Home theater and music enthusiasts know that a great subwoofer can transform your listening experience. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in audio - the deep bass that you feel as much as hear. While your main speakers might play down to 40-50Hz, a quality subwoofer extends that range well below what human ears can detect (around 20Hz), creating that visceral impact you feel during explosive movie scenes or deep musical passages.
Today we're comparing two impressive but very different subwoofers from SVS, a company known for pushing the boundaries of bass reproduction: the flagship PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999.99) and the more accessible SB-1000 Pro ($664.99).
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in early 2024, represents SVS's latest technological achievements. It introduces several innovations, including a massive 17-inch driver with dual 8-inch voice coils (the electromagnetic components that move the speaker cone) - a first in consumer subwoofers. This design allows for more precise control and higher output compared to traditional single voice coil designs.
The SB-1000 Pro, while not as recent, brought significant improvements to SVS's entry-level line when it launched, including app control and advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) features previously reserved for higher-end models.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution can reproduce frequencies down to 12Hz in its extended mode - well below human hearing but definitely feelable. This extreme low-end capability creates that authentic theater experience where you feel the rumble of explosions or the weight of a pipe organ's lowest notes. Its massive amplifier (2,800 watts) provides enough power to pressurize large rooms without strain.
The SB-1000 Pro reaches down to 20Hz, which is impressive for its size and price point. While it won't shake your entire house like its bigger sibling, it provides clean, musical bass that works wonderfully in medium-sized rooms. Its 325-watt amplifier is perfectly matched to its driver capabilities.
In actual use, both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The PB17 can handle anything you throw at it - from the deepest movie effects to the most demanding music passages. When watching films like "Dune" or "Interstellar," it creates a truly immersive experience that smaller subwoofers simply can't match.
The SB-1000 Pro, while not as powerful, delivers remarkably clean and precise bass. It particularly shines with music, where its sealed design provides tight, articulate response that some prefer over ported designs. For most listeners in typical rooms, it provides more than enough output for both movies and music.
Room size and layout significantly impact subwoofer performance. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution requires considerable space - at 25"x21.7"x29.3" and weighing 164.7 pounds, it's a substantial piece of equipment. Its ported design also means it needs some breathing room around the ports for optimal performance.
The SB-1000 Pro, measuring just 13.5 inches in each dimension, fits easily into most rooms and can even be tucked into corners or behind furniture (though this isn't always optimal for sound quality). Its sealed design makes it more flexible in terms of placement.
Both subwoofers offer sophisticated control through SVS's smartphone app, but there are significant differences in capabilities:
The PB17 includes:
The SB-1000 Pro offers:
While the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution costs significantly more, it offers performance that matches or exceeds commercial cinema subwoofers. For serious home theater enthusiasts or those with large rooms, its capabilities justify the investment.
The SB-1000 Pro represents exceptional value, delivering performance that would have cost several times more just a few years ago. For most users in typical living spaces, it provides more than enough capability for both movies and music.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
Both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the pinnacle of consumer subwoofer technology, offering uncompromising performance for those who demand the absolute best. The SB-1000 Pro delivers remarkable performance for its size and price, making it an excellent choice for most users.
Remember that room acoustics play a crucial role in subwoofer performance. Even the most powerful subwoofer won't sound its best in a poorly treated room, while a more modest subwoofer can excel in a well-optimized space.
Whichever model you choose, both represent SVS's commitment to quality and value at their respective price points. The key is matching the subwoofer to your specific needs, room constraints, and budget rather than simply choosing based on specs alone.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999.99) | SVS SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass impact | |
| 17" with dual 8" voice coils | 12" single voice coil |
| Amplifier Power - More power means higher sustained output and headroom | |
| 2,800 watts (massive headroom for any content) | 325 watts (suitable for medium rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12Hz-220Hz ±3dB (reference level extension) | 20Hz-270Hz ±3dB (excellent for most content) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Ported (three 4" ports, maximum output but needs space) | Sealed (compact, tighter bass, more flexible placement) |
| Dimensions - Critical for room planning and placement options | |
| 25.0"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (requires dedicated space) | 13.5" cube (easily fits most rooms) |
| Room Size Suitability - Match to your space for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms >300 sq ft (optimal for dedicated theaters) | Small/medium rooms <300 sq ft (ideal for apartments/living rooms) |
| DSP Features - More processing means better room integration | |
| Advanced auto-EQ, smartphone app, multiple presets | Basic room correction, app control, basic presets |
| Weight - Impacts installation and placement options | |
| 164.7 lbs (permanent installation recommended) | 26 lbs (easy to move and adjust) |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999.99) is superior for home theater use, offering deeper bass extension and much higher output capability. However, the SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) is still excellent for medium-sized rooms and typical home theater setups.
The main difference is output capability and size. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is a massive ported design with a 17" driver, while the SB-1000 Pro is a compact sealed 12" design. This translates to significantly more power and deeper bass from the PB17.
The SB-1000 Pro is ideal for apartment use due to its compact size, sealed design (which typically means less sound transmission to neighbors), and still-impressive performance that won't overwhelm smaller spaces.
Yes, both the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SB-1000 Pro can be controlled via the SVS smartphone app, though the PB17 offers more advanced features and tuning options.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution requires significant space (25"x21.7"x29.3") and room around its ports, while the SB-1000 Pro needs only a 13.5" cube of space and can be placed more flexibly.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution extends down to 12Hz, while the SB-1000 Pro reaches 20Hz. Both are impressive, but the PB17 provides more subsonic bass you can feel.
Both excel with music, but in different ways. The SB-1000 Pro offers tight, accurate bass perfect for music, while the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution provides both accuracy and massive output capability for all genres.
The SB-1000 Pro is easy to set up yourself. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution, weighing 164.7 lbs, might require help for installation and initial positioning.
The SB-1000 Pro offers exceptional value for most users. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is more expensive but delivers reference-level performance that justifies its price for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Yes, both can handle modern movie soundtracks, but the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution will provide a more cinematic experience with deeper bass and higher output compared to the SB-1000 Pro.
Both subwoofers use standard power cables and audio connections, though the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution also offers professional XLR inputs not found on the SB-1000 Pro.
Both integrate perfectly with surround sound systems. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SB-1000 Pro include adjustable crossovers and phase controls for optimal integration with any speakers.
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 - hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com
