When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, few brands command as much respect as SVS. Today, we're comparing two of their premium offerings: the brand new SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the established SVS PB-4000 ($2,075). While both deliver exceptional bass performance, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving their goals.
Let's explore what makes these subwoofers different and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
The audio landscape has changed significantly since the PB-4000's release in 2018. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest thinking, incorporating dual amplifiers and sophisticated digital processing that simply wasn't available five years ago. This technological leap is particularly evident in the new dual voice coil design and advanced smartphone control capabilities.
The PB-4000, while slightly older, remains a benchmark for high-output ported subwoofers. Its design focuses on raw power and deep extension, using proven technologies that have satisfied home theater enthusiasts for years.
The key physical difference between these subwoofers is their cabinet design. The SB17-Ultra uses a sealed enclosure, which typically provides tighter, more controlled bass. It's also more compact, making it easier to position in your room.
The PB-4000 uses a ported design with three 3.5-inch ports. These ports help it achieve deeper bass extension and higher output levels, especially below 20Hz (frequencies you feel more than hear). However, this comes with a larger cabinet size that requires more careful placement consideration.
In terms of raw performance, both subwoofers are exceptional, but they excel in different ways:
SB17-Ultra R|Evolution delivers incredibly precise bass with outstanding transient response (how quickly it can start and stop producing sound). This makes it particularly excellent for music, where accuracy and timing are crucial. The dual amplifiers provide unprecedented control over the massive 17-inch driver.PB-4000 focuses on maximum output and the deepest possible bass extension. Its ported design allows it to move more air, creating that chest-thumping impact that home theater enthusiasts love. While slightly less precise than the SB17-Ultra, it can play louder and lower in most situations.For pure music listening, the SB17-Ultra has a clear advantage. Its sealed design and sophisticated processing deliver bass notes with exceptional clarity and precision. You'll hear every nuance in acoustic bass lines and feel the impact of electronic music without any unwanted bloat or overhang.
The PB-4000 is still excellent with music, but its ported design means bass notes can sometimes sound slightly less controlled. However, many listeners appreciate the additional weight it brings to the bottom end, especially in larger rooms.
Both subwoofers excel in home theater applications, but with different strengths:
SB17-Ultra R|Evolution provides incredible precision and impact for special effects and explosions. Its advanced processing ensures it never sounds strained or distorted, even at high volumes.PB-4000 creates a more visceral experience, especially with very low-frequency effects like earthquakes or spaceship rumbles. Its higher maximum output can better pressurize larger rooms.Room size significantly impacts subwoofer performance. Here's what you should consider:
The SB17-Ultra is often the better choice here. Its sealed design is more forgiving of room placement, and its precision works well in smaller spaces where too much bass can become overwhelming.
The PB-4000 typically works better in larger spaces. Its higher output capability and ported design help it pressurize bigger rooms more effectively. However, you'll need to be more careful about placement to avoid port noise or unwanted resonances.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution features SVS's latest app control system, offering unprecedented adjustment capabilities through your smartphone. This includes upcoming automatic room correction features that will optimize the subwoofer's performance for your specific space.
The PB-4000 uses a more traditional control interface but still offers comprehensive adjustment options. While not as sophisticated as the newer model, it provides all the essential controls most users need.
While the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is more expensive at $2,499, it represents the latest in subwoofer technology and offers features that simply weren't possible when the PB-4000 was designed. The PB-4000 at $2,075 represents excellent value, especially for home theater enthusiasts who prioritize maximum output and deep bass extension.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
SB17-UltraPB-4000 has an edge for pure home theaterSB17-UltraPB-4000PB-4000SB17-UltraSB17-UltraPB-4000Both subwoofers represent excellent choices in their respective categories. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution showcases the latest advancements in subwoofer technology, offering unprecedented control and precision. The PB-4000 continues to impress with its raw power and deep bass capabilities, especially considering its lower price point.
For most users, the decision will come down to room size and primary use case. If you're primarily a music listener or have a smaller room, the SB17-Ultra is likely the better choice. For dedicated home theater use in larger spaces, the PB-4000 might be more appropriate. Either way, both represent the high end of what's possible in home subwoofer performance.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS PB-4000 ($2,075) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines bass character and room placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate, smaller footprint) | Ported (higher output, deeper extension, larger cabinet) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally mean more output capability | |
| 17-inch with dual 8-inch voice coils (latest tech) | 13.5-inch with single voice coil (proven design) |
| Amplifier Power - Impacts maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS / 6,000W Peak (dual mono-block design) | 1,200W RMS / 4,000W Peak (single amp design) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 15Hz-320Hz ±3dB (exceptional for sealed design) | 13Hz-200Hz ±3dB (advantage of ported design) |
| Cabinet Size - Critical for room placement options | |
| 20"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (more placement flexible) | 23.4"H x 20.5"W x 30"D (requires more space) |
| Weight - Impacts stability and moving difficulty | |
| 124 lbs (easier to position) | 153.2 lbs (more challenging to move) |
| DSP Features - Controls bass quality and room integration | |
| 295MHz with smartphone app, auto-EQ ready | Standard DSP with basic controls |
| Price/Performance Focus - Helps match to your priorities | |
| Premium price, cutting-edge tech, music accuracy | Better value, maximum output, home theater focus |
For pure home theater use, the SVS PB-4000 ($2,075) often has an advantage due to its higher output and deeper bass extension. However, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) offers exceptional precision and still delivers outstanding home theater performance, especially in smaller rooms.
The primary difference is design approach: the SB17-Ultra uses a sealed cabinet for precise, tight bass, while the PB-4000 uses a ported design for maximum output and deeper bass extension.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is generally superior for music, offering faster, more accurate bass response thanks to its sealed design and advanced dual amplifier system. The PB-4000 is still excellent but slightly less precise.
The SB17-Ultra is better suited for small to medium rooms (up to 300 sq ft), while the PB-4000 performs better in larger spaces due to its higher output capability.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is easier to position due to its smaller footprint and sealed design. The PB-4000 requires more careful placement due to its ported design and larger cabinet.
The extra cost of the SB17-Ultra is justified if you value the latest technology and superior music performance. The PB-4000 offers better value for pure home theater use.
The PB-4000 technically reaches slightly lower frequencies (13Hz vs 15Hz) compared to the SB17-Ultra, though both deliver exceptional deep bass performance.
While both the SB17-Ultra and PB-4000 perform excellently alone, dual subwoofers can provide more even bass response across multiple seating positions. The choice depends on room size and budget.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution features SVS's latest app control system with upcoming room correction features. The PB-4000 has more basic controls but still offers comprehensive adjustment options.
Neither subwoofer will be "too powerful" as they both have adjustable output. The SB17-Ultra is more forgiving in smaller spaces, while the PB-4000 might require more careful setup in confined areas.
Both excel with movies. The PB-4000 provides more visceral impact with extremely low frequencies, while the SB17-Ultra offers more precise control of explosive effects.
Both are built to last with 5-year warranties. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution uses newer technology but the PB-4000 has a proven track record of reliability. Both represent SVS's premium build quality.
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 - svsound.com - dreamediaav.com - avsforum.com - hometheaterreview.com - skybygramophone.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - crutchfield.com - spacehifi.com.au - svsound.com
