When SVS launched their "Pro" series upgrades in early 2021, they brought significant improvements to their already popular subwoofer lineup. Let's compare the SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) and SVS SB-1000 Pro ($499), two excellent subwoofers that take different approaches to delivering great bass.
Before diving into the specifics, it's helpful to understand what makes subwoofers different from regular speakers. Subwoofers handle the lowest frequencies in music and movies - typically anything below 80 Hz. These low frequencies create the physical sensation of bass you can feel in your chest during explosive movie scenes or when listening to bass-heavy music.
The main difference between these two models lies in their design approach: ported (PB) versus sealed (SB). Ported subwoofers use carefully tuned ports (holes) in the cabinet to enhance low-frequency output, while sealed designs create a completely enclosed cabinet for tighter control.
The PB-2000 Pro uses a ported design with dual 3-inch ports, allowing it to reach deeper bass notes (down to 16 Hz) with more overall output. This makes it especially suited for home theater use, where you want to feel the full impact of explosions and other low-frequency effects. The larger cabinet size isn't just for show - it's necessary for the ports to work effectively.
The SB-1000 Pro, with its sealed design, focuses on accuracy and speed. While it doesn't reach quite as low (20 Hz), it offers exceptionally tight and controlled bass that some listeners prefer for music. The sealed design also allows for a much more compact cabinet, making it easier to integrate into living spaces.
Both models received significant upgrades with the Pro series release:
The app control was a major upgrade from previous generations, allowing users to adjust settings like:
In practice, both subwoofers excel at their intended uses. The PB-2000 Pro can pressurize a room with deep, powerful bass that you'll feel during intense movie scenes. It handles the infamous bass scene in "Edge of Tomorrow" with ease, maintaining composure even at high volumes.
The SB-1000 Pro might not shake the room quite as much, but it delivers incredibly precise bass that works wonderfully for music. When playing acoustic bass or electronic music, you'll notice excellent detail and control without any unwanted boom or resonance.
Room size is crucial in subwoofer selection:
Both models offer excellent value in their respective categories:
The PB-2000 Pro at $739 represents high-end performance at a mid-range price point. It competes with subwoofers costing significantly more, especially in home theater applications.
The SB-1000 Pro at $499 offers remarkable performance for its price and size. For many users, especially in smaller rooms or apartments, it provides the perfect balance of performance and practicality.
Consider these key factors when deciding:
Both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro represent excellent values in their respective categories. The PB-2000 Pro is the clear choice for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with the space and budget to accommodate it. The SB-1000 Pro offers tremendous performance in a more compact package, perfect for music lovers or those with space constraints.
Since their 2021 release, these models have maintained their position as category leaders, with the smartphone app control and advanced DSP features keeping them current with market demands. The Pro series upgrades brought meaningful improvements in both performance and usability, making either model a solid investment for anyone serious about their audio system.
Remember, there's no universally "better" choice - it depends entirely on your specific needs, space, and preferences. Both models deliver excellent performance for their intended use cases, and either one can serve as the foundation of a fantastic audio system.
| SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) | SVS SB-1000 Pro ($499) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Fundamentally affects bass character and room placement | |
| Ported (deeper bass, needs more space) | Sealed (tighter bass, more compact) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and headroom | |
| 550W RMS, 1500W+ peak (excellent for large rooms) | 325W RMS, 820W+ peak (ideal for small/medium rooms) |
| Bass Extension - How low the subwoofer can play effectively | |
| 16 Hz (exceptional for movie effects) | 20 Hz (great for music, good for movies) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement | |
| 20.9" x 17.3" x 23.6" (requires planning) | 13.5" cube (highly flexible placement) |
| Weight - Important for installation and mobility | |
| 65 lbs (may need help moving) | 27 lbs (manageable solo) |
| Driver Size - Affects overall output capability | |
| 12" high-excursion SVS driver (same quality) | 12" high-excursion SVS driver (same quality) |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Where each performs best | |
| >2000 cubic feet (medium to large rooms) | <2000 cubic feet (small to medium rooms) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each design excels | |
| Home Theater/Movies (maximum impact) | Music/Mixed Use (precision and accuracy) |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Higher cost but reference-level performance | Better value if space/output limits acceptable |
The SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) is better for home theater due to its deeper bass extension (16Hz) and higher power output (550W RMS). The ported design provides more impact for movie effects, though the SB-1000 Pro ($499) is still capable for home theater in smaller rooms.
The main difference is design type - the PB-2000 Pro is ported for maximum output and deeper bass, while the SB-1000 Pro is sealed for tighter, more controlled bass. This affects both performance characteristics and cabinet size.
The SB-1000 Pro is ideal for small rooms due to its compact 13.5" cube size and sealed design. The PB-2000 Pro might overwhelm smaller spaces and requires more room for placement.
For home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms, the PB-2000 Pro justifies its higher price through superior output and deeper bass. However, the SB-1000 Pro offers better value if you have space constraints or prioritize music listening.
The SB-1000 Pro is generally better for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass response. However, the PB-2000 Pro still performs well with music and offers more output for bass-heavy genres.
Yes, both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro feature SVS's smartphone app control, allowing adjustment of volume, crossover, phase, and EQ settings wirelessly.
The SB-1000 Pro is easier to set up due to its lighter weight (27 lbs) and smaller size. The PB-2000 Pro weighs 65 lbs and requires more careful placement consideration.
While both models perform well individually, dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Two SB-1000 Pros might be preferable to one PB-2000 Pro in some rooms.
The PB-2000 Pro gets louder with its 550W RMS amp and ported design. The SB-1000 Pro is still powerful at 325W RMS but won't match the maximum output of its larger sibling.
The SB-1000 Pro is better suited for apartments due to its smaller size and sealed design, which typically provides better control over bass transmission to neighboring units than the PB-2000 Pro.
Yes, both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro are versatile performers. The PB-2000 Pro excels with movies while maintaining good music performance, and the SB-1000 Pro handles both well with an emphasis on accuracy.
The PB-2000 Pro performs best in rooms larger than 2,000 cubic feet, while the SB-1000 Pro is ideal for rooms under 2,000 cubic feet. Room size should be a primary consideration in your choice.
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: avnirvana.com - dreamediaav.com - audioholics.com - spacehifi.com.au - hometheaterreview.com - audiosciencereview.com - content.abt.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com
