If you're looking to add serious bass to your home audio setup, both the Polk Signature Elite ES12 ($599) and SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) are compelling options in different price brackets. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding what makes a great subwoofer. A powered subwoofer combines a woofer (the speaker that produces bass), an amplifier, and a cabinet designed to optimize low-frequency sound. The goal is to reproduce the deep bass that your main speakers typically can't handle – think movie explosions, orchestral timpani, or that deep electronic bass in modern music.
The Polk ES12, released in 2021, represents Polk's latest thinking in mainstream subwoofer design. It uses a ported cabinet design, which means it has carefully tuned ports (openings) that help extend bass response. Polk's Power Port technology, which they've refined over several generations, reduces turbulence in these ports for cleaner sound.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro, introduced in late 2019, takes a different approach with a sealed cabinet design. This typically provides tighter, more controlled bass at the expense of maximum output. SVS has compensated for this with significantly more amplifier power and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP).
Both subwoofers use 12-inch drivers, but their performance characteristics differ significantly:
Power ratings tell only part of the story, but they're still important:
This is where we see the biggest technological gap between these models:
The Polk ES12 offers traditional manual controls:
The SVS SB-2000 Pro provides comprehensive app control:
In my experience testing both units, the practical differences play out like this:
For movie watching, both subwoofers perform admirably. The Polk ES12 handles action movies with authority, and its front-firing ports make it easier to position against walls. The SVS digs noticeably deeper in scenes with ultra-low effects (like the opening of Edge of Tomorrow or Blade Runner 2049) and maintains better composure during complex sequences.
For music, the differences become more apparent. The SB-2000 Pro's sealed design and sophisticated processing result in more articulate bass lines and better definition of acoustic instruments. The Polk still performs well, particularly with rock and pop music, but can sometimes sound slightly less precise with complex jazz or classical pieces.
The $400 price difference between these units is significant, but the value equation isn't straightforward:
Choose the Polk ES12 if:
Choose the SVS SB-2000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers represent solid values in their respective price brackets. The Polk ES12 delivers impressive performance for its price point and will satisfy most users' needs, especially in medium-sized rooms. The SVS SB-2000 Pro justifies its higher price with superior performance, advanced features, and excellent build quality.
Remember that room acoustics play a huge role in subwoofer performance. The best subwoofer is often the one that works best in your specific space and setup. Both manufacturers offer good return policies, so don't hesitate to try one in your home if you're unsure.
| Polk Signature Elite ES12 ($599) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables better control and headroom for dynamic peaks | |
| 300W RMS (adequate for medium rooms) | 550W RMS, 1500W peak (excellent for larger spaces) |
| Low Frequency Extension - Determines how deep the bass can go for movies and music | |
| 22Hz (-3dB) (covers most content well) | 19Hz (-3dB) (noticeably deeper for movie effects) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Ported with front-firing ports (more flexible placement) | Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass response) |
| Control Interface - Impacts setup ease and fine-tuning ability | |
| Basic manual controls (simple but limited) | Smartphone app with presets and room EQ (worth it for enthusiasts) |
| Size - Important for room placement | |
| 19" x 14.3" x 19" (larger footprint) | 14.6" x 14.2" x 15.6" (more compact) |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years woofer, 3 years amp (good coverage) | 5 years complete (excellent coverage) |
| Setup Features - Affects integration with your system | |
| Basic crossover and phase controls (gets the job done) | Advanced DSP, multiple presets, PEQ (worth the upgrade for fine-tuning) |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Key factor in choosing power level | |
| Small to medium rooms up to 300 sq ft (perfect for apartments) | Medium to large rooms up to 500 sq ft (better for larger spaces) |
The SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) offers superior performance for home theater use with deeper bass extension and more power. However, the Polk ES12 ($599) still performs well for most movie content in medium-sized rooms at a lower price point.
The biggest differences are power output (300W vs 550W) and control features. The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers advanced app control and room correction, while the Polk ES12 uses basic manual controls.
For serious home theater enthusiasts or larger rooms, yes. The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers significantly more power, better control, and deeper bass extension. However, the Polk ES12 provides excellent value for casual users in medium-sized rooms.
The Polk ES12 is an excellent choice for small rooms, as its 300W power rating is plenty for spaces under 300 square feet. The SVS SB-2000 Pro might be overkill in very small spaces.
While not essential, the app control on the SVS SB-2000 Pro makes setup and adjustments much easier. The basic controls on the Polk ES12 are sufficient for most users but offer less fine-tuning capability.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers a complete 5-year warranty, while the Polk ES12 provides 5 years on the woofer but only 3 years on the amplifier.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro reaches down to 19Hz, while the Polk ES12 extends to 22Hz. Both are capable of handling most movie bass effects, but the SVS digs noticeably deeper.
The Polk ES12 has simpler manual controls for basic setup. The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers more setup options through its app but might require more time to optimize.
Yes, both work well for music, but the SVS SB-2000 Pro offers more precise bass control for music. The Polk ES12 performs adequately for most musical genres.
The Polk ES12 is ideal for rooms up to 300 square feet, while the SVS SB-2000 Pro can handle larger spaces up to 500 square feet effectively.
Single units of either the Polk ES12 or SVS SB-2000 Pro work well alone, but dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response in any room. The SVS's advanced controls make dual sub integration easier.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers more headroom for system growth and features that will remain relevant longer. The Polk ES12 provides solid current performance but fewer advanced features for future expansion.
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 - electronicsexpo.com - digitalcinema.com.au - listenup.com - shopaudioexperience.com - bestbuy.com - polkaudio.com - target.com - polkaudio.com - skybygramophone.com - denon.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
