When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, SVS has built a strong reputation for quality subwoofers. Today we're comparing two of their popular models: the SVS PC-2000 Pro Cylinder Subwoofer ($1,099) and the SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer ($665). Both launched in 2021 as part of SVS's "Pro" series upgrade, bringing significant improvements in digital processing and control.
Before diving into the comparison, let's clarify what makes a subwoofer important. A subwoofer handles the lowest frequencies in your audio system – typically anything below 80 Hz. These low frequencies give you the rumble in movie explosions and the deep foundation of music. While your main speakers might play some bass, a dedicated subwoofer can reach lower frequencies with more power and less distortion.
The PC-2000 Pro takes an interesting approach with its cylinder design. Standing tall rather than wide, it saves floor space while using its height to create the internal volume needed for deep bass. Think of it like a bass drum standing on end – the cylinder shape naturally helps create the pressure waves that produce powerful low frequencies.
In contrast, the SB-1000 Pro uses a traditional sealed box design, which many audiophiles prefer for its precise, "tight" bass response. The sealed design means the driver (the speaker cone) has more control over its movement, resulting in more accurate reproduction of bass notes.
Here's where we see the biggest difference between these models. The PC-2000 Pro packs a 550-watt amplifier (with 1,500+ watt peaks), while the SB-1000 Pro carries a 325-watt amp (820+ watt peaks). What does this mean in real terms?
The PC-2000 Pro can fill larger rooms with ease and handle dynamic movie soundtracks without breaking a sweat. Think of those moments in action movies where a massive explosion rocks the theater – the PC-2000 Pro has the power reserves to deliver that impact without running out of steam.
The SB-1000 Pro isn't underpowered by any means, but it's better suited to small and medium-sized rooms. It still delivers impressive performance for its size and price, particularly with music where sudden extreme bass demands are less common.
Both models benefit from SVS's 2021 technology upgrades. They include:
The PC-2000 Pro adds variable port tuning, letting you customize the bass response for different types of content. This flexibility is particularly valuable for home theater use, where you might want maximum output for movies but tighter response for music.
In actual use, both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The PC-2000 Pro shows its strength with movie soundtracks, producing the kind of chest-thumping bass that home theater enthusiasts crave. It can reach down to 16 Hz, which means you'll feel those ultra-low frequency effects that many subwoofers miss entirely.
The SB-1000 Pro surprises with its musicality. Its sealed design and sophisticated processing result in articulate bass that follows the music precisely. While it doesn't dig quite as deep (reaching about 20 Hz), the bass it does produce is clean and well-defined.
Here's where things get interesting. The SB-1000 Pro delivers roughly 70% of the PC-2000 Pro's performance at 60% of the price. For many users, especially those in apartments or medium-sized rooms, the SB-1000 Pro represents the sweet spot of price and performance.
However, the PC-2000 Pro's premium isn't just about raw power. Its unique design can be a space-saver in rooms where floor space is at a premium but vertical space is available. The additional features and power headroom make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated home theater spaces or larger rooms.
Both subwoofers benefit from SVS's excellent smartphone app, which makes setup and adjustment surprisingly straightforward. The app lets you adjust crossover frequencies (determining which sounds go to the subwoofer), phase alignment (ensuring the subwoofer works in harmony with your main speakers), and various other parameters that previously required crawling around with a flashlight and manual adjustments.
The PC-2000 Pro's cylinder design can be more forgiving in terms of placement, as its down-firing port reduces the impact of nearby walls. The SB-1000 Pro, while more conventional in design, is easier to hide due to its compact size.
Since their 2021 release, both models have proven reliable and well-supported by SVS. The company's customer service has a strong reputation, and their 5-year warranty provides peace of mind. The smartphone app receives regular updates, adding features and refinements over time.
Both the PC-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro represent excellent values in their respective price categories. The SB-1000 Pro is the sensible choice for most users, offering impressive performance at a more accessible price point. However, if you have a larger room, serious home theater aspirations, or simply want the best performance possible, the PC-2000 Pro's additional capabilities justify its premium price.
