that the 850 looks better than SVS, but is it worth the extra dollars, and does it really sound that much better?

I own the SVS PB2+ which is now known as the PB12+2. I've listened extensively to the B&W 855. MY SVS lives in an extremely large (7000+ cu ft) room. The 855 was in a considerably smaller dealer's showroom. The best way I can characterize the difference is to say that the SVS moves seriously more air than the 855 even though the 855 has a 15" driver and the SVS has two 12". As far as sound goes, they are really hard to compare. My basic opinion is that the SVS digs deeper and is a better choice for HT. Understand that I CAN afford either, so the cost difference isn't even an issue. I chose the SVS purely for it's performance.

I'll warn you of one thing....the PB12+2's big. Photographs don't do it justice, when it arrives at your home packed on it's skid it's overwhelming. Not to worry, the packing makes it seem much bigger than it really is.

[Sonic-x]

Many thanks, I really will consider the SVS now