The SVS subwoofer is the line from SVS that challenges the status quo of overpriced, underperforming subwoofers. The SVS Company has many subwoofer series including 1000, 2000, 3000, and 16-Ultra. All these series bring convincing and immersive sound to more people than ever before.
With SVS subwoofer, every audio experience takes on an added energy and feeling. It brings passion, fun, and expertise back into the mix and maintains pinpoint accuracy and speed in transients. The thing we love the most about SVS products are they blend seamlessly with all the speakers; their functions can be adjusted according to your personal listening preference.
Below are the best SVS subwoofers that shake any room on any budget. The best thing about them is they produce the lowest frequencies at the highest output levels.
SVS PB16-ULTRA Subwoofer
The SVS PB16-Ultra is a complete home cinema package. It is one of the ‘top dogs’ of subwoofers that still remains the top choice in its price range.
No other subwoofer like it adds scale or impact to a surround sound experience.
From sound to design, it dominates its competitors.
Design
If you have seen the PB13-ultra, you will see many similarities. In fact, the first glance can make you think it is merely a larger version of PB13-ultra, but under the cover, there are some key differences that make the PB16-ultra special.
It has three modes of operation with respective -3 dB points of 17 Hz, 14Hz, and 21 Hz. This allows you to customize its bass.
For instance, when you seal one of the ports, it produces deeper bass frequencies. In case you seal all the three ports, a lot of deep basses will be eliminated.
The manufacturers have also introduced a large voice coil in the motor structure. Its main purpose is to utilize the staggering amount of amplification and allow this model to have 5,000+ watts peak power.
One thing you should keep in mind is it is monstrously heavy. It is indeed bigger than almost all subs in its price range. The frictionless less structure is perhaps the only drawback is the design; it is hard to get a proper grip on it.
Controls and Connections
The controls and connections of this SVS subwoofer are rather simple. At the top edge, there is a digital control pad which controls DSP functions and store custom presets. It is expertly embedded in front chamfer that angle the main display in a great way for optimal viewing.
That’s why it is safe to say this SVS subwoofer is the culmination of all SVS advanced models and packed with innovations that complement the 21st century.
Mostly, the digital control pad is used for adjusting the volume. But for main controls, you can rely on the excellent app.
It controls the subwoofer or multiple subs and makes the entire control and connection setup a breeze. Just make sure the input and outputs are connected correctly.
Sound Quality
Play the best full-bass tracks you can think of and pump the volume as high as you can. You will be surprised to see how it gives a controlled and tight bass without any distortion. Even at lower levels, it doesn’t mess around.
Play any full-bass track at lower volume levels and put your ear close to the speaker. You will hear a subsonic thrum. You will feel the sound waves vibrating through it.
The 64 Amp 200-volt MOSFET is the actual sonic muscles behind its power and volume.
They push its 16″ driver to extreme levels of performance.
SVS PB16-ULTRA – Pros & Cons
Pros
- The double-thick MDF front baffle makes it sonically inert and resonant free.
- Its performance has been tested in the real world and laboratory environments to check how it acquires low-frequency extension and gets detailed output capabilities.
- It has intelligent integration for seamless blending with speakers.
- This subwoofer is always accurate and never boomy; it doesn’t matter which sound quality or level you are listening to. It stays faithful to what the artist intended.
- Its app is compatible with both Apple and Android platforms.
Cons
- It has an enormous footprint.
- The mid-bass range is not as powerful as deep bass.
Specifications:
- The size is around 25 x 22 x 30 inches.
- It has steel mesh grille.
- It has 1500 watts of power.
- It offers 11 Hz in-room low-frequency extension.
- The frequency response rate is 13-280 Hz.
- The total weight is around 174.5 pounds.
SVS SB-4000 Subwoofer
It is a rather pricey item.
But it can make a world of difference to your enjoyment. For that reason, it is a top choice for home theater systems. It is known for unleashing immense sonic energy while maintaining the control and accuracy of the sound.
To justify the purchase, the company has also introduced a host of useful control features that make the entire setup process easier.
Controls and Connections
The only hardest part about SVS SB-4000 setup is finding the place to place it. Since, as we have mentioned before, it is big, beautiful, and bold.
