When it comes to adding serious bass to your home audio system, SVS has long been a go-to brand for enthusiasts. Today, we're comparing two of their most popular options: the SVS SB-2000 Pro ($899) and the SVS PB-3000 ($1,599). I've spent considerable time with both units and will help you understand exactly what you're getting for your money.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes these subwoofers different from your typical bass speakers. Both are powered subwoofers, meaning they have their own built-in amplifiers and don't rely on your receiver's power. They're also both "reference-class" units, designed to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies with exceptional accuracy.
The main technical difference lies in their design approach: the SB-2000 Pro uses a sealed cabinet (think of it like a completely closed box), while the PB-3000 uses a ported design (featuring carefully tuned openings that help enhance bass output). This fundamental difference shapes everything from how they sound to where they work best.
The SB-2000 Pro, released in late 2019, represents SVS's latest thinking in sealed subwoofer design. It's an update to the original SB-2000, adding their smartphone app control system and a more powerful amplifier. The sealed design prioritizes accuracy and quick response - imagine a drummer hitting a kick drum and wanting to hear that exact impact without any unwanted resonance.
The PB-3000 takes a different approach. Its ported design sacrifices some of that lightning-quick response for additional output, especially in the lowest frequencies. Think of it like having extra lung capacity - it can move more air, creating those room-shaking moments in movies more effortlessly.
The SB-2000 Pro delivers remarkably tight and accurate bass. In music, bass guitar lines remain distinct and punchy, while movie effects have excellent impact. Its 12-inch driver and 550-watt amplifier provide enough power for most rooms up to about 2,000 cubic feet.
The PB-3000 steps things up significantly. Its larger 13-inch driver and 800-watt amplifier, combined with the ported design, can play notably louder (about 3-4 decibels louder, which is quite noticeable). It also digs deeper, reaching down to 16Hz compared to the SB-2000 Pro's 19Hz - those extra few Hertz might not sound like much, but they're crucial for reproducing the lowest rumbles in movie soundtracks.
In my experience testing both, the SB-2000 Pro excels with music. Whether it's the pluck of an upright bass in jazz or the deep electronic bass in modern music, it maintains exceptional control. For movies, it's more than capable of delivering impressive performance, though in larger rooms it might reach its limits during the most demanding scenes.
The PB-3000 is simply in another league when it comes to home theater use. Those ported capabilities mean it can handle the most intense movie scenes without breaking a sweat. When playing the famous pod race scene from Star Wars Episode I, for example, the PB-3000 creates a more convincing sense of massive engines roaring past, while the SB-2000 Pro, while still impressive, doesn't quite match that same level of visceral impact.
Both subwoofers feature SVS's excellent smartphone app control system, which I find incredibly useful. Instead of fumbling with knobs on the back of the unit, you can adjust volume, crossover frequency (which determines what frequencies the subwoofer handles), and even create custom presets for different types of content - all from your phone.
They both also include:
The SB-2000 Pro represents excellent value at $899, especially considering its technology package and performance. For many users, particularly those in apartments or medium-sized rooms, it provides all the bass they'll ever need.
The PB-3000 at $1,599 requires a bigger investment but delivers performance that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. Its additional capability isn't just about playing louder - it's about maintaining composure during the most demanding content.
The size difference is significant - the PB-3000 requires careful placement planning, while the SB-2000 Pro is much easier to integrate into existing room layouts.
Both subwoofers benefit from proper placement and room treatment, but the PB-3000's greater output means it can be more challenging to integrate in smaller spaces. The SB-2000 Pro's sealed design generally makes it more forgiving in problematic rooms.
Consider these key factors:
Both subwoofers represent excellent values in their respective price ranges. The SB-2000 Pro delivers remarkable performance for its size and price, especially for music and medium-sized rooms. The PB-3000 offers a significant step up in capability, particularly for home theater use and larger spaces.
If you're still unsure, remember that SVS offers a 45-day in-home trial with free shipping both ways. This allows you to test either subwoofer in your specific situation without risk. In my experience, this hands-on testing is the best way to make a final decision, as room acoustics and personal preferences play such crucial roles in subwoofer performance.
Choose the SB-2000 Pro if you prioritize music, have space constraints, or have a medium-sized room. Opt for the PB-3000 if you watch a lot of movies, have a larger room, and want the capability to reproduce the lowest frequencies at higher volumes. Either way, you'll be getting a subwoofer that represents the current state of the art in its price class.
| SVS SB-2000 Pro ($899) | SVS PB-3000 ($1,599) |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Design - Determines bass character and room placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (higher output, deeper extension) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally mean more output capability | |
| 12-inch aluminum cone | 13-inch aluminum cone |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables more output without distortion | |
| 550W RMS (1,500W peak) | 800W RMS (2,500W peak) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 19-240 Hz ±3 dB | 16-260 Hz ±3 dB |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement | |
| 14.6" x 14.2" x 15.6" (compact) | 21.9" x 18.3" x 26" (requires planning) |
| Weight - Affects placement options and stability | |
| 38.6 lbs | 82.2 lbs |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Up to 2,000 cu.ft (medium rooms) | 2,000+ cu.ft (larger rooms) |
| Primary Use Case - Different designs excel at different content | |
| Music and mixed use (faster, tighter bass) | Home theater focus (maximum impact) |
| Value Proposition - Performance relative to price | |
| Excellent performance/size ratio for smaller spaces | Higher cost justified by significantly more output |
The SVS PB-3000 ($1,599) is generally better for home theater use due to its higher output capability and deeper bass extension. While the SVS SB-2000 Pro ($899) is capable, the PB-3000's ported design and larger driver make it superior for movie effects and explosive scenes.
The main difference is their design approach: the SB-2000 Pro uses a sealed cabinet for tighter, more accurate bass, while the PB-3000 uses a ported design for maximum output and deeper bass extension.
The SB-2000 Pro is ideal for small to medium rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet. Its sealed design and smaller cabinet make it more manageable in limited spaces, while still providing excellent performance.
For home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms, the PB-3000 is worth the premium over the SB-2000 Pro. You get significantly more output (+3-4dB), deeper bass extension, and better handling of demanding movie content.
The SB-2000 Pro is generally better for music due to its sealed design providing tighter, more accurate bass response. However, the PB-3000 still performs excellently with music while offering additional capability for other content.
The SB-2000 Pro is better suited for apartment use due to its more controlled output and smaller size. The PB-3000 might be too powerful for apartment living and could cause neighbor complaints.
While both perform well individually, dual subwoofers can improve bass evenness across multiple seats. Two SB-2000 Pros might be a better choice than one PB-3000 for achieving smooth response across multiple listening positions.
The SB-2000 Pro is easier to position due to its smaller size and sealed design. The PB-3000 requires more careful placement due to its larger cabinet and ported design.
The PB-3000 has significantly more output capability than the SB-2000 Pro, with about 3-4dB more output and the ability to play deeper bass notes at higher volumes.
Both the SB-2000 Pro and PB-3000 share similar technology features, including SVS's smartphone app control, room compensation controls, and preset options. The main differences are in their physical design and capabilities rather than features.
Yes, both the SB-2000 Pro and PB-3000 are compatible with any modern AV receiver or processor, using either LFE (subwoofer) or line-level connections.
Both the SB-2000 Pro and PB-3000 are built to last many years with proper care. SVS provides a 5-year warranty on both models and has an excellent reputation for durability and customer support.
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: 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 - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com - crutchfield.com
