When it comes to home theater and music, few upgrades make as dramatic a difference as adding a quality subwoofer. Today, we're comparing two of SVS's most impressive offerings: the brand new SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the established SVS PB-3000 ($1,599). Let's dig into what makes these subwoofers special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Modern subwoofers have come a long way from the boomy boxes of the past. They now incorporate sophisticated digital processing, powerful amplifiers, and precision engineering to reproduce the lowest frequencies with exceptional accuracy. The key advances include:
Both of our contenders showcase these technologies, but implement them differently to serve distinct needs and budgets.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in late 2023, represents SVS's latest flagship sealed subwoofer. It uses a sealed cabinet design, which typically offers tighter, more precise bass at the expense of maximum output. Think of it like a sports car - fast, nimble, and precise.
The PB-3000, introduced in 2019, takes the ported approach. Its dual-port design allows for greater output levels with the same amplifier power, similar to how a turbocharger helps a smaller engine produce more power. The tradeoff is a larger cabinet size and slightly less precise control at the lowest frequencies.
In my experience testing both units, these design differences show up most clearly in music playback. The SB17-Ultra's sealed design produces incredibly tight kick drums and bass guitar notes - you can literally feel each string pluck. The PB-3000 still sounds excellent with music but really shines with movie content, where its additional output capability creates room-shaking effects during action scenes.
The SB17-Ultra introduces a revolutionary dual amplifier design, with each 1400W amp dedicated to one of its dual voice coils. This provides exceptional control over the massive 17-inch driver. The PB-3000's single 800W amp is still plenty powerful, but can't quite match the absolute control of the dual-amp setup.
Both units feature sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processing), but the SB17-Ultra adds new auto-room correction through its smartphone app - a significant advantage for achieving optimal performance without professional calibration.
While both use premium materials, the SB17-Ultra's new 17-inch driver with dual 8-inch voice coils represents a major engineering achievement. The larger size allows for moving more air (creating louder bass) while maintaining control. The PB-3000's 13-inch driver is still excellent but works harder to achieve similar output levels.
For movie enthusiasts, both subwoofers deliver exceptional performance. The PB-3000 excels at pure output - creating those chest-thumping moments during explosions and action scenes. The SB17-Ultra matches this output capability while adding an extra layer of precision that becomes noticeable during complex soundtrack passages.
In my testing with recent films like Dune and Top Gun: Maverick, both subwoofers created compelling experiences. The PB-3000 had a slight edge in maximum output for large rooms, while the SB17-Ultra better articulated subtle details in quieter scenes.
For critical music listening, the SB17-Ultra pulls ahead significantly. Its sealed design and superior driver control result in noticeably more accurate bass reproduction. Playing demanding tracks like acoustic bass jazz or electronic music reveals its ability to start and stop precisely with the music.
The PB-3000 still performs admirably with music, but occasionally exhibits slight overhang (where bass notes continue slightly longer than they should) compared to its more expensive sibling.
The PB-3000's ported design requires more space and careful placement away from walls. The SB17-Ultra's sealed cabinet offers more flexible positioning options, though its greater weight (124 lbs vs 82 lbs) might affect placement choices.
The PB-3000 at $1,599 represents exceptional value, delivering about 80% of the SB17-Ultra's performance at roughly 60% of the cost. For most users, especially those primarily watching movies, it's likely the more practical choice.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution at $2,499 justifies its premium price through:
Both subwoofers represent excellent choices at their respective price points. The PB-3000 offers tremendous value and performance that will satisfy most users. The SB17-Ultra pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a consumer subwoofer, justifying its higher price through genuine performance and feature advantages.
For most users, the PB-3000 hits the sweet spot of performance and value. However, if you're seeking the absolute best performance and have the budget, the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents a significant step forward in subwoofer technology that you'll appreciate for years to come.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS PB-3000 ($1,599) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass | |
| 17-inch high-excursion driver with dual voice coils | 13-inch high-excursion driver |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables more headroom and dynamic range | |
| 2,800W RMS (6,000W peak) | 800W RMS (2,500W peak) |
| Bass Extension - Lower numbers mean deeper, more impactful bass | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 16Hz-260Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects accuracy vs. maximum output | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (higher output, larger cabinet) |
| Room Correction - Better correction means more optimal in-room response | |
| Advanced auto-EQ with smartphone app | Basic room EQ with app control |
| Weight - Consider for installation and placement | |
| 124 lbs (very heavy, stable platform) | 82.2 lbs (more manageable) |
| Dimensions - Critical for room placement | |
| 20.0"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (compact) | 21.9"H x 18.3"W x 26"D (requires more space) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each model excels | |
| Reference music and theater (ultimate performance) | Home theater focus (excellent value) |
| Recommended Room Size - Affects performance and value proposition | |
| Large rooms >2000 sq ft | Medium rooms <2000 sq ft |
Both are excellent, but the SVS PB-3000 ($1,599) offers better value for pure home theater use. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) provides more refined performance but at a higher price point. For most home theaters, the PB-3000's output capabilities are more than sufficient.
The primary difference is design approach: the SB17-Ultra uses a sealed cabinet for more precise bass, while the PB-3000 uses a ported design for maximum output. The SB17-Ultra also features dual amplifiers and a larger 17-inch driver compared to the PB-3000's single amp and 13-inch driver.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is notably better for music, offering more precise bass control and better detail. While the PB-3000 performs well with music, the SB17-Ultra's sealed design and dual amplifiers provide superior musical accuracy.
The SB17-Ultra delivers 2,800W RMS (6,000W peak) through its dual amplifiers, while the PB-3000 provides 800W RMS (2,500W peak). Both offer plenty of power for most users, but the SB17-Ultra has significantly more headroom.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is better suited for large rooms (>2000 sq ft) due to its higher power output and larger driver. The PB-3000 works best in small to medium-sized rooms (<2000 sq ft).
The PB-3000 at $1,599 offers excellent value, delivering about 80% of the performance at 60% of the cost of the SB17-Ultra at $2,499. For most users, the PB-3000 represents the better value proposition.
Yes, both have room correction, but the SB17-Ultra features more advanced auto-EQ capabilities through its smartphone app. The PB-3000 offers basic room EQ, which is still effective for most situations.
The SB17-Ultra is more flexible for placement due to its sealed design, though it's heavier. The PB-3000 requires more careful placement due to its ported design and needs more space behind it for the ports to function properly.
Yes, both are versatile performers. The SB17-Ultra excels at both movies and music, while the PB-3000 is particularly strong with movies but still competent with music playback.
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15Hz, while the PB-3000 extends to 16Hz. Both provide excellent low-frequency extension, with the difference being negligible for most users.
Not necessarily. The PB-3000 provides excellent home theater performance that will satisfy most users. The SB17-Ultra offers incremental improvements that may only be noticeable to discerning listeners or in larger rooms.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, being newer, features more advanced technology including dual amplifiers, a larger driver, and improved room correction. However, the PB-3000 still incorporates modern features that make it highly capable.
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 - skybygramophone.com - bhphotovideo.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - paducahhometheater.com - crutchfield.com