Next, the things that can puzzle you are its ‘Controls’. Most subwoofers count on a limited number of controls; this isn’t the case with SVS SB-4000 subwoofer. It has more controls and features than a simple gain dial and a phase switch. They allow you to customize your experience in any way you want.
It features stereo line-level input, stereo line-level output, and 12V trigger. It also has XLR inputs/outputs. Once you connect them with the speakers, all you need is to set its bass management crossover to 100 Hertz and play.
Design
The SVS SB-4000 is a big, heavy box. Due to its design, it blends well with the tower speakers also, in case you want to add the depth in your home theater system.
It is designed to work with the latest home theater receivers using Audessy, which is a big plus. The option metal grill is installed on the front face that makes it look more exclusive.
Aesthetically, it is a beautiful standard black cube and complements all home décor types.
The manufacturers have given it a standard black ash finish, however, if you pay a little extra, you can have a piano glossy finish that looks a little fancier.
It also has a light-up LED display on the front panel. It is used for controlling the features during the setup. It can be turned off but it defaults to turning back on if the SVS SB-4000 subwoofer is disconnected from the power source.
The internal design of this system is also as great as external box cabinet design. The rigid internal bracing not only supports its drive but also eliminates all coloration and resonance from the cabinet. This results in tighter, more musical bass.
Sound Quality
Its powerful performance doesn’t rattle internal organs. It produces its power in a great delicate manner that is clean and has a deep force.
It has an unparalleled low-frequency depth, power, and detail which take command of the room and add visceral energy to every listening experience. The best thing is this woofer easily integrates with your speakers.
Experts recommend using better speakers with it, as according to them, the SVS SB-4000 Subwoofer isn’t designed for small rooms or small speakers.
The reason why many customers prefer a sealed subwoofer like SB-4000 over a ported one is the sealed box handles the music better. It conveys the drums and bass in everything you listen to. You feel the delivery of every single note with impact and clarity; there are no high-range, mid-range, or low-range issues either.
On the contrary, ported subwoofers are also good, but the deep bass is sometimes missed in their lower-range, as their components make the sound more tight and controlled.
SVS SB-4000 – Pros & Cons
Pros
- SVS App; it allows you to play with all the DSP functions from the comfort of your seat.
- The dual ferrite magnet motor generates an immense magnetic force to produce powerful low-frequency output.
- Its digital processor maintains pinpoint accuracy.
- The Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) deals with wide voltage fluctuations and keep your SB-4000 sealed box subwoofer safe.
- It shows updates in real-time on the app.
Cons
- It doesn’t have an automated EQ setup.
- It can be a tad hard to perceive its feature, particularly for first-time users.
Specifications:
- The total weight is 102 lbs.
- It has a 13.5″ driver.
- It is rated at 1,200 watts RMS.
- It stores 3 customs presets for movies and music.
- The frequency response is 19-310 Hz +/-3dB.
- The deep bass extension is below 20 Hz.
SVS PB-3000 Subwoofer
The SVS PB-3000 deserves the ‘Reviewer’s Choice Award’.
Customers from all walks of life flood it with A++ ratings and reveal that the way it produces earth-shaking output, it’s amazing.
You feel the thrill in your veins.
Design
When people check the designs of SVS PB-3000 and SVS SB-3000, they feel there is no special difference, especially when they are using the same driver. However, the reality is totally different.
In reality, the PB-3000 is larger and more muscular than the SB-3000 version. It is also more elegant and refined. Besides, its premium black finish makes it look more special.
The developers of SVS PB-3000 also optimized it with a dual-port cabinet design.
This design has several benefits, such as it maximizes the airflow, increases the driver motion, and also elevates the amplifier power. Moreover, it eliminates the potential for port turbulence.
Due to this design, the air mass vibrates correctly at precise frequencies. This is known as ‘Helmholtz Resonance’.
Sound Quality
The performance of this subwoofer is breathtaking. It is rated at 800 watts RMS, and at peak power, it is around 2500+ watts. This is its ‘iron fist’ that plays a significant role in making the bass tight and controlled.
The other similar SVS SB-3000 has these qualities too, but the difference in the listening sessions is night and day.
We also compared its performance in both music and movies and it performed better in movies. It digs deep to produce the impact of soundtracks and brings out those tones that dip lower and lower. On the other hand, when some high-action scene comes, it rattles the walls of your room.
