When SVS launched their updated 1000 Pro series subwoofers in early 2021, they brought flagship technology down to a more accessible price point. Today we'll compare the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro, two subwoofers that share DNA but serve different purposes. Whether you're building a home theater or crafting the perfect music system, understanding their differences is key to making the right choice.
Both subwoofers represent a significant upgrade over the original 1000 series, incorporating the Sledge STA-325D amplifier (325 watts RMS/820+ watts peak) and a new 12-inch high-excursion driver. The amplifier, derived from SVS's flagship 16-Ultra series, uses advanced Class D technology with discrete MOSFET output devices, which provide exceptional control over the driver while running efficiently and cool.
The driver itself features a dual ferrite magnet motor assembly and an aluminum cone with a composite fiber dustcap - engineering choices that help deliver precise, distortion-free bass. But while they share these core components, their implementations create two distinct personalities.
The SB-1000 Pro uses a sealed cabinet design, often called "acoustic suspension." This approach creates a spring-like effect with the trapped air, leading to extremely tight and controlled bass. The PB-1000 Pro, conversely, employs a ported design with two carefully tuned ports that allow the subwoofer to reach lower frequencies with greater output.
This fundamental design choice leads to different frequency responses:
While these numbers might seem similar, the real-world impact is noticeable. The PB-1000 Pro can play louder at the lowest frequencies, while the SB-1000 Pro offers better transient response - meaning it can start and stop moving more quickly, which many listeners perceive as "tighter" bass.
For music, the SB-1000 Pro often shines brightest. Its sealed design provides exceptional detail and articulation with bass guitars, acoustic bass, and kick drums. The faster transient response means it can keep up with complex rhythms without muddying the sound.
The PB-1000 Pro isn't far behind with music, but its strengths lie elsewhere. It excels with pipe organ music, electronic music with ultra-low bass, and other content that demands extreme low-frequency output. The ported design allows it to play these frequencies with less driver excursion, reducing distortion at high volumes.
This is where the differences become most apparent. The PB-1000 Pro's ability to dig deeper with greater output makes it particularly compelling for movie enthusiasts. When a movie soundtrack calls for that subsonic rumble during an explosion or earthquake scene, the PB-1000 Pro delivers with authority.
The SB-1000 Pro still performs admirably with movies, especially in smaller rooms. Its tight response means dialogue-heavy scenes maintain clarity, and musical scores benefit from its precise character. However, it can't quite match the PB-1000 Pro's ability to pressurize a room with those lowest frequencies.
The physical differences between these subwoofers are substantial:
The SB-1000 Pro's smaller footprint makes it easier to integrate into living spaces and provides more placement options. It also performs well closer to walls, making it ideal for space-constrained setups.
The PB-1000 Pro needs more breathing room, both for the ports to work effectively and because its greater output capability can excite room modes more dramatically. However, this larger size and ported design make it better suited for larger spaces where its additional output helps fill the room with bass.
Both models feature SVS's excellent smartphone app control system, which provides:
This level of control was previously reserved for much more expensive subwoofers, and it makes dialing in either model significantly easier than traditional knob-based controls.
At $499-599, both subwoofers represent excellent value, but for different users:
The SB-1000 Pro makes sense if you:
The PB-1000 Pro is the better choice if you:
Both subwoofers feature high-quality construction and SVS's excellent customer service, including their "Bill of Rights" with features like a 45-day in-home trial and 5-year warranty. The sealed SB-1000 Pro has fewer moving parts (no ports), potentially offering marginally better long-term reliability, though both are built to last.
Consider these factors in order:
Both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro represent excellent values in their price range. They share premium technology from SVS's higher-end lines and offer performance that was unheard of at this price point just a few years ago.
The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and constraints. The SB-1000 Pro is the more versatile option, easier to place, and slightly more refined with music. The PB-1000 Pro offers more output and deeper extension, making it the better choice for dedicated home theater use and larger spaces.
Either way, you're getting a subwoofer that will likely exceed your expectations for the price point, backed by one of the most respected names in the business.
| SVS SB-1000 Pro | SVS PB-1000 Pro |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Impacts bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed cabinet (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported cabinet (deeper extension, higher output) |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and usable range | |
| 20-270Hz ±3dB | 17-260Hz ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power - Affects maximum output and headroom | |
| 325W RMS, 820W+ peak | 325W RMS, 820W+ peak |
| Driver Size - Influences output capability | |
| 12-inch high-excursion driver | 12-inch high-excursion driver |
| Cabinet Dimensions - Critical for room placement | |
| 13.5" H × 13" W × 14.76" D (compact) | 18.9" H × 15" W × 20" D (larger footprint) |
| Weight - Affects mobility and installation | |
| 26 lbs (easier to move and position) | 42.5 lbs (requires more setup planning) |
| Room Size Suitability - Determines ideal listening space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 2000 cu.ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 2500 cu.ft) |
| Primary Strength - Best use case scenario | |
| Music accuracy and tight bass response | Home theater and maximum output capability |
| App Control Features - Enables precise tuning | |
| Full DSP control, 3-band PEQ, presets | Full DSP control, 3-band PEQ, presets |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $499 (Black Ash), $599 (Piano Gloss) | $599 (Black Ash only) |
| Best For - Typical user profile | |
| Music enthusiasts, smaller rooms, apartment dwellers | Home theater fans, larger rooms, standalone homes |
The SVS SB-1000 Pro is generally better for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass response. While the PB-1000 Pro performs well with music, the SB-1000 Pro's faster transient response makes it superior for most musical genres.
The PB-1000 Pro is better for movies due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability. It delivers more impactful performance with movie explosions and action scenes, though the SB-1000 Pro still performs well in smaller rooms.
The main difference is their design - the SB-1000 Pro uses a sealed cabinet for tighter bass, while the PB-1000 Pro uses a ported design for deeper bass extension and higher output.
The SB-1000 Pro is better for small rooms due to its compact size and sealed design. It's easier to place and less likely to overwhelm smaller spaces compared to the PB-1000 Pro.
The price difference is minimal. The SB-1000 Pro starts at $499 (Black Ash) or $599 (Piano Gloss), while the PB-1000 Pro is $599 (Black Ash only).
The SB-1000 Pro is better for apartment living due to its sealed design, which typically transfers less bass to neighboring units, and its smaller footprint makes it easier to position.
Yes, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro use identical 325-watt RMS amplifiers with 820+ watts peak power.
The PB-1000 Pro plays slightly deeper bass, reaching down to 17Hz compared to the SB-1000 Pro's 20Hz lower limit.
No, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro feature user-friendly smartphone app control for setup and calibration, making professional setup optional rather than necessary.
Yes, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-1000 Pro perform well with music and movies, though each has its strengths - the SB for music accuracy and the PB for movie impact.
The SB-1000 Pro requires minimal space at 13.5" × 13" × 14.76", while the PB-1000 Pro needs more room at 18.9" × 15" × 20".
Both subwoofers are built to last and come with 5-year warranties. The SB-1000 Pro might have a slight edge in longevity due to its simpler sealed design compared to the ported PB-1000 Pro.
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 - youtube.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - projectorscreenstore.com - audioholics.com - svsound.ca - svsound.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioadvice.com - bhphotovideo.com - avsforum.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
