When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, few brands command as much respect as SVS. Today we're comparing two of their standout models - the brand new SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the established SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739). Let's dig into what makes each unique and help you decide which one belongs in your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep bass notes that you can often feel as much as hear. The best subwoofers combine raw power with precise control, delivering bass that's both powerful and accurate.
Key factors to consider include:
The SB17-Ultra is SVS's newest flagship subwoofer, released in October 2024. It represents their most advanced technology, incorporating lessons learned from decades of subwoofer development. With its massive 17-inch driver and dual amplifiers, it's built for ultimate performance.
The PB-2000 Pro has been a favorite since its release in 2020, offering impressive performance at a more accessible price point. Its 12-inch driver and ported design provide excellent output for most home theater applications.
The SB17-Ultra's ability to reach down to 15Hz means it can reproduce even the deepest bass notes in movie soundtracks. For context, human hearing typically bottoms out around 20Hz - anything lower is felt more than heard. This subwoofer creates those physical sensations that make action movies so immersive.
The PB-2000 Pro reaches to 16Hz, which is remarkably close. However, the bigger difference lies in how much volume it can maintain at these frequencies. The SB17-Ultra's more powerful amplification (2800W RMS vs 550W RMS) means it can play louder while maintaining control.
In my experience testing both units, the SB17-Ultra shows its premium nature in how it handles complex bass passages. Music with detailed bass lines, like jazz or electronic music, reveals the superior control and nuance this subwoofer provides. The dual amplifier design (one for each voice coil) allows for more precise driver control.
The PB-2000 Pro is no slouch - it delivers impressive performance that will satisfy most listeners. Its ported design actually gives it an advantage in maximum output in some frequency ranges, though with slightly less precision than the sealed SB17-Ultra.
Both subwoofers feature smartphone app control, but the SB17-Ultra's newer platform offers more sophisticated room correction and adjustment options. Its 295MHz processor (compared to the PB-2000 Pro's 50MHz unit) allows for more complex calculations and better room integration.
Key features they share:
The SB17-Ultra adds:
The SB17-Ultra represents a significant step forward in construction quality. Its dual-layer MDF cabinet with extensive bracing helps eliminate unwanted resonances that can color the sound. At 124 pounds, it's nearly twice the weight of the PB-2000 Pro, reflecting its more robust construction.
The price difference between these models is substantial. At $2,499, the SB17-Ultra costs more than three times as much as the $739 PB-2000 Pro. The question becomes: is it worth it?
For serious home theater enthusiasts or audiophiles with larger rooms, the SB17-Ultra's advantages are meaningful:
However, the PB-2000 Pro represents excellent value, offering:
The SB17-Ultra's sealed design makes it more flexible in terms of placement, though its size and weight can limit options. It excels in both large and medium-sized rooms, with enough power to pressurize even challenging spaces.
The PB-2000 Pro's ported design means it needs more careful placement to work optimally, but its smaller size makes this easier to achieve. It's particularly well-suited to medium-sized rooms.
Consider what you're pairing these with:
Remember, either subwoofer will provide impressive bass performance - the decision comes down to your specific needs and budget. If possible, try to audition both in a similar environment to your own before making a final decision.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper, more powerful bass | |
| 17-inch high-excursion driver with dual voice coils | 12-inch high-excursion driver |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (6,000W peak) - massive headroom | 550W RMS (1,500W peak) - sufficient for most rooms |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz ±3dB - reference-level extension | 16Hz-290Hz ±3dB - very good extension |
| Design Type - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed - tighter, more accurate bass with flexible placement | Ported - maximum output but needs more careful placement |
| DSP Processing - Better processing means cleaner bass and better room integration | |
| 295MHz processor with advanced room correction | 50MHz processor with basic room correction |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet construction quality and internal bracing | |
| 124 lbs - exceptional build quality | 65 lbs - good build quality |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Ideal for large rooms (>400 sq ft) and reference systems | Best for small to medium rooms (<400 sq ft) |
| Mobile App Features - Affects ease of setup and adjustability | |
| Advanced room EQ, dual amp control, detailed settings | Basic room EQ, standard controls, good usability |
| Value Proposition - Consider total cost vs. performance gain | |
| Premium price for ultimate performance | Excellent performance-to-price ratio |
For dedicated home theater use, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) offers superior performance with deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, the SVS PB-2000 Pro ($739) provides excellent home theater performance at a more affordable price point.
The biggest difference is power and driver size. The SB17-Ultra features a 17-inch driver with 2,800W RMS power, while the PB-2000 Pro uses a 12-inch driver with 550W RMS power. This translates to more powerful and precise bass from the SB17-Ultra.
For larger rooms or dedicated home theater spaces where maximum performance is desired, the SB17-Ultra justifies its premium price. For most users with medium-sized rooms, the PB-2000 Pro offers better value.
The PB-2000 Pro is ideal for medium-sized rooms (under 400 square feet), offering plenty of power and performance. The SB17-Ultra would be overkill for most medium rooms unless you're seeking absolute maximum performance.
Yes, both models excel at music and movies. The SB17-Ultra offers more precise control for music, while the PB-2000 Pro provides excellent performance for both uses at a lower price point.
Two PB-2000 Pro subwoofers might provide better overall room coverage than one SB17-Ultra, and at a similar total cost. Multiple subwoofers can help achieve more even bass response throughout the room.
Both use the SVS app, but the SB17-Ultra has more advanced controls and room correction features due to its newer, more powerful processor (295MHz vs 50MHz).
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15Hz, while the PB-2000 Pro extends to 16Hz. Both can reproduce extremely deep bass, though the SB17-Ultra maintains higher output levels at the lowest frequencies.
The PB-2000 Pro is lighter (65 lbs) and smaller, making it easier to position. The SB17-Ultra weighs 124 lbs but its sealed design offers more flexible placement options.
No, both subwoofers are powered (self-amplified) and will work with any home theater receiver or processor that has a subwoofer output.
Both the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and PB-2000 Pro are built to last many years, with SVS offering a 5-year warranty on both models. The more robust construction of the SB17-Ultra may contribute to longer longevity.
Neither subwoofer can be "too powerful" as their built-in DSP prevents overdriving, but the SB17-Ultra might be more than needed for smaller rooms where the PB-2000 Pro would be more appropriate and cost-effective.
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 - avnirvana.com - dreamediaav.com - audioholics.com - spacehifi.com.au - hometheaterreview.com - audiosciencereview.com - content.abt.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com
