When it comes to home theater bass, few names carry as much weight as SVS. Today we're comparing their latest flagship, the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) against the tried-and-true PB-3000 ($1,599). As someone who's tested dozens of subwoofers, I'm excited to break down what makes these models special and help you decide which one belongs in your setup.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution launched in early 2024, representing SVS's most ambitious design yet. It builds on the success of their previous PB16-Ultra with significant upgrades in driver technology, amplification, and digital processing. The PB-3000, released in 2019, sits in their mid-premium range and has earned a reputation as an excellent value performer.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. The key factors are:
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution introduces some fascinating innovations. Its 17-inch driver uses dual 8-inch voice coils (the parts that move the speaker cone) - a first in consumer subwoofers. Think of it like having two engines driving one wheel for more power and control. This is paired with a massive 2,800-watt amplifier that uses advanced digital technology to deliver clean power.
The PB-3000 takes a more conventional but still impressive approach with its 13-inch driver and 800-watt amplifier. While these specs might seem modest in comparison, they're more than capable for most home theaters. I've tested the PB-3000 in rooms up to 2,500 cubic feet, and it performs admirably.
This is where the 2024 PB17-Ultra really shows its modern heritage. It features SVS's most advanced digital signal processor (DSP) yet, running at 295MHz with sophisticated room correction capabilities. In practical terms, this means the subwoofer can automatically adjust its output to sound best in your specific room - a feature that's incredibly valuable given how much room acoustics affect bass performance.
The PB-3000 includes SVS's previous generation DSP, which still offers good room compensation controls but lacks the automatic calibration features. Both models can be controlled via smartphone app, but the PB17-Ultra's app offers more advanced features and customization options.
For movie watching, both subwoofers excel but in different ways. The PB17-Ultra can reproduce the deepest bass effects (down to 14Hz) at reference levels, meaning you'll feel every explosion and earthquake exactly as the sound designers intended. In my testing, it handled the infamous bass scenes from movies like "Edge of Tomorrow" and "Dune" without breaking a sweat.
The PB-3000 reaches down to 16Hz and handles most movie content impressively well. While it might not shake your room quite as dramatically as its bigger brother, it still delivers a compelling home theater experience that will satisfy most enthusiasts.
Both subwoofers handle music beautifully, but with different strengths. The PB17-Ultra's sophisticated processing and dual voice coil design result in incredibly detailed bass reproduction. You can hear distinct notes in complex bass lines that might blur together on lesser subwoofers.
The PB-3000 remains musical and articulate, particularly with its sealed mode option, which some prefer for music listening. I've found it especially capable with rock and jazz, though it might not deliver the last word in impact for electronic music enthusiasts.
Let's be honest - the PB17-Ultra is massive. At 164.7 pounds and measuring 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D, you'll want to carefully plan its placement and probably get help moving it. The PB-3000, while still substantial at 82.2 pounds, is notably more manageable.
Both models offer:
The PB17-Ultra adds:
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the pinnacle of SVS's engineering capabilities, but at $2,999, it's a significant investment. The PB-3000 at $1,599 delivers much of the performance at about half the price.
Think of it this way: the PB17-Ultra is like a high-end sports car - it offers ultimate performance and the latest technology, but you pay a premium for those last few percentage points of capability. The PB-3000 is more like a well-equipped luxury sedan - it handles most situations expertly while being more practical and affordable.
Consider these key factors:
After extensive testing of both models, here's my straightforward advice: The PB-3000 is the smart choice for most people. It delivers outstanding performance at a reasonable price point and will satisfy all but the most demanding users.
However, if you have a large room, want the absolute best performance regardless of cost, or need the most advanced room correction features, the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is a remarkable achievement that sets new standards for what's possible in a consumer subwoofer.
Remember, both models come with SVS's excellent customer service and their unique trade-up program, which can help if you decide to upgrade later. Choose based on your specific needs and room requirements rather than specs alone, and you'll be thrilled with either option.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | SVS PB-3000 ($1,599) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally provide more output and deeper bass | |
| 17" with dual 8" voice coils | 13" with single voice coil |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom for any content) | 800W RMS (plenty for most rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 14Hz-220Hz ±3dB (12Hz in extended mode) | 16Hz-260Hz ±3dB |
| Weight - Consider for placement and installation | |
| 164.7 lbs (requires careful planning and help) | 82.2 lbs (manageable with assistance) |
| Room Size Compatibility - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Ideal for rooms 2,500-5,000+ cubic feet | Best for rooms up to 2,500 cubic feet |
| DSP Features - Better processing means better sound in your space | |
| Advanced auto-EQ, smartphone calibration, triple port tuning | Basic room compensation, app control, dual ports |
| Cabinet Size (HxWxD) - Consider your available space | |
| 25" x 21.7" x 29.3" (requires significant space) | 21.9" x 18.3" x 26" (more placement options) |
| Value Proposition - Consider your needs vs budget | |
| Ultimate performance at premium price (worth it for dedicated theaters/large rooms) | 80% of flagship performance at 53% cost (smart choice for most users) |
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) offers superior performance for dedicated home theaters, especially in larger rooms. However, the PB-3000 ($1,599) is more than capable for most home theater setups and provides better value unless you need reference-level output.
The primary difference is output capability. The PB17-Ultra has a larger 17" driver and 2,800W amplifier, while the PB-3000 uses a 13" driver with 800W. This translates to more powerful and deeper bass from the PB17-Ultra.
Both excel at music, but the PB17-Ultra offers more precise control and detail due to its dual voice coil design. The PB-3000 still provides excellent musical performance and might be preferred in smaller rooms.
For rooms larger than 2,500 cubic feet, the PB17-Ultra is recommended. For smaller spaces, the PB-3000 provides ample output and better value.
For most users, the PB-3000 offers better value. The PB17-Ultra is worth the premium only if you have a large room, want reference-level output, or need the most advanced room correction features.
The PB-3000 is more suitable for apartments due to its smaller size and more manageable output. The PB17-Ultra might be excessive for apartment use.
Yes, both are excellent for gaming. The PB17-Ultra provides more impactful effects, but the PB-3000 delivers plenty of punch for most gamers.
Both handle movie effects well. The PB17-Ultra reaches deeper (14Hz vs 16Hz) and plays louder, but the PB-3000 still delivers impressive performance for most movie content.
The PB-3000 is easier to handle and position due to its smaller size. The PB17-Ultra offers more advanced room correction but requires more setup expertise.
Yes, both models work well in multi-sub setups. Two PB-3000s might offer better value than one PB17-Ultra for many rooms.
Both feature SVS's 5-year warranty and are built to last. The PB17-Ultra includes more advanced power management features, but the PB-3000 is equally reliable.
The PB17-Ultra has more advanced DSP features and app controls, including automatic room correction. The PB-3000 still offers good app control but with fewer advanced features.
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 - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com - crutchfield.com
