When SVS released the 3000 Micro subwoofer in early 2021 at $799, it turned heads in the audio community. Here was a tiny cube promising serious performance in a package smaller than a foot in any dimension. A few months earlier, they had launched the PB-3000 at $1,399, representing their traditional approach to subwoofer design. Let's explore how these two very different subwoofers stack up and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Today's subwoofers are far more sophisticated than the boomy boxes of the past. They use advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to control the driver's movement precisely, helping achieve deeper bass while preventing distortion. Both of these SVS models showcase this modern approach, though they take very different paths to delivering bass in your room.
The key things that matter in a subwoofer are:
The 3000 Micro takes a radical approach to size. At just 11 inches in each dimension, it's smaller than many bookshelf speakers. SVS achieved this by using two opposing 8-inch drivers that move in perfect synchronization, canceling out vibrations that would normally shake the cabinet. This design means you can place it almost anywhere - behind a couch, on a shelf, or even on a desk for a high-end computer audio setup.
In contrast, the PB-3000 follows the traditional path of a large ported enclosure with a single powerful driver. At nearly two feet tall and deep, it demands dedicated floor space and careful consideration for room layout. The benefit? Physics favors larger cabinets for moving more air, which is exactly what you need for the deepest bass notes.
The PB-3000 can reach down to 16Hz in its standard ported mode - that's low enough to reproduce the lowest notes in any movie soundtrack or piece of music. For context, most humans can't hear below 20Hz, but we can feel these frequencies as pressure waves. This capability makes explosion effects in movies feel more realistic and gives pipe organ music its full grandeur.
The 3000 Micro manages a still-impressive 23Hz lower limit. While this might seem like a small difference, those extra few Hertz represent a significant challenge in engineering. Still, for most music and many movies, the Micro's extension is entirely adequate.
Here's where physics really shows its hand. The PB-3000's larger cabinet and 13-inch driver can move significantly more air, creating higher sound pressure levels (SPL) especially at the lowest frequencies. In a large room (over 200 square feet), this additional capability becomes increasingly important.
The 3000 Micro, while impressively loud for its size, simply cannot match the output of its larger sibling. However, in smaller rooms or for near-field listening (like a desk setup), it can still provide satisfying bass levels that will surprise most listeners.
Both subwoofers share some impressive tech:
The PB-3000 adds variable port tuning through included port plugs, allowing users to optimize for either maximum output (ported) or slightly more precise bass (sealed). This flexibility is unique to larger ported designs.
For serious home theater use in a medium to large room, the PB-3000 is the clear choice. Its ability to pressurize a room with deep bass during explosive movie scenes creates that visceral impact that movie enthusiasts crave. The extra output headroom means it never sounds stressed, even during demanding scenes.
The 3000 Micro can still serve well in a small home theater, especially in apartments or where space is at a premium. It's particularly good at delivering clear dialogue enhancement through its mid-bass capabilities, and it handles most movie effects convincingly, just with less of the room-pressurizing effect.
For music, both subwoofers perform admirably, but in different ways. The PB-3000 excels at reproducing the full weight of orchestral music, pipe organs, and electric bass. The 3000 Micro brings impressive detail and control to bass lines, with particularly good integration with main speakers due to its sealed design.
While the PB-3000 costs about $600 more, it actually represents better pure performance-per-dollar if you have the space for it. However, the 3000 Micro's premium price buys you extraordinary flexibility in placement and living space compatibility - factors that might be priceless depending on your situation.
The SVS 3000 Micro and PB-3000 represent two different but equally valid approaches to adding bass to your system. The Micro brings impressive innovation to space-constrained situations, while the PB-3000 delivers reference-level performance for those who can accommodate it.
Neither subwoofer represents a compromise in quality - they're both excellent at what they do. The choice comes down to matching their capabilities to your specific needs and constraints. If you have the space and budget, the PB-3000 delivers more pure performance. If space is tight or flexibility is paramount, the 3000 Micro provides a remarkable solution that doesn't sacrifice essential sound quality.
| SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer ($799) | SVS PB-3000 13" Ported Subwoofer ($1,399) |
|---|---|
| Size (HxWxD) - Critical for placement flexibility and room integration | |
| 10.9" x 11.7" x 10.7" (ultra-compact) | 21.9" x 18.3" x 26" (requires dedicated space) |
| Low Frequency Extension - Determines how deep the bass can go for movies and music | |
| 23Hz (good for most content) | 16Hz (reference-level, felt more than heard) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects output capability and cabinet size | |
| Dual 8" opposing drivers (vibration-canceling) | Single 13" driver (traditional design) |
| Amplifier Power - Influences maximum clean output | |
| 800W RMS, 2500W Peak | 800W RMS, 2500W Peak |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for matching to your space | |
| Up to 200 sq ft optimal | 200-500 sq ft optimal |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts bass character and placement options | |
| Sealed (tighter, more controlled bass) | Ported (maximum output, variable tuning) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each excels | |
| Space-constrained setups, desktop systems, apartments | Dedicated home theaters, large rooms, serious movie watching |
| Placement Flexibility - Affects integration options | |
| Extremely flexible (shelf, desk, behind furniture) | Floor placement only, needs room for port breathing |
| Value Proposition - Price vs. Performance | |
| Premium price for size convenience | Better performance per dollar if space allows |
The SVS PB-3000 is generally better for home theater use due to its deeper bass extension (16Hz vs 23Hz) and higher output capability. However, if your theater room is under 200 square feet, the 3000 Micro can still provide satisfying performance.
The SVS 3000 Micro retails for $799, while the PB-3000 is priced at $1,399. The price difference reflects the PB-3000's larger size and enhanced performance capabilities.
The 3000 Micro is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and sealed design, which typically produces less wall-penetrating bass than the ported PB-3000. It's also easier to position and less likely to disturb neighbors.
Yes, both the 3000 Micro and PB-3000 can be controlled via the SVS smartphone app, which allows adjustment of volume, crossover, phase, and preset modes.
The main difference is size and output capability. The 3000 Micro is extremely compact (11" cube) with dual 8" drivers, while the PB-3000 is much larger with a single 13" driver and can play louder and deeper.
The PB-3000 is superior for movies, offering deeper bass extension and higher output for explosive effects. The 3000 Micro works well for movies in smaller rooms but can't match the impact of the larger sub.
The 3000 Micro needs minimal space (about 1 cubic foot) and can be placed almost anywhere. The PB-3000 requires significant floor space (approximately 6 square feet) plus additional space for proper port function.
Both the 3000 Micro and PB-3000 are compatible with any modern AV receiver or processor that has a subwoofer output. They both include standard RCA connections and adjustable crossovers.
Both the 3000 Micro and PB-3000 use the same 800W RMS amplifier with 2,500W peak power. However, the PB-3000's larger driver and cabinet allow it to produce more output from this power.
The PB-3000 performs best in rooms over 200 square feet. For smaller rooms, the 3000 Micro is often a more appropriate choice and can still provide satisfying bass response.
Both subs excel with music. The 3000 Micro offers tight, accurate bass ideal for smaller rooms, while the PB-3000 provides deeper extension and higher output for larger spaces and more dynamic music.
If you have the space, the PB-3000 offers better performance per dollar. However, if space is limited, the 3000 Micro's premium price is justified by its compact size and placement flexibility.
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: avsforum.com - svsound.com - avsforum.com - enjoythemusic.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - musicdirect.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com
