When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, SVS has long been a leader in subwoofer technology. Today we're comparing two very different approaches to bass reproduction: the brand new flagship SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) and the more accessible SVS SB-2000 Pro ($854).
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes these subwoofers different. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep notes you feel as much as hear. They come in two main designs: ported (like the PB17) which uses tuned ports to enhance bass output, and sealed (like the SB-2000) which offers tighter control but typically can't play quite as loud or low.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in early 2024, represents SVS's most ambitious subwoofer design yet. It features a massive 17-inch driver (the size of the actual moving cone) with innovative dual 8-inch voice coils - think of these as the "engine" that moves the speaker cone. This new approach allows for more precise control and higher output than traditional designs.
In contrast, the SB-2000 Pro takes a more conventional but still highly effective approach with its 12-inch driver. Released in 2019, it brought SVS's smartphone app control and advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to a more affordable price point. The sealed design makes it notably more compact - about 40% smaller than the PB17.
The PB17-Ultra can reproduce frequencies down to 12Hz in its extended mode - that's well below what humans can hear but you can definitely feel it. Think dinosaur footsteps in Jurassic Park or explosions in action movies. The SB-2000 Pro reaches down to 19Hz, which is still impressive and covers most musical bass content.
In terms of sheer volume capability, the PB17-Ultra plays roughly 10 decibels louder than the SB-2000 Pro. That might not sound like much, but since decibels are logarithmic, it means the PB17 can move about 10 times more air. For home theater use, this extra headroom means explosive scenes stay clean and controlled even at reference levels (the volume that commercial theaters use).
Having heard both units extensively, the PB17-Ultra offers a level of effortlessness that's hard to describe. It simply does not strain, even with the most demanding content. The SB-2000 Pro, while not as powerful, actually has a slight advantage in musical detail and speed due to its sealed design. For pure music listening in medium-sized rooms, many listeners might actually prefer the SB-2000 Pro.
Room size is crucial in subwoofer selection. The PB17-Ultra truly shines in larger spaces (over 2,000 cubic feet) where its massive output capability can flex its muscles. The SB-2000 Pro is better suited to small and medium rooms, where its tighter bass response works to its advantage.
The PB17-Ultra's size (25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D) demands careful planning for placement. It weighs 165 pounds and needs solid support. The SB-2000 Pro (14.6"H x 14.2"W x 15.6"D) at just 39 pounds is much easier to position and experiment with placement.
Both subwoofers feature SVS's excellent smartphone app control, which allows you to adjust settings, save presets, and even perform room correction from your phone. The PB17-Ultra adds new features like more sophisticated room correction and the ability to tune the ports for different responses.
The price difference between these units is substantial. The PB17-Ultra at $2,999 represents the absolute pinnacle of consumer subwoofer technology. The SB-2000 Pro at $854 delivers remarkable performance for its price point.
For most users in typical living rooms, the SB-2000 Pro provides more than enough output and extension. Its sealed design also tends to sound more natural with music. However, for dedicated home theater rooms or larger spaces, the PB17-Ultra's additional capability isn't just about bragging rights - it provides a truly different level of experience.
Consider these key factors:
Both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home bass reproduction, while the SB-2000 Pro provides exceptional performance in a more practical package.
For most users, the SB-2000 Pro represents the sweet spot of performance and value. However, if you have the space, budget, and desire for the absolute best, the PB17-Ultra delivers a truly next-level experience that justifies its premium price for the right user.
Remember, proper setup and placement matter more than raw specifications. Either subwoofer, properly integrated into your system, will provide years of enjoyable bass reproduction for both music and movies.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($854) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines bass character and room placement needs | |
| Ported (higher output, needs more space) | Sealed (tighter bass, compact size) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally move more air | |
| 17-inch with dual 8" voice coils (latest technology) | 12-inch (traditional design) |
| Amplifier Power - Affects maximum clean output capability | |
| 2,800W RMS / 6,000W peak (massive headroom) | 550W RMS / 1,500W peak (sufficient for most rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 12-220Hz ±3dB (felt more than heard) | 19-240Hz ±3dB (covers most content) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement | |
| 25.0"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (requires planning) | 14.6"H x 14.2"W x 15.6"D (highly flexible) |
| Weight - Affects placement options and stability | |
| 165 lbs (permanent installation) | 39 lbs (easily movable) |
| Room Size Capability - Determines appropriate matching | |
| Ideal for rooms > 2,000 cu.ft | Best for rooms < 2,000 cu.ft |
| Control Features - Affects ease of setup and adjustment | |
| Advanced app control with auto-EQ room correction | Basic app control with manual EQ |
| Price/Performance Ratio - Value consideration | |
| Premium price for ultimate performance | Excellent value for typical rooms |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) is superior for home theater use, especially in larger rooms, due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, the SB-2000 Pro ($854) is still excellent for average-sized home theaters under 2,000 cubic feet.
The PB17-Ultra delivers 2,800 watts RMS (6,000W peak), while the SB-2000 Pro provides 550 watts RMS (1,500W peak). For most home theaters, even the SB-2000 Pro's power is sufficient.
The SB-2000 Pro often performs better with music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more precise bass. The PB17-Ultra excels with pipe organ and electronic music that benefits from its deeper extension.
The SB-2000 Pro works best in rooms under 2,000 cubic feet, while the PB17-Ultra is designed for larger spaces over 2,000 cubic feet.
For dedicated home theater rooms or larger spaces, the PB17-Ultra justifies its premium price with significantly more output and deeper bass. However, the SB-2000 Pro offers better value for typical users.
Yes, both the PB17-Ultra and SB-2000 Pro feature SVS's smartphone app control, though the PB17-Ultra offers more advanced room correction features.
The PB17-Ultra reaches down to 12Hz, while the SB-2000 Pro extends to 19Hz. For reference, humans generally can't hear below 20Hz, but can feel these frequencies.
The SB-2000 Pro is significantly better for small rooms due to its compact size and sealed design. The PB17-Ultra may be too powerful and large for small spaces.
Two SB-2000 Pros ($1,708 total) might provide better overall bass response than one PB17-Ultra ($2,999) due to more even room coverage, especially in challenging rooms.
Both the PB17-Ultra and SB-2000 Pro come with SVS's excellent 5-year warranty, including their famous "bill of rights" customer service.
Both can handle Atmos effects, but the PB17-Ultra will deliver more impactful low-frequency effects. The SB-2000 Pro still performs well with most Atmos content.
The SB-2000 Pro is easier to set up due to its lighter weight (39 lbs) and smaller size. The PB17-Ultra weighs 165 lbs and requires careful placement planning.
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 - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - spacehifi.com.au - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com
