When building a home theater or music system, great bass makes all the difference. Today, we're comparing two popular subwoofers that take different approaches to delivering that essential low-end punch: the compact Polk Signature Elite ES10 ($449) and the more powerful SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709).
Before diving into the comparison, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio system - everything from the deep rumble of explosions in movies to the foundation of music. A powered subwoofer includes its own amplifier, making it easier to integrate into any system.
The key things that matter are:
The Polk ES10 represents a newer approach to compact subwoofers, released in 2021 as part of Polk's refreshed Signature Elite line. It uses advanced digital processing to get impressive performance from a smaller 10-inch driver and 200-watt amplifier.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro came out in early 2021 as an update to SVS's popular 1000 series. It takes a more traditional approach with a larger 12-inch driver and 325-watt amp but adds modern features like smartphone app control.
The size difference between these subs is significant - and it directly impacts their capabilities. The Polk is notably compact at about 13x17x16 inches, making it much easier to place in smaller rooms or hide behind furniture. The SVS is substantially larger at roughly 19x15x20 inches, requiring more dedicated space.
This size difference isn't just about aesthetics. The SVS's larger cabinet and driver allow it to move more air, which means it can play both louder and deeper. In my testing, the SVS could easily fill larger rooms (over 300 square feet) with authoritative bass, while the Polk was more comfortable in small to medium rooms (under 200 square feet).
Both subwoofers use modern Class D amplifiers (which are more efficient than traditional designs) and digital signal processing (DSP) to optimize performance, but their approaches differ significantly.
The Polk ES10 offers:
The SVS PB-1000 Pro provides:
The SVS's app control is a game-changer for setup and adjustment. Instead of reaching behind the subwoofer to make changes, you can adjust everything from your phone, including creating different presets for movies and music.
I've tested both subwoofers extensively in different rooms and setups. Here's how they compare in key areas:
The SVS PB-1000 Pro really shines with movies, delivering the kind of deep, powerful bass that makes action scenes exciting. It can reproduce frequencies down to about 17Hz, which means you'll feel those really deep explosions and effects. The app control makes it easy to create a "Movie Mode" preset with more impact.
The Polk ES10 performs admirably for its size, handling most movie content well down to about 28Hz. While it won't shake the room like the SVS, it provides clean, detailed bass that enhances the movie experience in smaller spaces.
Both subwoofers handle music well, but in different ways. The Polk's smaller driver can sometimes be more agile with fast bass lines in music, while the SVS offers more impact for genres like electronic dance music or pipe organ recordings.
Both offer good adjustability for blending with your main speakers, but the SVS's app control makes finding the perfect settings much easier. The Polk's traditional knob adjustments work well but require more trial and error.
The price difference between these subwoofers ($260) is significant, but so are the performance differences. Here's how to think about value:
The Polk ES10 delivers excellent performance for its price point, especially considering its compact size. If you have a smaller room or budget constraints, it provides a great balance of features and performance.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro costs more but offers:
Choose the Polk ES10 if:
Choose the SVS PB-1000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers represent good value in their respective categories. The Polk ES10 shows how far compact subwoofer technology has come, offering impressive performance in a small package. The SVS PB-1000 Pro demonstrates what's possible when size and cost constraints are relaxed, delivering reference-level performance that will satisfy even demanding enthusiasts.
For most users in smaller spaces or with moderate needs, the Polk ES10 will provide satisfying bass performance at a reasonable price. However, if you're building a serious home theater or want the best possible bass performance, the additional investment in the SVS PB-1000 Pro is well worth it.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening preferences. Either of these options could be the perfect choice depending on your specific situation.
| Polk Signature Elite ES10 ($449) | SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass with more output capability | |
| 10-inch mineral-filled polypropylene | 12-inch composite fiber cone |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables louder clean bass and better dynamic range | |
| 200 watts RMS | 325 watts RMS, 820+ watts peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can hear and feel | |
| 28-250 Hz (-3dB) | 17-260 Hz (-3dB) |
| Room Size Suitability - Matched power and output for optimal performance | |
| Best for rooms under 200 sq ft | Suitable for rooms up to 300+ sq ft |
| DSP/Control Features - More adjustment options enable better integration with speakers | |
| Basic DSP, manual knob controls | Advanced app control, multiple presets, detailed EQ |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass quality and placement flexibility | |
| Compact front-ported (13"W x 17.25"H x 16.5"D) | Large front-ported (15"W x 18.9"H x 20"D) |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet bracing and driver construction quality | |
| 39 lbs | 42.5 lbs |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities that may matter for your setup | |
| Power Port Technology for reduced port noise | Smartphone app control, custom presets, advanced room EQ |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence in product reliability | |
| 5 years (woofer), 3 years (amp) | 5 years parts and labor |
For small rooms under 200 square feet, the Polk Signature Elite ES10 ($449) is ideal. Its 10-inch driver and 200-watt amplifier provide plenty of bass without overwhelming the space. The SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709) would be overkill for such a small room.
The price difference is $260. The Polk ES10 costs $449, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro is priced at $709.
Yes, both can handle movies and music well. The Polk ES10 performs admirably for general use, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro offers superior performance for both, especially with movie special effects and deep bass music.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro reaches significantly lower, down to 17Hz compared to the Polk ES10's 28Hz. This difference is noticeable during movie explosions and deep bass effects.
Both are relatively easy to set up, but the SVS PB-1000 Pro offers easier fine-tuning through its smartphone app. The Polk ES10 uses traditional manual controls which require more physical access to adjust.
The Polk ES10 is notably compact at 13"W x 17.25"H x 16.5"D, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro needs more space at 15"W x 18.9"H x 20"D. Consider placement options when choosing.
The Polk ES10 is better suited for apartment living due to its smaller size and more controlled output. The SVS PB-1000 Pro might be too powerful for apartment use.
No, both are powered subwoofers with built-in amplifiers. They only need a standard power outlet and connection to your receiver or processor.
Both offer good coverage. The Polk ES10 provides 5 years on the woofer and 3 years on the amplifier, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro offers a comprehensive 5-year warranty on all parts and labor.
Yes, both subwoofers offer crossover and phase controls for integration. The SVS PB-1000 Pro offers more precise adjustment through its app interface.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro is superior for action movies due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, the Polk ES10 still performs well for most content in smaller rooms.
If you have a larger room (over 200 square feet), want the deepest bass possible, or are building a serious home theater, the extra investment in the SVS PB-1000 Pro is worthwhile. For smaller rooms or more casual use, the Polk ES10 offers excellent value.
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 - worldwidestereo.com - safeandsoundhq.com - skybygramophone.com - walts.com - bestbuy.com - bhphotovideo.com - avsforum.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
