When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, SVS has long been a go-to brand for enthusiasts. Today we're comparing two of their popular models: the SVS SB-3000 ($1,099) and the SVS PB-1000 Pro ($799). While they're both excellent subwoofers, they take different approaches to delivering that room-shaking bass we all love.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes subwoofers different from regular speakers. Subwoofers are specialized speakers designed to reproduce very low frequencies - typically below 80 Hz - that regular speakers struggle with. These low frequencies give music its foundation and make movie explosions feel real.
Two main design approaches exist: sealed (like the SB-3000) and ported (like the PB-1000 Pro). Think of it like this - a sealed box is like a tight drum, giving you quick, precise beats, while a ported design is like a pipe organ, capable of moving more air for louder, deeper notes.
The SB-3000, released in 2019, represents SVS's premium sealed subwoofer technology. It uses a 13-inch driver (the speaker cone) powered by an 800-watt amplifier. The sealed design helps it deliver extremely accurate bass - when a drum hits, you hear it start and stop exactly as it should.
The PB-1000 Pro, launched in 2021, takes a different approach. Its 12-inch driver is housed in a larger cabinet with carefully tuned ports. While its amplifier is rated at 325 watts, the ported design allows it to play louder with less power, especially at the lowest frequencies.
Both models feature SVS's latest smartphone app control, which lets you adjust settings from your listening position - a huge improvement over fumbling with knobs on the back of the subwoofer.
For music lovers, the SB-3000's sealed design shines. Whether you're listening to the intricate bass lines in jazz or the deep beats in electronic music, it reproduces them with outstanding precision. The quick response of the sealed design means bass notes start and stop exactly when they should, without any unwanted reverb or "hangover."
The PB-1000 Pro performs admirably with music too, but its ported design means it sometimes takes a fraction of a second longer for bass notes to decay. However, it can play louder with less effort, which some listeners prefer for certain types of music.
Here's where things get interesting. For movie enthusiasts, both subwoofers excel but in different ways. The SB-3000's higher power rating means it can handle sudden explosive effects with ease, never sounding stressed or strained. Its sealed design also means you can place it closer to walls without affecting performance.
The PB-1000 Pro, despite its lower power rating, can actually produce louder bass at the lowest frequencies thanks to its ported design. This makes it particularly impressive with movie effects like explosions and earthquakes. However, you'll need to be more careful about placement - those ports need room to breathe.
Room size plays a crucial role in subwoofer selection. The SB-3000's sealed design makes it more flexible for placement - you can put it in corners, behind furniture, or even in a cabinet (though I'd recommend against that for best performance). Its smaller size (15.6" x 15.2" x 17.8") makes it easier to integrate into your living space.
The PB-1000 Pro is larger (18.9" x 15" x 20") and needs more breathing room around its ports. However, in larger rooms (over 3,000 cubic feet), its ability to move more air can be a significant advantage.
Both subwoofers incorporate SVS's latest technology:
The SB-3000 adds a few premium features:
The SB-3000 at $1,099 represents a premium investment in audio quality. Its higher power rating, more sophisticated processing, and excellent build quality justify the price for serious enthusiasts.
The PB-1000 Pro at $799 offers tremendous value, especially for home theater use. While it may not match the SB-3000's refinement in music playback, it can actually produce more output at the lowest frequencies.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
Both subwoofers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The SB-3000 offers premium performance and versatility, especially for music lovers who want the most accurate bass reproduction. The PB-1000 Pro provides incredible value and might actually be the better choice for dedicated home theater use, particularly in larger rooms.
Remember, proper setup is crucial for either subwoofer. Take time to experiment with placement, use the room correction features, and adjust the crossover settings to match your main speakers. Either choice will dramatically improve your listening experience - it's just a matter of matching the right subwoofer to your specific needs and space.
| SVS SB-3000 ($1,099) | SVS PB-1000 Pro ($799) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed box (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (higher output, needs more space) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 800W RMS, 2,500W peak | 325W RMS, 820W peak |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally move more air | |
| 13-inch aluminum cone | 12-inch fiberglass composite |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 18-270Hz ±3dB | 17-260Hz ±3dB (ported mode) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement | |
| 15.6" x 15.2" x 17.8" (more flexible) | 18.9" x 15" x 20" (needs more space) |
| Weight - Affects stability and cabinet rigidity | |
| 54.5 lbs (extremely solid build) | 42.5 lbs (still very substantial) |
| DSP Features - Better processing means cleaner bass | |
| Premium 50MHz processor, advanced app control | Standard processor, basic app control |
| Best Use Case - Where each model excels | |
| Music and refined home theater, smaller rooms | Movie effects and maximum output, larger rooms |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Premium performance, better components, more power | Excellent performance-to-price ratio, higher output potential |
For home theater use, both perform excellently, but the PB-1000 Pro ($799) offers better value for pure theater use. Its ported design provides higher output for movie effects, though the SB-3000 ($1,099) offers more refined performance if budget allows.
The main difference is their design approach - the SB-3000 is a sealed subwoofer focusing on accuracy and tight bass, while the PB-1000 Pro is a ported design emphasizing maximum output and deeper bass extension.
The SB-3000 is better for small rooms due to its sealed design and smaller cabinet size. It's more flexible with placement and less likely to overwhelm the space with bass.
Not necessarily. While the SB-3000 offers more power (800W vs 325W), the PB-1000 Pro provides ample output for most home theaters. The extra power matters more in larger rooms or for extremely high volume levels.
The SB-3000 is superior for music due to its sealed design providing faster, more accurate bass response. It excels at reproducing quick bass notes and musical transitions with precision.
Both can be used in apartments, but the SB-3000's sealed design typically provides better control over bass output. Its app also offers better fine-tuning options to avoid disturbing neighbors.
The PB-1000 Pro performs best in medium to large rooms (over 2,000 cubic feet) where its ported design can fully develop bass waves without overwhelming the space.
While both use the SVS app, the SB-3000 offers more advanced DSP controls and customization options. The PB-1000 Pro still provides essential adjustments but with fewer fine-tuning options.
The PB-1000 Pro often performs better with action movies due to its higher output capability at the lowest frequencies, making explosions and effects more impactful.
Yes, both excel in dedicated theaters. Choose the SB-3000 for refined performance in smaller theaters, or the PB-1000 Pro for larger spaces where maximum output is desired.
The PB-1000 Pro offers better value, delivering impressive performance at $799. The SB-3000 at $1,099 provides superior refinement and features but at a premium price.
If your current subwoofer is more than 5 years old or from a budget brand, either would be a significant upgrade. The PB-1000 Pro offers excellent value for upgrading, while the SB-3000 represents a premium step up.
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: audiosciencereview.com - skybygramophone.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - themasterswitch.com - 3634088.app.netsuite.com - soundstageaccess.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - svsound.com - avsforum.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
