When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, SVS has long been a go-to brand for quality subwoofers. Today we're comparing two popular models: the SB-3000 ($999-$1,099) and the SB-1000 Pro ($499-$599). I've spent considerable time with both units and can help you understand which might be the better choice for your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a good subwoofer. A powered subwoofer combines an amplifier and speaker in one cabinet, designed specifically to reproduce low frequencies – typically below 120 Hz. These low frequencies add punch to music and create that visceral impact you feel during movie explosions.
The quality of bass reproduction depends on several key factors:
Both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro represent significant advances in SVS's subwoofer technology. The SB-3000, released in 2020, introduced SVS's 13-inch driver design, while the SB-1000 Pro, launched in 2021, updated the classic SB-1000 with modern features like app control and advanced DSP.
A major advancement both models share is their smartphone app control capability. This might not sound revolutionary, but being able to adjust crossover settings, phase, and equalization from your listening position is a game-changer for getting the best sound. I've found this particularly useful when fine-tuning the subwoofer's integration with main speakers.
The SB-3000 features a 13-inch driver powered by an 800-watt RMS amplifier (2,500+ watts peak). This larger driver and more powerful amp combination allows it to move more air, producing deeper bass with less effort. In practical terms, this means it can shake your room more convincingly during those blockbuster movie moments while maintaining better control during quiet passages.
The SB-1000 Pro uses a 12-inch driver with a 325-watt RMS amplifier (820+ watts peak). While these specs might seem significantly lower, they're still impressive for a subwoofer in this price range. In smaller rooms, you might not even notice the difference in output capability.
In my experience testing both units, the SB-3000's additional power becomes most noticeable during demanding scenes in action movies or when playing bass-heavy music at higher volumes. The SB-1000 Pro handles itself admirably but can't quite match the effortless authority of its bigger sibling.
For music listening, both subwoofers display excellent timing and control. The SB-3000's larger driver and power reserve give it an edge in reproducing the lowest organ notes or electronic bass, but the SB-1000 Pro's tighter cabinet size can sometimes make it easier to position for optimal sound in smaller rooms.
Room size plays a crucial role in subwoofer selection. The SB-3000 has enough output for rooms up to about 3,000 cubic feet, while the SB-1000 Pro is better suited to spaces under 2,000 cubic feet.
Here's a practical way to think about it:
For home theater use, both subwoofers integrate SVS's latest DSP technology, which helps prevent distortion at high volumes and allows for precise tuning. The app includes presets for different content types, making it easy to switch between movie and music settings.
The SB-3000's additional output capability really shines in home theater applications. During testing with films like "Edge of Tomorrow" and "Dune," its ability to maintain composure during intense bass sequences while still capturing subtle low-frequency details was impressive. The SB-1000 Pro performs admirably with movies too, but might require more careful positioning and room correction to achieve similar impact.
The SB-1000 Pro represents exceptional value, offering many features previously found only in more expensive models. At half the price of the SB-3000, it's a compelling choice for anyone building their first serious home theater or upgrading from a budget subwoofer.
The SB-3000's higher price brings substantially more performance capability. Whether this upgrade is worth the additional cost depends largely on your room size, listening preferences, and budget. In my experience, the extra investment pays off if you:
Both models share several important features:
The decision between these two excellent subwoofers ultimately comes down to three main factors:
Both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro represent excellent values in their respective price categories. The SB-1000 Pro offers a remarkable feature set and performance level that will satisfy most users, especially in smaller rooms. The SB-3000's additional capability makes it the better choice for larger spaces and more demanding applications.
Remember that proper placement and room correction are just as important as raw performance capabilities. Either subwoofer, when properly set up, can provide excellent bass reproduction that will enhance both music and movie enjoyment for years to come.
For most users in average-sized rooms primarily listening to music and occasional movies, the SB-1000 Pro represents the sweet spot of performance and value. However, if you have the space and budget, the SB-3000's additional capabilities make it a worthwhile upgrade that you'll appreciate every time you listen.
SVS SB-3000 ($999-$1,099) |
SVS SB-1000 Pro ($499-$599) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass impact | |
| 13-inch driver (exceptional output capability) | 12-inch driver (very good for size) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 800W RMS, 2,500W+ peak (massive headroom) | 325W RMS, 820W+ peak (adequate for most uses) |
| Room Size Capability - Critical for matching subwoofer to your space | |
| Up to 3,000 cubic feet (medium/large rooms) | Up to 2,000 cubic feet (small/medium rooms) |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts placement flexibility and WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) | |
| 15.6" H x 15.2" W x 17.8" D (medium footprint) | 13.5" H x 13" W x 14.8" D (compact design) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass extension | |
| 18-270 Hz ±3 dB (exceptional depth) | 20-270 Hz ±3 dB (very good depth) |
| DSP Features - Helps optimize performance in your specific room | |
| Advanced app control, 3-band PEQ, multiple presets | Same features as SB-3000 (excellent value) |
| Primary Use Case - Best application based on capabilities | |
| Home theater and music in larger rooms | Music and modest home theater in smaller rooms |
| Value Proposition - Performance relative to price | |
| Premium performance, moderate price point | Class-leading features at entry-level price |
For most users, the SVS SB-3000 ($999-$1,099) is objectively better with its larger 13-inch driver and more powerful amplifier. However, the SB-1000 Pro ($499-$599) offers better value and is sufficient for many users, especially in smaller rooms.
The main difference is power and output capability. The SB-3000 has 800W RMS power and a 13-inch driver, while the SB-1000 Pro has 325W RMS power and a 12-inch driver, resulting in about 30% more output capability for the SB-3000.
For larger rooms (over 2,000 cubic feet) or serious home theater use, the SB-3000 is worth the additional cost. For smaller rooms or primarily music listening, the SB-1000 Pro provides excellent value and may be the smarter choice.
The SB-3000 is superior for home theater use due to its higher power handling and deeper bass extension. However, the SB-1000 Pro still performs admirably for movies in smaller rooms.
Yes, both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro are designed for dual-purpose use. Their sealed design provides tight, accurate bass that works well for both music and movies.
The SB-3000 is ideal for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet, while the SB-1000 Pro works best in rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet.
Yes, both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro share the same app control, DSP features, and connection options. The main differences are in power and driver size.
The SB-1000 Pro is more suitable for apartment use due to its smaller size and lower output capability, which is less likely to disturb neighbors. The SB-3000 might be too powerful for apartment living.
While one SB-3000 or SB-1000 Pro can provide excellent bass, dual subwoofers can offer more even bass response across multiple listening positions. Two SB-1000 Pros often provide better overall performance than a single SB-3000.
The SB-3000 extends down to 18Hz, while the SB-1000 Pro reaches 20Hz. Both are capable of reproducing the deepest bass notes in music and movie soundtracks.
Yes, both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro are compatible with any receiver or processor that has a subwoofer output. They include both LFE (subwoofer) and stereo RCA inputs.
Both the SB-3000 and SB-1000 Pro are built to last with 5-year warranties. With proper care, they typically provide 10-15 years of reliable service.
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 - hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com
