When SVS launched their "Pro" series subwoofer lineup starting in late 2019, they brought advanced features previously reserved for their top-end models down to more accessible price points. Today, we'll compare two popular models - the SVS SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) and SVS SB-2000 Pro ($809.99) - to help you decide which one best fits your needs and budget.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep bass notes and explosive effects that you feel as much as hear. These low frequencies (typically below 80 Hz) create a foundation that makes everything sound more realistic and engaging.
The challenge is reproducing these frequencies accurately without distortion, even at high volumes. This requires careful engineering of several key components:
Both of these SVS models excel in these areas, but they take different approaches based on their target users.
Both the SB-1000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro share some impressive technology. They both use:
The app control is particularly noteworthy - it lets you adjust everything from volume to detailed EQ settings right from your phone. This makes it much easier to fine-tune the sound from your listening position compared to reaching behind the subwoofer to adjust knobs.
The most obvious difference is power output:
While these numbers might seem like simple math, the real-world impact is more nuanced. The SB-2000 Pro's additional power isn't just about playing louder - it's about maintaining control and accuracy at higher volumes. Think of it like a car engine - more power means more headroom and less strain when pushed hard.
The physical differences are notable:
These differences might seem small on paper, but that extra 12.6 pounds of the SB-2000 Pro comes largely from a more robust driver and amplifier components. The larger cabinet also helps with deeper bass extension.
Both subwoofers excel with music, but their characters differ slightly:
The SB-1000 Pro is incredibly agile and precise with music. Its lighter driver and tight control make it especially good with fast-paced bass lines and acoustic music. Jazz and rock sound natural and well-defined.
The SB-2000 Pro maintains that precision but adds more weight and authority to the sound. This extra capability becomes noticeable with demanding electronic music, pipe organ recordings, or when playing at higher volumes. The additional power helps maintain composure during complex passages.
For movies, both subwoofers deliver impressive performance, but room size becomes a crucial factor:
In smaller rooms (under 300 square feet), the SB-1000 Pro provides plenty of impact for most movies. It handles explosions and action sequences with authority, and its precise character helps with dialogue scenes where subtle low-frequency information adds realism.
The SB-2000 Pro's advantages become more apparent in larger spaces or when you really want to feel those movie effects. Its additional power and slightly deeper extension (19Hz vs 20Hz) create a more immersive experience with blockbuster films. The extra headroom means it maintains composure during sustained heavy bass scenes that might push the SB-1000 Pro to its limits.
Room size is perhaps the most critical factor in choosing between these models:
For small to medium rooms (up to about 300 square feet), the SB-1000 Pro will likely provide all the performance you need. Its more compact size also makes it easier to position, which can be crucial in smaller spaces.
In larger rooms, the SB-2000 Pro's additional power becomes more valuable. Bass frequencies need more energy to fill larger spaces, and the extra power helps maintain consistent performance throughout the room.
With about $145 separating these models, the value equation depends heavily on your specific needs:
The SB-1000 Pro offers exceptional performance for its price point. If you have a smaller room or listen at moderate volumes, it's hard to justify spending more.
The SB-2000 Pro's premium is well spent if you:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
Both the SB-1000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro represent excellent values in their respective price ranges. The SB-1000 Pro hits a sweet spot of performance and value that will satisfy most users, especially in smaller spaces. The SB-2000 Pro's additional capability is worth the premium for larger rooms or when maximum performance is desired.
Remember that proper setup and placement matter as much as raw specifications. Either subwoofer, properly positioned and calibrated, will provide years of enjoyable performance. Choose based on your room size, listening habits, and budget rather than specs alone.
If you're still unsure, my recommendation would be to start with the SB-1000 Pro unless you know you need the extra capability of the SB-2000 Pro. It's easier to upgrade later if needed than to spend more initially on capability you might not use.
SVS SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($809.99) |
---|---|
Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output and headroom for dynamic content | |
325W RMS, 820W Peak | 550W RMS, 1500W Peak |
Frequency Response - Indicates how deep the bass extends | |
20-270 Hz ±3dB | 19-240 Hz ±3dB |
Physical Size - Important for room placement and integration | |
13.5" H × 13" W × 14.76" D | 14.6" H × 14.2" W × 15.6" D |
Weight - Affects mobility and installation | |
26 lbs | 38.6 lbs |
Driver Design - Impacts sound quality and output capability | |
12" high-excursion composite fiber cone | 12" aluminum vented cone with extreme-excursion surround |
DSP Features - Controls for optimizing performance | |
50MHz DSP, 3-band PEQ, smartphone app control | 50MHz DSP, 3-band PEQ, smartphone app control |
Recommended Room Size - Critical for choosing appropriate model | |
Small to medium rooms (<300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (>300 sq ft) |
Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
Sealed, compact form factor | Sealed, slightly larger cabinet for deeper extension |
Best Use Case - Helps match to primary listening habits | |
Music and movies at moderate volumes, smaller spaces | High-volume playback, serious home theater, larger rooms |
Value Proposition - Price-to-performance consideration | |
Better value for typical rooms and moderate listening | Worth premium for larger spaces or maximum performance needs |
The SVS SB-2000 Pro ($809.99) offers better overall performance with more power and deeper bass, but the SVS SB-1000 Pro ($664.99) provides better value for most users in typical rooms. The SB-2000 Pro is worth the upgrade primarily for larger rooms or when maximum performance is needed.
The price difference is approximately $145, with the SB-1000 Pro at $664.99 and the SB-2000 Pro at $809.99.
The SB-1000 Pro is ideal for small rooms (under 300 square feet) and provides excellent performance while saving money. The SB-2000 Pro's extra power isn't necessary in smaller spaces.
The SB-2000 Pro is worth the extra cost if you have a larger room (over 300 square feet), listen at high volumes, or want maximum home theater performance. For typical users, the SB-1000 Pro offers better value.
Both perform excellently with music. The SB-1000 Pro is precise and musical, while the SB-2000 Pro adds more weight and authority. For moderate volume music listening, the SB-1000 Pro is sufficient.
Both handle movies well, but the SB-2000 Pro has an advantage with more power and deeper bass extension. For serious home theater in larger rooms, it's worth upgrading from the SB-1000 Pro.
The SB-1000 Pro delivers 325W RMS/820W peak, while the SB-2000 Pro provides 550W RMS/1500W peak. This difference becomes noticeable at higher volumes and in larger spaces.
Yes, both the SB-1000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro can be controlled via the SVS smartphone app, which offers extensive adjustment options including volume, EQ, and presets.
The SB-1000 Pro is more placement-friendly at 26 lbs and smaller dimensions, compared to the SB-2000 Pro at 38.6 lbs and larger size.
For most rooms, a single SB-1000 Pro or SB-2000 Pro is sufficient. Two subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seats, but room size and budget should guide this decision.
The SB-1000 Pro extends to 20Hz, while the SB-2000 Pro reaches 19Hz. This difference is minimal in real-world use, but the SB-2000 Pro maintains better control at the lowest frequencies.
Both the SB-1000 Pro and SB-2000 Pro come with SVS's 5-year unconditional warranty and 45-day risk-free in-home trial.
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 - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - spacehifi.com.au - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com