Remember, whichever model you choose, proper placement and setup make a huge difference in real-world performance. Take advantage of SVS's excellent app and support resources to get the most from your investment.
| SVS PC-2000 Pro Cylinder Subwoofer ($1,099) | SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer ($665) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum volume and ability to pressurize larger rooms | |
| 550W RMS/1,500W peak (excellent for large rooms) | 325W RMS/820W peak (suitable for small/medium rooms) |
| Low Frequency Extension - Affects how deep the bass can go, crucial for movie effects | |
| 16 Hz (feels subterranean movie effects) | 20 Hz (still impressive, missing only the deepest notes) |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts placement flexibility and room integration | |
| Cylinder design, 16.6" diameter x 34" height (saves floor space, needs height) | Cubic design, 13.5" all sides (more traditional, fits under furniture) |
| Port Design - Affects bass character and placement requirements | |
| Ported, down-firing (more output, less placement sensitive) | Sealed design (tighter bass, more placement options) |
| DSP Features - Controls bass response and room integration | |
| Advanced with variable port tuning (more flexible for different content) | Standard SVS DSP (still excellent, fewer adjustments) |
| Room Size Capability - Critical for matching to your space | |
| Up to 3,000 cubic feet (ideal for dedicated theaters) | Up to 2,000 cubic feet (perfect for most living rooms) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each model shines | |
| Home theater and high-output scenarios (worth premium for serious users) | Music and mixed-use applications (excellent value for most users) |
| App Control - Helps with setup and adjustment | |
| iOS/Android with 3-band PEQ (more adjustment options) | iOS/Android with basic PEQ (covers essential adjustments) |
The SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) is superior for home theater due to its higher power (550W vs 325W) and deeper bass extension (16Hz vs 20Hz). This extra capability means more impactful movie effects and better performance in larger rooms. However, the SVS SB-1000 Pro ($665) is still excellent for small to medium home theaters.
The main difference is power output and design. The PC-2000 Pro uses a cylinder design with 550W RMS power, while the SB-1000 Pro uses a traditional box design with 325W RMS. This results in the PC-2000 Pro having more output capability and deeper bass extension.
For larger rooms (over 300 sq ft) or dedicated home theaters, the PC-2000 Pro is worth the premium. For smaller rooms or mixed-use spaces, the SB-1000 Pro offers better value, delivering about 70% of the performance at 60% of the cost.
The SB-1000 Pro is better suited for apartments due to its more controlled output, smaller size, and sealed design. It's less likely to disturb neighbors while still providing excellent bass for your space.
Both work well with music, but the SB-1000 Pro's sealed design provides slightly tighter, more accurate bass response for music. The PC-2000 Pro offers more output but might be overkill for purely music applications in smaller rooms.
The PC-2000 Pro performs best in rooms from 250-3,000 cubic feet. For rooms smaller than this, the SB-1000 Pro might be a more appropriate choice.
While both the PC-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro work well alone, dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Two SB-1000 Pros often work better than a single PC-2000 Pro for consistent room coverage.
Both use the same SVS smartphone app for setup and adjustment. However, the SB-1000 Pro's sealed design and smaller size make it generally easier to position and integrate into existing spaces.
Yes, both are excellent for gaming. The PC-2000 Pro provides more impactful effects for action games, while the SB-1000 Pro still delivers impressive performance for most gaming scenarios.
Both 2021 "Pro" models feature significantly improved DSP and app control compared to their predecessors. The amplifiers and drivers were also upgraded for better performance and control.
Both the PC-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro come with identical 5-year warranties and SVS's excellent customer service, making them equally good long-term investments.
No, both models include standard RCA inputs and can connect to any modern AV receiver or processor. They both include necessary cables and SVS's smartphone app for setup.
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: avsforum.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - iq-av.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - spacehifi.com.au - hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com
