When building a great sound system, whether for music or home theater, a quality subwoofer makes all the difference. The SVS SB-1000 Pro and SVS PB-1000 Pro represent two distinct approaches to delivering deep, impactful bass, each with its own strengths.
Both models were released in February 2021 as updates to SVS's popular 1000 series. The improvements focused on new driver designs, more powerful amplification, and the addition of app-based controls - features previously reserved for their higher-end models.
These subwoofers share some impressive technology. Both use 12-inch drivers (the cone that moves air to create bass) powered by 325-watt Sledge amplifiers that can peak at over 820 watts. Think of the amplifier like an engine - it provides the power needed to move the driver with precision and control.
The real difference lies in their design philosophy:
The SB-1000 Pro uses what's called a sealed enclosure, meaning the driver operates in a completely closed box. This design typically provides:
The PB-1000 Pro uses a ported enclosure, with carefully tuned ports that enhance low-frequency output. This results in:
In practice, these design differences create distinct listening experiences. The SB-1000 Pro excels with music, where its quick, precise bass response helps maintain the rhythm and pace of complex musical passages. Bass guitar and kick drums sound tight and natural, without any unwanted boom or resonance.
The PB-1000 Pro, meanwhile, really shines with movie soundtracks. When a helicopter flies overhead or an explosion rocks the scene, the ported design moves more air, creating that physical sensation that makes home theater so immersive. It can play slightly louder and reach deeper frequencies, though it needs more space to operate effectively.
Both models feature SVS's smartphone app control, which is a game-changer for setup and daily use. The app lets you:
This level of control was previously only available on much more expensive subwoofers, and it makes a real difference in getting the best performance in your specific room.
The physical size difference between these models is significant:
SB-1000 Pro:
PB-1000 Pro:
These dimensions matter not just for fitting the subwoofer in your room, but also for placement flexibility. The smaller SB-1000 Pro can more easily hide behind furniture or fit into tight spaces, while the PB-1000 Pro needs more breathing room to perform its best.
At $499 for the SB-1000 Pro and $599 for the PB-1000 Pro, both models offer exceptional value in their category. The $100 difference primarily reflects the larger cabinet and additional materials needed for the ported design.
The value equation depends largely on your specific needs:
For pure music listening, especially genres like jazz, classical, or acoustic recordings, the SB-1000 Pro's sealed design offers superior precision. Bass notes start and stop exactly when they should, maintaining the musical pace and rhythm.
In a home theater setting, both perform well, but the PB-1000 Pro has a clear advantage with movie soundtracks. Its ability to play louder and reach deeper frequencies creates more impact during explosive scenes and adds weight to sound effects.
For rooms serving both purposes, either model can work well. The decision should factor in:
Consider choosing the SB-1000 Pro if:
Go with the PB-1000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers represent excellent value and performance in their price range. The technology improvements since their release - particularly the app control and advanced DSP features - make them much easier to set up and optimize than previous models.
The choice between sealed and ported designs isn't about better or worse - it's about matching the subwoofer to your specific needs and preferences. Either way, these models demonstrate why SVS has earned such a strong reputation in the home audio market.
Remember that room acoustics play a huge role in subwoofer performance. Take advantage of the app-based controls to fine-tune whichever model you choose, and don't hesitate to experiment with placement to find the optimal position in your space.
| SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer | SVS PB-1000 Pro Subwoofer |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Fundamentally affects bass character and room placement | |
| Sealed box (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported box (deeper extension, higher output) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 20-270 Hz ±3 dB | 17-260 Hz ±3 dB |
| Size - Critical for room placement and WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) | |
| 13.5" x 13" x 14.76" (compact) | 18.9" x 15" x 20" (requires more space) |
| Weight - Important for installation and mobility | |
| 26.1 lbs (easily movable) | 42.5 lbs (less convenient to reposition) |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $499 (better value for music/smaller rooms) | $599 (worth extra for home theater/larger rooms) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output | |
| 325W RMS, 820+ watts peak (identical) | 325W RMS, 820+ watts peak (identical) |
| Ideal Room Size - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Under 2000 cubic feet | Over 2000 cubic feet |
| Primary Use Case - Helps determine best choice | |
| Music and smaller theater rooms | Home theater and larger spaces |
| Port Tuning Options - Provides setup flexibility | |
| None (sealed design) | Yes (can be sealed with included port plugs) |
The SVS PB-1000 Pro is generally better for home theater due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability. While the SVS SB-1000 Pro performs well, the ported design of the PB-1000 Pro creates more impact during movie explosions and action scenes.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro costs $499, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro is priced at $599. The $100 difference reflects the larger cabinet and additional materials needed for the ported design.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is ideal for smaller rooms under 2000 cubic feet. Its compact sealed design provides tight, accurate bass without overwhelming the space. The PB-1000 Pro might be too powerful for very small rooms.
Yes, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro feature SVS's smartphone app control, allowing you to adjust volume, EQ settings, and save presets for different content types.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is typically better for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass response. However, the PB-1000 Pro still performs well with music, especially electronic or bass-heavy genres.
No, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro have built-in 325-watt RMS amplifiers with 820+ watt peaks. They only need a standard power outlet and signal connection from your receiver.
The PB-1000 Pro reaches slightly deeper at 17Hz compared to 20Hz for the SB-1000 Pro. This difference is noticeable during movie special effects and very deep bass passages.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is easier to position due to its smaller size (13.5" x 13" x 14.76") compared to the PB-1000 Pro (18.9" x 15" x 20"). The sealed design also makes it less sensitive to placement.
Yes, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro integrate perfectly with surround sound systems. They include LFE inputs specifically for home theater use.
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is better suited for apartment living due to its sealed design producing less wall-penetrating bass than the PB-1000 Pro. It's also more compact and easier to position.
While one PB-1000 Pro or SB-1000 Pro can provide excellent bass, dual subwoofers can offer more even bass response across multiple seats and higher overall output. Consider room size and budget when deciding.
Both models excel at gaming. The PB-1000 Pro provides more impact for explosive effects, while the SB-1000 Pro offers tight, accurate response for all gaming content. Either choice will significantly enhance gaming experience.
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: hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com - avsforum.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
