When SVS launched their 2000 Pro series in late 2019, they brought technology from their flagship Ultra series down to a more accessible price point. Today, we're comparing two of their most popular models - the PB-2000 Pro ($739) and SB-2000 Pro ($999) - to help you decide which one belongs in your system.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep bass notes and explosive effects that you feel as much as hear. These frequencies typically range from around 20Hz (incredibly deep bass) up to about 80-120Hz (where most speakers take over).
The two main design approaches for subwoofers are:
Both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro share some impressive technology:
The real differences come from their design philosophy and physical construction.
The PB-2000 Pro uses a ported design with dual 3-inch ports. These ports help the subwoofer produce deeper bass with more overall output - think of it like a bass trumpet, using carefully calculated resonance to enhance the lowest frequencies.
Key advantages:
The trade-off? It's significantly larger at 20.9" x 17.3" x 23.6" and weighs 65 pounds.
The SB-2000 Pro takes a different approach with its sealed design. By eliminating ports and optimizing the cabinet volume, it achieves tighter bass control and faster response to quick musical changes.
Benefits include:
Having spent time with both models, their differences become clear in practice. The PB-2000 Pro excels at those window-rattling movie moments - when a spaceship rumbles past or an explosion rocks the scene, you feel it in your chest. It's particularly impressive with modern action movies that have lots of low-frequency effects (LFE).
The SB-2000 Pro, while still capable of impressive output, focuses more on precision. When playing music, bass notes start and stop with remarkable accuracy. This makes it excellent for genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic music where timing and accuracy matter more than sheer output.
Room size plays a crucial role in subwoofer performance. In smaller rooms (under 2,000 cubic feet), the SB-2000 Pro often performs beautifully, as its sealed design helps prevent bass from becoming boomy or overwhelming. The compact size is also a significant advantage in these spaces.
For larger rooms, especially dedicated home theaters, the PB-2000 Pro has a clear advantage. Its higher output capability and deeper extension help it fill bigger spaces more effectively. The extra size becomes less of an issue in these environments where performance takes priority over aesthetics.
Both models benefit from SVS's excellent smartphone app, which offers:
This level of control was previously only available on much more expensive subwoofers, and it makes a real difference in getting the best performance in your specific room.
While the PB-2000 Pro is less expensive, the choice isn't simply about price. Consider:
The PB-2000 Pro ($739) offers:
The SB-2000 Pro ($999) provides:
Since their release, these models have maintained their position as benchmark products in their price range. The 2000 Pro series brought several improvements over the previous generation:
Here's a straightforward way to make your choice:
Choose the PB-2000 Pro if:
Choose the SB-2000 Pro if:
Both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro are excellent subwoofers that showcase SVS's expertise in bass reproduction. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and constraints rather than one being definitively "better" than the other.
For my personal setup in a medium-sized living room that serves double duty for music and movies, I prefer the SB-2000 Pro. Its combination of musical accuracy and reasonable output, along with its more manageable size, makes it a better fit for my needs. However, in my dedicated home theater space, the PB-2000 Pro would be my choice for its superior output and deeper extension.
Remember that either model will provide excellent performance - the key is choosing the one that best matches your space, usage, and preferences. Both represent excellent value in their respective design categories and continue to be among the most recommended subwoofers in their price range.
| SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Fundamentally affects bass character and room placement | |
| Ported (deeper bass, more output, needs more space) | Sealed (tighter bass, more compact, easier placement) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 16-290 Hz (excellent for movies) | 19-240 Hz (still impressive, better for music) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement and WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) | |
| 20.9" x 17.3" x 23.6" (requires planning) | 14.6" x 14.2" x 15.6" (much more flexible) |
| Weight - Impacts mobility and floor loading | |
| 65 lbs (less suitable for upper floors) | 39 lbs (easier to move and position) |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms >2000 cubic feet | Small to medium rooms <2000 cubic feet |
| Primary Use Case - Where each model truly excels | |
| Home Theater/Movies (maximum impact) | Music/Mixed Use (precision and accuracy) |
| Amplifier Power - Identical in both, shows value proposition | |
| 550W RMS, 1500W Peak | 550W RMS, 1500W Peak |
| Price/Value - Consider long-term satisfaction over initial savings | |
| Lower price, maximum performance for movies | Higher price, premium for compactness and versatility |
The PB-2000 Pro ($739) is generally better for home theater use due to its deeper bass extension (down to 16Hz) and higher output capability. The ported design makes movie effects more impactful, especially in larger rooms.
The SB-2000 Pro ($999) justifies its higher price if you need a compact subwoofer, prioritize music listening, or have space constraints. For pure home theater use, the PB-2000 Pro offers better value.
The SB-2000 Pro is better suited for apartment use due to its sealed design, which provides better control over bass output and less potential for disturbing neighbors. Its smaller size also makes it more apartment-friendly.
The SB-2000 Pro is preferred for music due to its tighter, more accurate bass response and better transient control. Its sealed design produces more precise, musical bass compared to the ported PB-2000 Pro.
The PB-2000 Pro performs best in larger rooms (>2000 cubic feet), while the SB-2000 Pro is ideal for small to medium rooms (<2000 cubic feet).
While both models perform well individually, dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Two PB-2000 Pros would be ideal for a dedicated theater, while two SB-2000 Pros work well in smaller spaces.
Both models feature identical control interfaces and SVS's smartphone app, but the SB-2000 Pro is easier to position due to its smaller size and sealed design requiring less consideration for port clearance.
Yes, both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro are compatible with any modern AV receiver or processor using either LFE or line-level connections.
The PB-2000 Pro provides more impact for explosive gaming effects, while the SB-2000 Pro offers tighter response for faster-paced games. Both perform excellently for gaming.
Both models are built to last with high-quality components and feature SVS's 5-year warranty. The technology used in both the PB-2000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro is current and future-proof.
Both models require a source with a subwoofer output or line-level outputs. They cannot connect directly to speakers or unpowered sources.
Both maintain strong resale value, but the SB-2000 Pro typically holds value slightly better due to its more versatile design and broader appeal for both music and home theater use.
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 - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com
