Today we're comparing two very different approaches to adding bass to your home entertainment system - the budget-friendly $239 Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 and the high-performance $899 SVS SB-2000 Pro. While both are powered subwoofers (meaning they have built-in amplifiers), they target different users with distinct priorities.
Subwoofers handle the lowest frequencies in music and movies - typically anything below 80 Hz. These low frequencies create the rumble you feel during explosions and give music its foundation. Getting good bass makes a huge difference in both home theater and music listening.
Modern subwoofers have evolved significantly over the past decade. Digital signal processing (DSP) has revolutionized how we control and optimize bass performance. Wireless connectivity has become more common, especially in soundbar-focused systems. And driver technology continues advancing, allowing smaller cabinets to produce deeper bass.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro clearly leads in raw capability. Its 12-inch driver, powered by a massive 550-watt RMS amplifier (which can peak at 1,500 watts), can reproduce frequencies down to 19 Hz. That's deep enough to capture nearly all musical content and special effects.
The Klipsch SUB 100 uses a 10-inch driver with an 80-watt RMS amp, reaching down to 26 Hz. While this might seem like a small difference, those extra low frequencies add significant impact to movie explosions and pipe organ notes. The Klipsch will certainly fill a medium-sized room with solid bass, but it won't deliver the same chest-thumping impact as the SVS.
This is where the price difference really shows. The SB-2000 Pro uses sophisticated DSP processing running at 50 MHz to maintain tight control over its driver. This results in very precise, articulate bass that stays composed even at high volumes. The aluminum cone material and advanced motor structure help eliminate distortion.
The Flexus SUB 100 focuses more on convenience than absolute performance. Its paper cone driver and simpler amplification produce good bass for casual listening but can't match the SVS's precision. However, for many users, especially in smaller rooms or with soundbar systems, this difference may not be significant enough to justify the price premium.
The Flexus SUB 100 shines in wireless integration, especially with Klipsch soundbars. It uses their proprietary wireless system with very low latency (meaning no delay between video and audio). You can even pair two subs to a compatible soundbar for more even bass distribution.
The SB-2000 Pro takes a different approach, focusing on wired connections for absolute performance. However, it offers wireless control through an impressive smartphone app that provides extensive customization options.
SVS provides remarkable control through their app, including:
The Klipsch offers basic volume control through its companion app but lacks advanced adjustment options. However, its simpler approach might actually be preferable for users who want a more plug-and-play experience.
For dedicated home theater rooms, the SB-2000 Pro is clearly superior. Its ability to handle extreme dynamic range without compression means explosions and action scenes maintain their impact even at reference levels (very loud, theater-like volumes). The deeper extension also adds realism to effects like spacecraft fly-bys and earthquake scenes.
The Flexus SUB 100 performs admirably in more casual setups. It adds satisfying weight to movie soundtracks and handles most content well at moderate volumes. For many viewers, particularly in apartments or smaller rooms, its output capability is more than sufficient.
Music can actually be more demanding on subwoofers than movies, requiring precise control to avoid muddying the sound. The SB-2000 Pro excels here, reproducing complex bass lines with clarity and maintaining composure with demanding electronic music.
The Flexus handles most music genres competently but can struggle with complex passages at higher volumes. However, for background listening or moderate volumes, many users won't notice significant limitations.
Released in late 2022, the Flexus SUB 100 represents Klipsch's latest thinking in affordable wireless subwoofers. It's part of their collaboration with Onkyo, bringing together American and Japanese audio engineering approaches.
The SB-2000 Pro, introduced in 2019, builds on SVS's reputation for high-performance subwoofers. It's received regular firmware updates adding features and refinements.
The SB-2000 Pro's build quality and performance make it a long-term investment. Its capability means it can handle upgrades to the rest of your system without becoming a bottleneck. The extensive adjustment options also help it adapt to different rooms and setups.
The Flexus SUB 100 offers excellent value for its intended use but may need upgrading if you later move to a larger room or more demanding system. However, its lower price point means you could buy three for the cost of one SB-2000 Pro.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 perfectly serves its target market - users wanting simple wireless integration and good performance at a reasonable price. The SVS SB-2000 Pro justifies its premium through superior performance, build quality, and flexibility. Both represent excellent values within their respective market segments.
Remember: The best subwoofer is one that matches your specific needs and constraints. Don't feel pressured to spend more than necessary if the Flexus meets your requirements. Conversely, if you're passionate about home theater or music, the SB-2000 Pro's performance advantage might be worth the investment.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS SB-2000 Pro |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $239 (excellent value for basic needs) | $899 (premium but justified for enthusiasts) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally handle bass better | |
| 10-inch paper cone | 12-inch aluminum cone with composite fiber dustcap |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output | |
| 80W RMS / 160W Peak | 550W RMS / 1,500W Peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26-250 Hz (±3dB) | 19-240 Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character | |
| Sealed design, compact form factor | Sealed design with heavy-duty construction |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and cabinet bracing | |
| 20.7 lbs | 38.6 lbs |
| Wireless Capabilities - Important for easy setup | |
| Built-in wireless with Klipsch soundbars | None (requires wired connection) |
| Room Correction/DSP - Helps optimize performance | |
| Basic app control for volume | Advanced DSP with parametric EQ and smartphone app |
| Recommended Room Size - Critical for matching to space | |
| Small to medium rooms (<300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (300-800 sq ft) |
| Multiple Sub Support - Better bass distribution | |
| Yes, pairs with second Flexus sub | Yes, with any SVS sub via app control |
| Special Features - Additional value-adds | |
| Klipsch Transport wireless system, simple setup | 50MHz DSP, custom presets, extensive tuning options |
| Warranty - Long-term protection | |
| 2 years | 5 years |
For small rooms under 300 square feet, the $239 Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 provides more than enough output and offers better value. The $899 SVS SB-2000 Pro would be overkill in this situation.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro delivers 550W RMS with 1,500W peak power, while the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 provides 80W RMS with 160W peak power.
The SB-2000 Pro offers superior movie performance with deeper bass extension (19Hz vs 26Hz) and more power for explosive scenes. The Flexus SUB 100 works well for casual movie watching but can't match the SVS's impact.
The Flexus SUB 100 has built-in wireless connectivity for Klipsch soundbars, while the SB-2000 Pro requires a wired connection.
For basic home theater needs, the Flexus SUB 100 offers excellent value at $239. The SB-2000 Pro justifies its $899 price for enthusiasts wanting premium performance.
Consider your room size, budget, and performance needs. Choose the Flexus for smaller rooms and soundbar systems, and the SB-2000 Pro for larger spaces and dedicated home theaters.
Both support multiple subwoofer setups. The Flexus SUB 100 pairs with a second Flexus sub, while the SB-2000 Pro can be paired with any SVS subwoofer.
The SB-2000 Pro offers more advanced app control with parametric EQ and custom presets. The Flexus SUB 100 has basic volume and settings control.
The SB-2000 Pro reaches down to 19Hz, while the Flexus SUB 100 extends to 26Hz. This difference is noticeable in deep bass movie effects and organ music.
The SB-2000 Pro features premium construction with a 38.6-pound cabinet and aluminum driver. The Flexus SUB 100 is well-built for its price but lighter at 20.7 pounds.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro includes a 5-year warranty, while the Flexus SUB 100 comes with a 2-year warranty.
Both handle music well, but the SB-2000 Pro offers superior musical accuracy and detail. The Flexus SUB 100 performs adequately for casual music listening.
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 - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - spacehifi.com.au - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com
