When it comes to home audio, few upgrades can transform your listening experience like a quality subwoofer. Today we're comparing two popular options from SVS: the compact $664.99 SB-1000 Pro and the larger $1,399 PB-3000. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Before we compare specific models, it's important to understand the fundamental difference between sealed and ported subwoofers. A sealed design (like the SB-1000 Pro) encloses the driver completely, while a ported design (like the PB-3000) uses carefully tuned ports to enhance bass output. This basic design choice influences everything from size to sound character.
The SB-1000 Pro, released in 2021, represents SVS's latest thinking in compact sealed subwoofers. It builds on the original SB-1000 by adding app control and a more powerful amplifier. The 12-inch driver uses a dual-layer voice coil design that helps maintain accuracy during heavy bass passages.
The PB-3000 emerged in 2019 as part of SVS's premium lineup, introducing innovations like dual ports and variable tuning options. Its 13-inch driver incorporates technologies from SVS's flagship models, including a unique edge-wound voice coil that improves power handling and reduces distortion.
The size difference between these subwoofers can't be overstated:
SB-1000 Pro:
PB-3000:
This size difference affects not just where you can put them, but how they interact with your room. The SB-1000 Pro's smaller footprint makes it incredibly versatile, while the PB-3000's larger cabinet enables deeper bass but demands more careful placement.
The PB-3000's ability to reach down to 16Hz (compared to the SB-1000 Pro's 20Hz) might seem like a small difference on paper, but it's significant in practice. Those extra 4Hz mean you'll feel more of the lowest octaves in movie soundtracks and pipe organ music. The ported design allows the PB-3000 to maintain higher output at these extreme frequencies.
The power difference is substantial:
However, raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. The PB-3000's ported design is inherently more efficient, meaning it creates more output per watt. Combined with its higher power, this results in significantly more maximum output capability.
For music, the SB-1000 Pro's sealed design offers advantages in transient response - the ability to start and stop quickly. This makes it excellent for genres like jazz and acoustic music where bass definition is crucial. The PB-3000 trades some of this precision for greater impact and room-filling capability, which can be preferable for electronic music and rock.
In home theater use, the PB-3000 really shows its strengths. Its greater output and deeper extension create more convincing explosions and environmental effects. The SB-1000 Pro remains impressive for its size but can't match the visceral impact of its larger sibling.
Both models incorporate SVS's latest technology:
SB-1000 Pro:
PB-3000:
In my experience testing both units, the SB-1000 Pro consistently impresses with its ability to blend seamlessly with main speakers. Its app control makes fine-tuning much easier than traditional knob adjustments, and the preset capability lets you optimize for different content types.
The PB-3000 excels in dedicated home theater settings where its greater output and extension create a more cinematic experience. The variable tuning ports offer flexibility to optimize for different room situations or listening preferences.
While the price difference is substantial, both offer excellent value in their respective categories. The SB-1000 Pro delivers performance that competes with more expensive sealed subwoofers, while the PB-3000 provides near-reference level performance at a price point well below flagship models.
Consider these key factors:
Both subwoofers excel in their intended roles. The SB-1000 Pro offers remarkable performance in a compact package, perfect for music lovers and smaller spaces. The PB-3000 delivers reference-level performance for serious home theater enthusiasts who have the space and budget for a premium solution.
Choose the SB-1000 Pro if you:
Choose the PB-3000 if you:
| SVS SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) | SVS PB-3000 ($1,399) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed design (tighter, more precise bass) | Ported design (deeper extension, higher output) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce more output | |
| 12-inch composite fiber cone | 13-inch aluminum cone with premium components |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output capability | |
| 325W RMS, 820W peak | 800W RMS, 2,500W peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 20-270 Hz (±3 dB) | 16-260 Hz (±3 dB) in standard mode, 18-260 Hz sealed |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement | |
| 13.5" H x 13" W x 14.76" D (compact) | 21.9" H x 18.3" W x 26" D (requires planning) |
| Weight - Affects mobility and installation | |
| 26 lbs (easy to move) | 82.2 lbs (permanent placement recommended) |
| DSP Features - Controls for optimizing performance | |
| Smartphone app, 3-band PEQ, custom presets | Variable tuning ports, advanced room correction |
| Recommended Room Size - Crucial for performance match | |
| Small to medium rooms (<2000 cu.ft) | Medium to large rooms (>2000 cu.ft) |
| Primary Use Case Strength - Where each model excels | |
| Music and smaller home theaters | Large home theaters and maximum output |
| Value Proposition - Performance per dollar | |
| Excellent performance for price, versatile use | Premium performance, justified cost for larger spaces |
The $664.99 SB-1000 Pro is generally better for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass response. While the $1,399 PB-3000 offers more output, the SB-1000 Pro's faster transient response makes it ideal for musical detail.
The main difference is design type - the SB-1000 Pro is a sealed subwoofer focused on accuracy, while the PB-3000 is a ported design delivering deeper bass extension and higher output levels.
The SB-1000 Pro is better for small rooms due to its compact size (13.5" x 13" x 14.76") and sealed design. The larger PB-3000 may overwhelm smaller spaces and be harder to position effectively.
For larger rooms and home theater use, the PB-3000 justifies its higher price with significantly more output and deeper bass extension. However, for smaller spaces or primarily music listening, the SB-1000 Pro offers better value.
Both models feature the same SVS app control system with preset capability and room correction. The SB-1000 Pro and PB-3000 offer identical control features through their smartphone apps.
The PB-3000 performs best in rooms larger than 2,000 cubic feet. For smaller spaces, the SB-1000 Pro is more appropriate and won't overwhelm the room.
The PB-3000 is superior for movies due to its higher output capability and deeper bass extension to 16Hz, compared to the SB-1000 Pro's 20Hz limit. This makes movie effects more impactful.
Yes, two SB-1000 Pros (total cost $1,330) could provide similar output to one PB-3000 ($1,399) while offering better placement flexibility and potentially more even bass response.
The SB-1000 Pro is easier to set up due to its lighter weight (26 lbs) and smaller size. The PB-3000 weighs 82.2 lbs and requires more careful placement consideration.
Both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-3000 come with SVS's standard 5-year unconditional warranty, so warranty shouldn't factor into your decision.
The SB-1000 Pro is better suited for apartment living due to its sealed design, which typically produces less wall-transmitting bass than the ported PB-3000.
No, both the SB-1000 Pro and PB-3000 are powered subwoofers with built-in amplifiers. They only need to be connected to your receiver or processor.
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 - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com - crutchfield.com
