When it comes to home audio, few decisions impact your listening experience as much as subwoofer selection. Today we're comparing two popular options from SVS: the brand new PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) and the established SB-3000 ($1,026). Let's dive into how these subs differ and who they're best suited for.
Before we compare specific models, it's helpful to understand what makes subwoofers different from each other. A subwoofer's main job is reproducing low-frequency sounds – the deep bass in music and those room-shaking explosions in movies. But how they accomplish this can vary significantly.
The biggest distinction between these two models is their basic design approach. The PB17-Ultra uses a ported design (those tubes you see on the back), which helps it play louder and lower, while the SB-3000 uses a sealed design that some prefer for its tighter, more controlled sound.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest technology, released in October 2024. It builds on the success of the previous PB16-Ultra with several key improvements:
The SB-3000, while not brand new, remains a current model that delivers impressive performance for its size and price point.
Here's where these subs really differentiate themselves. The PB17-Ultra can reach down to a subterranean 12Hz in its extended mode. For context, human hearing typically bottoms out around 20Hz – this sub can reproduce frequencies you feel more than hear. Its massive driver and powerful amplifier can hit peak output levels over 137dB, which is literally chest-thumping territory.
The SB-3000 isn't exactly a lightweight, reaching down to 18Hz and providing plenty of output for most rooms. Its sealed design actually gives it an advantage in certain situations, producing tighter, more articulate bass that some listeners prefer for music.
In actual use, the PB17's capabilities become most apparent during demanding movie scenes. When a helicopter flies overhead or a explosion rocks the scene, you'll feel the impact in a way that's simply not possible with smaller subs. For music, it can reproduce pipe organ notes and electronic bass with authority that few other subwoofers can match.
The SB-3000 excels in delivering clean, musical bass that integrates well with your main speakers. It's particularly good with acoustic music, jazz, and rock, where accuracy is more important than sheer output. It can still handle movie soundtracks impressively well, just not at the same extreme levels as its bigger brother.
Let's be honest – the PB17-Ultra is massive. At 165 pounds, you'll want help moving it, and its nearly 30-inch depth requires careful room planning. In contrast, the SB-3000 weighs a more manageable 54.5 pounds and has a much smaller footprint, making it easier to position and less visually dominant.
Both subs feature SVS's excellent smartphone app for room calibration, which lets you adjust:
Value isn't just about price – it's about what you get for your money. The PB17-Ultra represents the absolute pinnacle of what's possible in a consumer subwoofer. If you're building a dedicated home theater or serious listening room, its performance justifies its premium price.
The SB-3000 delivers remarkable performance for its price point. It includes most of the advanced features found in SVS's flagship models while remaining attainable for many enthusiasts. For many users, it represents the sweet spot of performance versus cost.
Consider the PB17-Ultra if:
Choose the SB-3000 if:
Both the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SB-3000 are excellent subwoofers that excel in different scenarios. The PB17 represents the ultimate in home theater performance, while the SB-3000 offers exceptional value and versatility. Your choice should ultimately depend on your space, budget, and performance needs rather than simply choosing the "better" option.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | SVS SB-3000 ($1,026) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines bass character and room placement flexibility | |
| Ported (deeper bass, needs more space) | Sealed (tighter bass, more placement options) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally mean more output capability | |
| 17-inch driver (class-leading size) | 13-inch driver (very capable for size) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom) | 800W RMS (plenty for most rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12Hz-220Hz (reference-level extension) | 18Hz-270Hz (impressive for size) |
| Weight/Size - Critical for placement planning and installation | |
| 164.7 lbs, 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (needs dedicated space) | 54.5 lbs, 15.6"H x 15.2"W x 17.8"D (manageable size) |
| Room Size Suitability - Bigger rooms need more powerful subs | |
| Large/dedicated rooms (>3,000 cu ft) | Small to medium rooms (<2,500 cu ft) |
| DSP Features - More processing means better room integration | |
| Advanced 295MHz DSP with mobile app control | 50MHz DSP with mobile app control |
| Primary Use Case - Different designs excel at different content | |
| Home theater/reference listening (maximum impact) | Music/mixed use (excellent balance) |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) is significantly better for home theater use, offering deeper bass extension to 12Hz and much higher output capability. However, the SB-3000 ($1,026) still performs admirably for most home theaters in small to medium rooms.
The primary difference is design approach - the PB17-Ultra is a ported design focused on maximum output and deep bass extension, while the SB-3000 is a sealed design prioritizing accurate, tight bass response in a smaller package.
For dedicated home theater rooms or large spaces, the PB17-Ultra justifies its higher price with significantly more output and deeper bass. For smaller rooms or mixed-use spaces, the SB-3000 offers better value.
The SB-3000 is often preferred for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass. However, the PB17-Ultra excels with pipe organ music and electronic bass that benefits from its deeper extension.
The PB17-Ultra requires significant space at 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D, while the SB-3000 is much more compact at 15.6"H x 15.2"W x 17.8"D.
The SB-3000 is better suited for apartment use due to its smaller size and sealed design. The PB17-Ultra may be too powerful and large for apartment living.
While both perform well individually, dual subwoofers provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Dual SB-3000s might be a better value than a single PB17-Ultra for many rooms.
Both use the same SVS smartphone app for setup, but the SB-3000 is generally easier to position and integrate due to its sealed design and smaller size compared to the PB17-Ultra.
The PB17-Ultra can reach reference levels over 137dB, while the SB-3000 maxes out around 120dB. Both are capable of filling most rooms with powerful bass.
The PB17-Ultra features newer technology, including a more powerful DSP processor and advanced dual voice coil design. However, the SB-3000 shares many of the same control features.
Both are excellent for gaming, but the PB17-Ultra provides more impactful effects for action games. The SB-3000 still delivers impressive gaming performance for most users.
The PB17-Ultra is ideal for rooms larger than 3,000 cubic feet, while the SB-3000 performs best in rooms under 2,500 cubic feet.
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 - audiosciencereview.com - skybygramophone.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - themasterswitch.com - 3634088.app.netsuite.com - soundstageaccess.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - svsound.com
