If you're looking to add serious bass to your audio system, SVS offers two compelling but very different options. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the brand new flagship SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the compact SVS 3000 Micro ($899) to help you make the right choice for your setup.
SVS has long been known for pushing the boundaries of subwoofer technology. The 3000 Micro, released in 2021, showed that serious bass could come in small packages. Now in 2024, the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents their latest flagship achievement, incorporating several groundbreaking technologies that we'll explore.
Before diving into the specifics, let's quickly cover what matters in a subwoofer. These specialized speakers reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies – the deep bass that you feel as much as hear. A great subwoofer needs to play low (typically below 20Hz), play loud enough for your room, and do so without distortion or unwanted vibration.
The physical difference between these models is striking. The SB17-Ultra is a substantial piece of equipment at 20 inches high and 124 pounds. It demands respect and space in your room. In contrast, the 3000 Micro is remarkably compact at just 11 inches tall, making it far more flexible for placement.
This size difference affects both performance and practicality. The larger cabinet of the SB17-Ultra allows for its massive 17-inch driver and sophisticated dual amplifier system, while the 3000 Micro uses innovative dual opposing 8-inch drivers to maximize performance from a small enclosure.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution reaches down to a remarkable 15Hz with authority. To put this in perspective, that's well below what humans can hear (20Hz) but firmly in the range we can feel. This makes it perfect for reproducing the deepest movie effects like earthquakes and explosions, or the lowest notes of a pipe organ.
The 3000 Micro manages an impressive 23Hz, which is extraordinary for its size. While it won't shake your foundation quite like its bigger brother, it still delivers impactful bass that will enhance both movies and music significantly.
Here's where the technological advances really show. The SB17-Ultra features a groundbreaking dual mono-block amplifier design (think of it as having two separate amplifiers in one unit) delivering 2,800 watts RMS. Each amplifier powers one of the dual voice coils independently, providing unprecedented control over the massive driver.
The 3000 Micro uses a more conventional but still powerful 800-watt RMS amplifier. While this might seem like a huge difference, remember that wattage numbers don't tell the whole story – the 3000 Micro's efficient design makes excellent use of its power.
Both subwoofers feature sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) – essentially a computer that optimizes the sound in real-time. The SB17-Ultra takes this further with its 295MHz processor and advanced room correction capabilities, helping it adapt to your specific space.
The smartphone app control on both models is excellent, though the SB17-Ultra offers more advanced tuning options. This includes customizable presets for different types of content and more detailed equalization controls.
For home theater enthusiasts, both subwoofers excel but in different ways. The SB17-Ultra delivers the kind of chest-thumping impact that home theater dreams are made of. It can pressurize large rooms with ease and reproduce the most demanding movie soundtracks without breaking a sweat.
The 3000 Micro, while not matching the sheer output of its larger sibling, still delivers impressive performance that will satisfy most users, especially in small to medium-sized rooms. Its compact size also makes it easier to use multiple subwoofers – often a better solution than a single larger sub.
Both subwoofers handle music with finesse, though again with different strengths. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers unmatched precision and depth, revealing bass details you might never have heard before. Its sophisticated amplifier design helps it stay tight and controlled even at high volumes.
The 3000 Micro impresses with its musicality and ability to blend seamlessly with main speakers. Its quick, precise bass response works particularly well with music, though it won't dig quite as deep on those pipe organ recordings.
While the SB17-Ultra's $2,499 price tag might cause sticker shock, it represents the cutting edge of subwoofer technology. For serious enthusiasts with the space and budget, it delivers performance that justifies its premium position.
The 3000 Micro, at $899, offers exceptional value, especially considering its versatility and advanced features. It's a particularly smart choice for those in apartments or smaller homes where space is at a premium.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
SB17-Ultra3000 MicroBoth of these subwoofers showcase SVS's expertise in different ways. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the pinnacle of what's possible in a home subwoofer, while the 3000 Micro demonstrates how clever engineering can deliver remarkable performance from a small package.
For those with the space and budget, the SB17-Ultra offers unmatched performance and the latest technology. However, the 3000 Micro remains an excellent choice for many users, delivering impressive performance in a more practical size at a more accessible price point.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, meets your needs, and works within your budget. Either of these options could be the perfect choice, depending on your specific situation.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS 3000 Micro ($899) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines bass capability and room interaction | |
| 17-inch front-firing with dual 8" voice coils | Dual 8-inch opposing drivers |
| Power Output - Higher clean power enables deeper bass at higher volumes | |
| 2,800W RMS / 6,000W Peak | 800W RMS / 2,500W Peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 23Hz-240Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for placement flexibility | |
| Large: 20"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (124 lbs) | Compact: 11"H x 12"W x 11"D (28 lbs) |
| DSP Processing - Better processing means smoother, more accurate bass | |
| 295MHz with 56-bit filtering, advanced room correction | 50MHz with basic room optimization |
| Amplifier Design - Dual mono blocks offer better control and headroom | |
| Dual discrete MOSFET mono blocks | Single Class D amplifier |
| Room Size Suitability - Bigger rooms need more powerful subs | |
| Large/Medium rooms (>300 sq ft) | Small/Medium rooms (<300 sq ft) |
| Best Use Case - Consider your primary listening needs | |
| Reference home theater, critical listening | Apartment/condo, space-constrained setups |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Performance | |
| Premium price, ultimate performance | Excellent value, impressive for size |
For dedicated home theater use, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) is superior, offering deeper bass extension to 15Hz and significantly more power. However, the SVS 3000 Micro ($899) is still excellent for smaller home theaters where space is limited.
The key difference is size and power. The SB17-Ultra is a full-size subwoofer with a 17-inch driver and 2,800W RMS power, while the 3000 Micro is compact with dual 8-inch drivers and 800W RMS power.
Yes, the 3000 Micro handles action scenes impressively for its size, though it won't match the room-pressurizing capability of the SB17-Ultra. It's perfectly capable for small to medium-sized rooms.
The SVS 3000 Micro is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and controlled bass output. The SB17-Ultra might be too powerful for apartment living and takes up significantly more space.
The SB17-Ultra excels in large rooms (>300 sq ft) and dedicated theater spaces. The 3000 Micro is optimized for small to medium rooms (<300 sq ft).
For serious home theater enthusiasts with large rooms, the SB17-Ultra justifies its premium price with reference-level performance. However, the 3000 Micro offers excellent value for most users.
Both handle music excellently. The SB17-Ultra offers unmatched depth and precision, while the 3000 Micro provides tight, musical bass that integrates well with main speakers.
Multiple 3000 Micro subwoofers can provide more even bass distribution than a single SB17-Ultra, though a single SB17-Ultra offers more overall output.
Both use the same SVS app, but the SB17-Ultra offers more advanced tuning options and room correction capabilities compared to the 3000 Micro.
Yes, both the SB17-Ultra and 3000 Micro are compatible with any modern AV receiver or processor through their standard RCA or XLR connections.
Neither requires special installation. The 3000 Micro is easier to position due to its size, while the SB17-Ultra may require help moving due to its 124-pound weight.
Both work well for mixed use, but the SB17-Ultra provides the ultimate experience for both movies and gaming. The 3000 Micro is an excellent choice if space or budget is limited.
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: svsound.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - soundapproach.com - worldwidestereo.com - audioadvice.com - primetimeav.com - summithifi.com - bhphotovideo.com - avsforum.com - svsound.com - avsforum.com - enjoythemusic.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - musicdirect.com - svsound.com - svsound.com
