When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your sound system, SVS's 3000 Micro Subwoofer ($799) and PC-2000 Pro Cylinder Subwoofer ($900) represent two very different approaches. Let's dive into how these subwoofers compare and help you decide which might work best for your setup.
Today's subwoofers are far more sophisticated than the boomy boxes of the past. They now incorporate advanced digital signal processing (DSP) - essentially tiny computers that optimize the sound - and smartphone control apps that let you fine-tune settings from your listening position. Both of these SVS models showcase these modern features, though they take distinctly different paths to delivering bass.
The 3000 Micro, released in early 2021, represents SVS's latest thinking in compact subwoofer design. It uses two opposing 8-inch drivers that move in perfect sync, canceling out unwanted vibrations. This clever engineering allows it to produce surprisingly deep bass from an enclosure about the size of a bread maker.
In contrast, the PC-2000 Pro, launched in late 2019, takes a more traditional approach with its single 12-inch driver but houses it in an innovative cylinder design. The tall, cylindrical shape allows for extended bass response while taking up minimal floor space - though you'll need to account for its 34-inch height.
The PC-2000 Pro digs deeper, reaching down to 16Hz compared to the 3000 Micro's 23Hz limit. While this might seem like a small difference, those extra low notes matter for movie special effects and pipe organ music. However, for most music and typical movie watching, both deliver satisfying bass that you can feel.
The larger driver and cabinet of the PC-2000 Pro allow it to play louder overall, especially in bigger rooms. The 3000 Micro compensates somewhat with its more powerful amplifier (800 watts RMS vs 550 watts), but physics favors the larger subwoofer for maximum output.
Both subwoofers showcase SVS's expertise in clean, controlled bass. The 3000 Micro's dual-driver design helps it sound incredibly tight and precise - qualities that work especially well for music. The PC-2000 Pro has a slight advantage in raw impact for movie explosions and action scenes, thanks to its larger driver moving more air.
Here's where the 3000 Micro really shines. Its compact size opens up many more placement options - it can tuck under furniture, sit behind plants, or even work in a desktop setup. The PC-2000 Pro's cylinder design is clever but still requires dedicated floor space and visual accommodation.
Both models feature SVS's excellent smartphone app for control and setup. This lets you adjust:
The app makes setup much easier than traditional knob-twisting, and both models respond equally well to fine-tuning.
For dedicated home theater use, the PC-2000 Pro has a clear advantage. Its deeper extension and higher output capability better serve the extreme demands of modern movie soundtracks. However, the 3000 Micro remains surprisingly capable and works particularly well in smaller theater rooms or where aesthetics are a primary concern.
Both subwoofers excel with music, but in different ways. The 3000 Micro's precise, quick response works beautifully for acoustic music, jazz, and rock. The PC-2000 Pro adds more weight to electronic music and pipe organ pieces thanks to its deeper extension.
The 3000 Micro is one of few subwoofers that truly works in a desktop setting, thanks to its small size and vibration-canceling design. The PC-2000 Pro would be impractical in this role.
Since their respective releases, both models have showcased different aspects of SVS's technical innovation:
Neither has seen significant updates since release, as both represent mature designs that continue to compete well in their respective categories.
The price difference between these models is relatively small ($799 vs $900), making the choice more about matching your specific needs than pure value. Consider:
Both the 3000 Micro and PC-2000 Pro represent excellent choices in their respective categories. The 3000 Micro stands out for its innovative design and flexibility, while the PC-2000 Pro excels in raw performance and value. Your specific room constraints and use case should guide the final decision more than small differences in specifications or price.
Remember that both options include SVS's excellent customer service and home trial period, so you can test either model in your specific setup. This real-world testing often proves more valuable than any specification comparison in finding the right subwoofer for your needs.
| SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer ($799) | SVS PC-2000 Pro Cylinder Subwoofer ($900) |
|---|---|
| Size/Form Factor - Determines placement flexibility and room integration | |
| 11" cube, extremely versatile placement | 34" tall cylinder, requires dedicated floor space |
| Bass Extension - Lower frequency means deeper, more impactful bass | |
| 23Hz (-3dB), good for music, adequate for movies | 16Hz (-3dB), excellent for both music and movies |
| Amplifier Power - Affects maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 800W RMS (2,500W peak) | 550W RMS (1,500W peak) |
| Driver Configuration - Impacts sound quality and room interaction | |
| Dual 8" aluminum drivers, opposing configuration reduces vibration | Single 12" aluminum driver, more traditional design |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for matching subwoofer to space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 2000 cu. ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 3000 cu. ft) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects both aesthetics and performance | |
| Sealed box, tighter bass, easier placement | Ported cylinder, deeper bass, more specific placement needs |
| Primary Use Case - Where each model excels | |
| Music, desktop systems, space-constrained setups | Home theater, maximum output scenarios, dedicated listening rooms |
| Value Proposition - What you're paying for | |
| Premium price for compact size and placement flexibility | Better performance per dollar if space allows |
For home theater use, the SVS PC-2000 Pro ($900) is generally better due to its deeper bass extension (16Hz vs 23Hz) and higher output capability. However, if space is limited, the SVS 3000 Micro ($799) still delivers impressive performance for its size.
The SVS 3000 Micro is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and flexible placement options. Its dual-opposing driver design also helps reduce unwanted vibrations, which can be more noticeable in smaller spaces.
While the SVS PC-2000 Pro is powerful enough for large rooms, it can work in an apartment if you have the space. However, the 3000 Micro might be a better choice due to its more controlled output and smaller footprint.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro reaches deeper bass frequencies, down to 16Hz compared to the 3000 Micro's 23Hz limit. This difference is particularly noticeable during movie special effects and very low frequency music.
The SVS 3000 Micro justifies its price if you need a compact subwoofer that doesn't compromise significantly on performance. You're paying a premium for the innovative design and placement flexibility.
Both subwoofers excel at music and movies. The PC-2000 Pro offers more impact for movie effects, while the 3000 Micro provides tight, accurate bass that works especially well for music.
While either subwoofer works well alone, dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Two 3000 Micros work well in smaller rooms, while dual PC-2000 Pros are excellent for larger spaces.
Both models feature the same user-friendly SVS smartphone app for setup and control. However, the 3000 Micro is physically easier to position and experiment with placement due to its smaller size.
No, the PC-2000 Pro must be positioned vertically due to its cylindrical design. If you need flexible placement options, the 3000 Micro is the better choice.
The PC-2000 Pro has an advantage for action movies due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability, providing more impact during explosive scenes.
Neither subwoofer needs a special amplifier - both include built-in amplification. They just need to be connected to your receiver or processor's subwoofer output.
Both the 3000 Micro and PC-2000 Pro come with SVS's standard 5-year unconditional warranty and 45-day in-home trial, making either purchase equally secure.
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 - avsforum.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - iq-av.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - spacehifi.com.au
