When it comes to adding deep bass to your home entertainment system, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 ($239) and SVS PB-3000 ($1,399) represent two very different approaches to the challenge. Let's explore how these subwoofers stack up and who they're really best suited for.
The subwoofer market has evolved significantly in recent years. We've seen a shift toward two distinct segments: wireless-friendly lifestyle products that prioritize convenience and integration, and traditional high-performance subwoofers focused on absolute sound quality. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 and SVS PB-3000 perfectly exemplify these diverging approaches.
Released in 2023, the Flexus SUB 100 represents Klipsch's modern take on wireless integration, developed in partnership with Onkyo. The PB-3000, launched in 2019, showcases SVS's continued refinement of traditional subwoofer design principles.
The difference in bass capability between these units is substantial. The SVS PB-3000's 13-inch driver and massive amplifier allow it to reach down to 16Hz with authority - that's well below what humans can "hear" but definitely what we can feel. This kind of extension delivers the physical sensation of explosions in movies or the lowest pipe organ notes in classical music.
The Flexus SUB 100's 10-inch driver and 80-watt amplifier provide respectable performance down to 26Hz, which covers most musical bass and many movie effects. However, it won't deliver the visceral impact of the PB-3000 during intense movie scenes.
Power handling tells an important story here. The PB-3000's 800-watt RMS amplifier (with 2,500+ watt peaks) provides enormous dynamic headroom - the ability to handle sudden loud bass effects without distortion. When a movie soundtrack calls for a massive explosion or a music track drops a deep bass note, the PB-3000 can respond instantly without strain.
The Flexus SUB 100's 80-watt RMS amplifier is sufficient for normal listening in smaller rooms, but it will reach its limits more quickly during demanding passages. Think of it like a sports car engine - more power means more effortless performance when pushed hard.
Room size dramatically affects subwoofer performance. The PB-3000's powerful amplifier and larger driver can pressurize rooms up to about 800 square feet, making it suitable for dedicated home theaters and large living spaces. Its dual-port design helps manage airflow efficiently, reducing port noise (that whooshing sound you sometimes hear from subwoofers) even at high volumes.
The Flexus SUB 100 is optimized for rooms up to about 300 square feet. Its sealed design actually helps it maintain control in smaller spaces, where a more powerful ported subwoofer might create too much bass.
The Flexus SUB 100 shines in wireless connectivity, using Klipsch's proprietary system to connect seamlessly with their soundbars. This means no running cables across your room - a significant advantage for many living spaces. The included wireless transmitter provides reliable, low-latency audio transmission.
The PB-3000 takes a traditional wired approach but compensates with advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) features. Its smartphone app offers detailed control over frequency response, room compensation, and preset modes for different content types.
Modern subwoofers have come a long way in terms of setup flexibility. The Flexus SUB 100 offers basic adjustments through its companion app, focusing on simplicity. You can adjust volume and basic settings, but the emphasis is on plug-and-play operation.
The PB-3000 provides extensive fine-tuning options, including:
In a dedicated home theater, the PB-3000 delivers reference-level performance. Its ability to reproduce the lowest frequencies means you'll feel every explosion and car chase exactly as the sound designers intended. The extensive tuning options allow precise integration with main speakers.
The Flexus SUB 100 works well in more casual home theater setups, particularly with Klipsch soundbars. While it won't shake the foundations, it adds meaningful bass impact to movies and shows. Its wireless design is particularly valuable in living room settings where cable management is challenging.
For music, these subwoofers serve different listeners. The PB-3000 excels with all genres, providing the depth needed for pipe organs, the precision for acoustic bass, and the power for electronic music. Its speed and accuracy make it suitable for critical listening.
The Flexus SUB 100 handles most music well within its limits. It's particularly good with modern music that doesn't contain ultra-low bass, and its sealed design helps maintain tight, controlled bass response.
At $239, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 delivers impressive performance for its price point. Its wireless capability and compact size make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing convenience and clean installation.
The SVS PB-3000 at $1,399 represents a significant investment but delivers performance that justifies its price for enthusiasts. Its build quality, features, and performance capabilities make it a long-term investment in superior sound.
Choose the Flexus SUB 100 if:
Choose the PB-3000 if:
Both products excel in their intended use cases. The key is matching the subwoofer to your specific needs, room size, and budget constraints.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS PB-3000 |
|---|---|
| Price - Major factor in value proposition | |
| $239 (entry-level wireless) | $1,399 (premium performance) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass | |
| 10" paper cone woofer | 13" high-excursion aluminum cone |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output and headroom | |
| 80W RMS / 160W Peak | 800W RMS / 2,500W+ Peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26-250 Hz (±3dB) | 16-260 Hz (±3dB) standard mode, 18-260 Hz sealed mode |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and output | |
| Sealed (acoustic suspension) | Dual-ported with optional port plugs |
| Dimensions - Critical for room placement | |
| 13.2" x 13.3" x 13.9" (compact) | 21.9" x 18.3" x 26" (substantial) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and materials | |
| 20.7 lbs | 82.2 lbs |
| Connectivity - Important for system integration | |
| Wireless + Mono RCA input | RCA inputs with advanced DSP control |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for performance match | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to ~300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to ~800 sq ft) |
| Special Features - Adds functionality and value | |
| Wireless pairing, app control, dual sub capability | Variable port tuning, parametric EQ, smartphone app with presets |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 2 years | 5 years |
| Best Use Case - Key decision factor | |
| Soundbar companion, apartment/small room use | Dedicated home theater, critical listening, large spaces |
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is better suited for small rooms due to its compact size and 80W amplifier. The SVS PB-3000 might be too powerful and physically large for small spaces.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 costs $239, while the SVS PB-3000 is priced at $1,399. The price difference reflects their different market segments and performance capabilities.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is more appropriate for apartment living due to its smaller size, controlled output, and wireless capability. The SVS might be too powerful for shared living spaces.
Yes, both can work with any system, but the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is optimized for Klipsch soundbars, while the SVS PB-3000 works best with traditional home theater receivers.
The SVS PB-3000 reaches significantly deeper bass (16Hz) compared to the Klipsch (26Hz). This difference is noticeable during intense movie scenes and certain music genres.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers wireless connectivity with compatible Klipsch soundbars. The SVS PB-3000 requires traditional wired connections.
The SVS PB-3000 offers superior music performance with its more powerful amplifier and advanced tuning capabilities, though the Klipsch performs adequately for casual listening.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 needs minimal space at 13.2" cube, while the SVS PB-3000 requires significant room at 21.9" x 18.3" x 26".
Both offer adjustment options. The Klipsch uses a basic app interface, while the SVS PB-3000 provides comprehensive DSP controls through its app.
The SVS PB-3000 comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers 2 years of coverage.
Yes, both models support dual subwoofer setups. The Klipsch pairs wirelessly with a second unit, while the SVS requires traditional wired connections.
The SVS PB-3000 provides superior movie performance with its deeper bass extension and more powerful amplifier, though the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is adequate for casual viewing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - listenup.com - bestbuy.com - forum.planetofthevapes.co.uk - cnet.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - av-connection.com - greentoe.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com - crutchfield.com
