When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, few names carry as much weight as SVS. Today, we're comparing two of their standout subwoofers: the flagship SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the value-oriented SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709). While both deliver impressive low-frequency performance, they take quite different approaches to achieving their goals.
Before diving into specifics, let's cover some fundamentals. Subwoofers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio system - typically anything below 80 Hz. These low frequencies are what you feel as much as hear, from the rumble of an explosion in movies to the deep thump of a kick drum in music.
Two main design approaches exist:
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest technology, released in October 2024. It introduces several groundbreaking features, including a massive 17-inch driver with dual voice coils and a sophisticated dual-amplifier system. This design allows for unprecedented control over the massive driver, resulting in extremely precise bass reproduction.
The PB-1000 Pro, while more modest in its approach, has earned a reputation as one of the best value propositions in home audio. Its 12-inch driver and 325-watt amplifier might seem humble by comparison, but the ported design helps it punch well above its weight class.
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15 Hz with authority - that's well below what humans can hear but definitely what we can feel. Its sealed design provides incredibly tight, accurate bass that starts and stops on a dime. This precision is particularly noticeable with music, where individual bass notes remain distinct even in complex passages.
The PB-1000 Pro extends to 17 Hz, impressively close to its more expensive sibling. Its ported design provides excellent output in the mid-bass region (30-80 Hz), which is where most movie effects and music content lives. While it may not match the SB17-Ultra's absolute precision, the difference is subtle enough that many listeners might not notice in typical use.
With 2,800 watts RMS, the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution has enough power to pressurize large rooms with ease. I've tested it in spaces up to 3,000 square feet, and it maintains composure even at reference levels (that's home theater speak for "really loud").
The PB-1000 Pro's 325 watts might seem modest by comparison, but its ported design helps maximize that power. It's perfectly suited for rooms up to about 2,000 square feet, though it really shines in medium-sized spaces (300-500 square feet).
The SB17-Ultra introduces SVS's most advanced digital signal processing (DSP) yet, running at 295MHz. This processing power helps the subwoofer maintain clean output even at its limits, preventing distortion before it occurs. It also includes a built-in power conditioner, ensuring stable performance regardless of your home's power quality.
The PB-1000 Pro uses a 50MHz processor, which, while less powerful, still provides excellent real-world performance. Both subwoofers support SVS's smartphone app for adjustment and room correction, making setup surprisingly straightforward.
Both subwoofers feature robust MDF cabinets with extensive internal bracing, though the SB17-Ultra's cabinet is notably more massive to control its powerful driver. The finish quality on both is excellent, with the SB17-Ultra offering slightly more premium materials and attention to detail.
For movie enthusiasts, both subwoofers excel but in different ways:
For music, the differences become more apparent:
The price difference between these subwoofers is substantial. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution costs more than three times as much as the PB-1000 Pro. Is it three times better? That's not really the right question to ask.
The SB17-Ultra represents the absolute pinnacle of what's possible in home subwoofer design, while the PB-1000 Pro represents an optimal balance of performance and value. Think of it like cars - a high-end sports car isn't necessarily three times better than a well-equipped sedan, but it provides a level of performance that enthusiasts are willing to pay for.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
Both subwoofers represent excellent choices in their respective price categories. The SB17-Ultra pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home audio, while the PB-1000 Pro delivers remarkable performance at a more accessible price point. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, room size, and budget constraints.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines bass character and room placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (higher output per watt, slightly looser) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally move more air for deeper bass | |
| 17-inch with dual 8-inch voice coils (reference class) | 12-inch (very capable for size) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive overhead for any situation) | 325W RMS (sufficient for medium rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15-320Hz ±3dB (exceptional extension) | 17-260Hz ±3dB (impressive for price) |
| Cabinet Size - Consider your space constraints | |
| 20"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (substantial presence) | 18.9"H x 15"W x 20"D (more manageable) |
| Weight - Important for placement and installation | |
| 124 lbs (requires two people to move) | 42.5 lbs (manageable by one person) |
| DSP Processing - Better processing means cleaner bass at limits | |
| 295MHz with 56-bit filtering (industry leading) | 50MHz with basic filtering (very good) |
| Room Size Suitability - Match to your space | |
| Large rooms up to 3,000 sq ft (no compromise) | Medium rooms up to 2,000 sq ft (ideal size) |
| Value Proposition - Consider your budget and needs | |
| Premium flagship performance (for enthusiasts) | Excellent performance/price ratio (smart buy) |
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) delivers reference-level home theater performance with deeper bass extension to 15Hz. However, the SVS PB-1000 Pro ($709) provides excellent performance for most home theaters at a more accessible price point.
The primary difference is design approach - the SB17-Ultra is a sealed design with a larger 17-inch driver focusing on accuracy, while the PB-1000 Pro uses a ported 12-inch design optimized for maximum output per dollar.
Yes, the PB-1000 Pro handles movie effects impressively well, particularly in medium-sized rooms. Its ported design is especially effective with typical movie bass effects in the 30-50Hz range.
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution justifies its premium price if you have a large room, demand reference-level performance, or prioritize absolute precision. For most users, the PB-1000 Pro offers exceptional value.
The SB17-Ultra's sealed design and advanced processing deliver more precise musical bass. While the PB-1000 Pro handles music well, the SB17-Ultra offers noticeably better definition for critical music listening.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution excels in large rooms up to 3,000 square feet, while the PB-1000 Pro is ideal for medium-sized rooms up to 2,000 square feet.
Both subwoofers feature SVS's smartphone app for setup and room correction, making DIY installation straightforward. Professional calibration can optimize performance but isn't required.
The PB-1000 Pro is well-suited for small to medium rooms. The SB17-Ultra can be used in any space but may be overkill for very small rooms under 200 square feet.
The PB-1000 Pro offers better volume control at lower levels, making it more apartment-friendly. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution might be excessive for apartment use.
The PB-1000 Pro works with standard household circuits. The SB17-Ultra includes a power conditioner but benefits from a dedicated circuit for optimal performance.
Yes, both models can be used in dual or multiple subwoofer setups for more even bass response across the room. The SVS app supports multi-sub configurations.
Both the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and PB-1000 Pro come with SVS's 5-year warranty, including customer support and their "Bill of Rights" satisfaction guarantee.
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 - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
