When it comes to adding deep bass to your home theater or music system, today's subwoofers offer more performance and technology than ever before. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular but very different options: the flagship SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) and the mid-range Polk Signature Elite ES12 ($592).
Before we compare specific models, it's helpful to understand 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. The key factors that determine performance are:
The PB17-Ultra represents the cutting edge of subwoofer technology, released in late 2023 as SVS's new flagship model. It brings several significant advances over previous generations, including:
The Polk ES12 takes a more traditional approach, focusing on proven technologies and reliable performance. It's a more recent update to Polk's popular entry-level line, featuring:
The difference in capabilities between these units is substantial. The PB17-Ultra can reach down to 12Hz in extended mode - that's getting close to the limits of human hearing. You'll feel these ultra-low frequencies more than hear them, which is exactly what you want for modern movie soundtracks.
The ES12 reaches down to about 22Hz, which is still respectable and will handle most music and movie content well. However, you won't get that same chest-thumping impact during those really deep movie effects.
With 2,800 watts of amplifier power, the SVS unit can move serious air without breaking a sweat. Its sophisticated DSP constantly monitors and adjusts performance to prevent distortion. I've tested similar high-end units, and the ability to maintain composure during demanding scenes is remarkable.
The Polk's 300-watt amplifier is well-matched to its driver size and intended use case. While it won't shake the foundation, it provides clean bass for small to medium rooms.
For serious home theater enthusiasts, the PB17-Ultra delivers reference-level performance. Its ability to handle the most demanding movie soundtracks without compression or distortion is impressive. The smartphone app makes it easy to create different profiles for movies and music.
The ES12 works well in more modest home theater setups. While it won't deliver the same impact during explosive action scenes, it provides satisfying bass that will enhance any movie-watching experience.
Both subwoofers handle music differently:
Room size heavily influences subwoofer choice:
Large Rooms (>3000 cubic feet):
Small-Medium Rooms (<2000 cubic feet):
The SVS requires more careful setup to extract maximum performance. Its app-based room correction and multiple operating modes offer great flexibility but require some time to optimize. The 165-pound weight also means installation is a two-person job.
The Polk takes a simpler approach with traditional controls for crossover and phase adjustment. At 48 pounds, it's much easier to position and experiment with placement.
Both units offer standard connections (RCA inputs) for integration with any audio system. The SVS adds balanced XLR inputs for professional setups and more sophisticated home theaters.
The PB17-Ultra at $2,999 represents a significant investment. However, for serious enthusiasts and those with dedicated theater rooms, its performance justifies the cost. The technology and build quality suggest it will remain relevant for many years.
The ES12 at $592 delivers impressive value for more casual users. It provides good performance for both movies and music without breaking the bank.
Consider these factors when choosing:
The PB17-Ultra and ES12 serve different market segments effectively. The SVS represents the pinnacle of current subwoofer technology, while the Polk offers solid performance at an accessible price point.
For most users, the Polk ES12 provides enough performance to significantly enhance their audio system. However, if you're building a serious home theater or demand the absolute best bass reproduction, the PB17-Ultra's capabilities are hard to ignore.
Remember that room acoustics and proper setup matter as much as raw specifications. Either subwoofer, properly integrated into your system, will provide an impressive upgrade to your listening experience.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | Polk Signature Elite ES12 ($592) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass | |
| 17" high-excursion driver | 12" standard driver |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output and headroom | |
| 2,800W (massive headroom for any content) | 300W (sufficient for casual listening) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12Hz-220Hz (reference level extension) | 22Hz-250Hz (good for most content) |
| Weight - Impacts placement flexibility and installation | |
| 165 lbs (requires careful planning) | 48 lbs (easily manageable) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize performance for your space | |
| Advanced app-based with auto EQ | Basic manual adjustments only |
| Port Configuration - Affects bass character and placement options | |
| Three 4" ports (tunable with plugs) | Two fixed front-firing ports |
| Voice Coil Design - Impacts power handling and control | |
| Dual 8" diameter (industry first) | Single standard coil |
| DSP Processing - Controls accuracy and prevents distortion | |
| 56-bit processing (studio grade) | Basic DSP implementation |
| Cabinet Size - Consider your available space | |
| 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (substantial) | 19"H x 14.3"W x 19"D (compact) |
| Recommended Room Size - Critical for proper matching | |
| Large rooms >2500 ft³ | Small-medium rooms <2000 ft³ |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) is significantly better suited for dedicated theater rooms due to its reference-level output, deeper bass extension to 12Hz, and advanced room correction capabilities. The Polk ES12 ($592) is more appropriate for casual media rooms or mixed-use spaces.
There's a substantial price difference - the SVS costs about 5 times more than the Polk. While the PB17-Ultra offers superior performance, the ES12 provides excellent value for most users who don't need reference-level output.
The PB17-Ultra is designed for large rooms over 2,500 cubic feet, while the ES12 performs best in small to medium rooms under 2,000 cubic feet.
For serious movie enthusiasts, the PB17-Ultra delivers superior performance with deeper bass extension and higher output capability. The ES12 handles most movie content well but won't provide the same intense impact during action scenes.
The PB17-Ultra weighs 165 pounds and requires careful setup for optimal performance, making professional installation worth considering. The ES12 at 48 pounds is more manageable for DIY installation.
Both work well for music, but the PB17-Ultra offers superior accuracy and detail. The ES12 provides satisfying musical performance for casual listening.
The PB17-Ultra includes a comprehensive 5-year warranty on all components. The ES12 offers 5 years on the woofer and 3 years on the amplifier.
The PB17-Ultra requires a dedicated circuit due to its powerful amplifier, while the ES12 can be used with standard household circuits.
The ES12 offers simple manual controls for basic setup. The PB17-Ultra provides more sophisticated app-based controls and room correction, requiring more time to optimize but offering better results.
The ES12 is more suitable for apartment use due to its controlled output and smaller size. The PB17-Ultra might be too powerful for apartment living.
Both subwoofers work with standard RCA connections, though the PB17-Ultra also offers professional XLR inputs. The ES12 uses standard consumer connections only.
While both can be used in pairs, the PB17-Ultra is specifically designed for multi-sub setups with advanced integration features. The ES12 can be used in pairs but lacks advanced multi-sub optimization.
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: svsound.com - skybygramophone.com - abt.com - youtube.com - audioholics.com - listenup.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - worldwidestereo.com - bhphotovideo.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - electronicsexpo.com - digitalcinema.com.au - listenup.com - shopaudioexperience.com - bestbuy.com - polkaudio.com - target.com - polkaudio.com - skybygramophone.com - denon.com