Controls and Connections
First, let’s talk about the installation and setup of SVS PB-3000 subwoofer. If you have used other SVS subwoofers, you will find it a tad smaller in size, but it is by no means small.
The RCA inputs are in the rear port where you can connect both stereo and LFE (Low-Frequency Effect) channel; it is particularly intended for deep, low pitched sounds.
There is a rear USB port too; it provides power for the optional wireless transmitter. This gives you the option to expand your placement option and decrease the clutter.
It is specifically ideal for those who wish to avoid cables running along the floor.
Installing the SVS app gives you additional benefits in the installation process. Use it to configure the 3-band parametric EQ. Though, before configuring it, bear in mind, there isn’t any automated calibration function.
The only option you have is to check how it is impacting the response in real-time. The SVS App lets you have live feedbacks while you are configuring the 3-band parametric EQ.
SVS PB-3000 – Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 50Mhz audio DSP is one of the most advanced processors used in this subwoofer.
- The SVS app allows you to control volume and access multiple functions for tuning optimization; it gives you full control from your favorite seat.
- It performs fantastic with movies; better than music tracks.
- It provides sternum-vibrating bass without giving up the refinement.
- When its 13″ driver performs at the peak, there is no whiff of extraneous noise.
Cons
- It is available in black ash finish only.
- It doesn’t have automatic EQ.
SVS SB PB-3000 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 26 x 21.9 inches.
- It has a premium black ash finish.
- The in-room low-frequency extension is 14 Hz.
- It has RCA, 12V trigger inputs.
- The frequency response is 16-260 Hz.
- It has a 2500+ watts peak power.
- Its design has the efficiency of the Class D amplifier.
SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer
The quality of this subwoofer can be determined by its driver, crossover points, and the size of the enclosure. All these things make SVS PB-1000 an award-winning product.
Besides, it is one of the most economical subwoofers too. One can have it without burning the holes in their pocket.
You can read our in-depth SVS PB-1000 review here.
Design
It is a ported design with a 10″ driver. It looks like the model PW10 but the design of the cabinet diverges. It is larger and more hearty and heftier.
Moreover, the manufacturers of SVS PB-1000 gave it a premium black ash finish; it makes it look like an expensive subwoofer, like the SB-4000. To make it more attractive, they used a black cloth grille that gives it a handsome style. That’s why it is easy to integrate into any living space.
The amplifier on its rear is capable of a 700-watt peak. You will see line-levels and LFE inputs on the amplifier that assist in integrating into a home theater or stereo system.
Due to these design factors, many experts think it hits a nice spot between affordability and performance. Plus, when we compare it with the SB-1000 model, the PB-1000 is bigger. In case you have used the SB-1000 model before, and the size of PB-1000 is creating an issue for you, taking the grille off can cut its depth size. This will make it ideal for a tad smaller spaces.
Internal Hardware
In this SVS model, we want to particularly review the internal hardware, as it is economical and many people assume the internal hardware quality isn’t good. Well, this isn’t true.
The front-firing 10″ driver uses the solid fiber composite cone for enhanced sensitivity. Also, the FEA-optimized motor has a high-power voice coil which is mostly not available in the economical subwoofer. This high-power voice coil is used for low-distortion in the sound.
Apart from this, the Sledge STA-300D Class D Amplifier has a class of its own. It is responsible for generating 300 watts of continuous power. It also facilitates in creating accurate response under all operating conditions.
All in all, this model doesn’t sacrifice quality. This is perhaps the only cost-friendly model in the SVS lineup that gives impressive value.
Sound Quality
Believe it or not, this ported box design subwoofer gives more power than most sealed box subwoofers. The only thing that can be a drawback in this model is it feels a bit boomy if it is placed in the center of the room.
If it is possible, try to place it in the corner of the room. This will change its overall performance and make it give louder bass with good accuracy. Besides, there won’t be any boomy feel in the sound either.
In a way, the changing of position can give you an advantage too. You can try out different placements to determine what sounds better. We have a pretty in-depth subwoofer placement guide that you can read here.
It gives the extra punch that some movies or music tracks can ask for and leaves you with a great impression. In the low budget category, its performance is the best.
SVS PB-1000 – Pros & Cons
Pros
- It delivers the full range of bass response.
- It passes even the toughest ultra-low bass test.
- If you are a professional gamer, the gaming sound effects will blow you away.
- It offers intelligent integration for seamless blending.
- The bass clarity is amazing.
Cons
- There is no EQ on the SVS amplifier.
- It can sound boomy if placement isn’t right.
Specifications:
- The input impedance is rated at 47.
- The frequency response is between 19Hz-270Hz.
- LFE coaxial port connects to the AV receiver.
- It has a 3V-12V AC/DC trigger.
- The port of this unit is with flares.
- 46 pounds – total weight.
SVS PC-2000 Pro Subwoofer
The SVS PC-2000 Pro Subwoofer is a 34″ tall, downward-firing room shaker.
It benefits from an entirely new driver design and configuration capabilities that produce room-energizing bass with pinpoint control and accuracy.
If you have already used the SVS 2000-series, you will notice a major improvement in PC-2000; it’s the icing on the cake and worth the extra cost.
Design
It has a cylindrical cabinet design that features a new 12″ driver from its 2000 series. The manufacturers of SVS Company used the cabinet height particularly to reduce the footprint since it assists in giving room-shaking output.
The footprint just measures 16.5 inches. Furthermore, the vertical height not only maintains the small footprint but also harness the massive power and ensure unerring control on it.
The black color blends into most home theater environments. It merges the efficiency of Class D switching power supply with discrete MOSFET output devices.
The PC-2000 is designed for easy set-up and integration too in multi-channel systems. Its intelligent control interface has touch buttons and an LED bar that lets you play with the DS settings. But you can do all these adjustments via SVS’s free smartphone app.
SVS app has many benefits; it allows you to select your room layout, change volume settings, and tweak crossover frequencies. The best feature in this app is the ‘Tailored Listening Modes’. One can have separate listening modes for movies and music.
When we assess the features of PC-2000 pro, it feels like it is a new take on an old look. The build quality is improved and the black fabric on the outside is thicker and more robust. Plus, the piano glass finish makes it look more elegant.
However, the prominent features aren’t only in the design sector. The complete reimagining of the internal components makes this subwoofer give an impressive performance.
For example, it has a Sledge STA-550D DSP Amplifier.
The main purpose of this amplifier is to create massive power with precise control. Moreover, the deep bass extension is below 20 Hz, which means you have the full potential of the 12-inch driver without compromise.
Other than that, the digital signal processing is great and pushes the PC-2000 Pro to precisely shape the frequency response.
Sound Quality
When you see the rocket on the screen, you feel an intense rumbling that doesn’t sound congested or muddy. It doesn’t let the roars of the engine hide behind the soundtracks.
Similarly, the heart-stopping docking sequence, like we see in the ‘Interstellar’ (My favorite movie), impresses too. You experience every texture and definition of the sound without any trouble.
Also, the capability of MOSFET devices creates high output levels. They are responsible for seismic rumble and crushing impacts in the movies.
If you want to see PC-2000 pro actual performance, watch ‘Interstellar’.You will see how it maintains pristine sound quality throughout the movie.
SVS PC-2000 Pro – Pros and Cons
Pros
- The aluminum pole piece extension is exceptional at heat dissipation.
- The 50 Mhz analog device is one of the most advanced digital processors used by the SVS Company. It is hard to find this kind of audio DSP in the subwoofers.
- The subwoofer pressurizes the high sound and turns it into crisp, heart-pounding bass. It uses DSP controls to maintain pristine sound quality.
- The SVS app allows you to manage the PC-2000 Pro controls easily.
- The customs presets can be saved for movies and music.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a digital bar.
- It isn’t a wireless subwoofer.
Specifications:
- 47.4 lbs – total weight.
- 15 Hz – In-room low-frequency.
- It has RCA and 12V Trigger inputs.
- The Amplifier power is 550 watts RMS.
- It is available in a piano black gloss finish.
- The max acoustic output is 128.3 dB.
Conclusion
These are the best SVS subwoofers that you can get on the market today. Whether you’re after that highest end subwoofer or a more budget-friendly subwoofer, we tried to cover the whole spectrum with this buying guide.
One thing to note is you simply cant go wrong with an SVS product. Their customer support and product quality is unrivalled and you are absolutely guarenteed an excellent experience, no matter which SVS subwoofer you buy.
