When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, SVS has long been a go-to brand for serious enthusiasts. Today, we're comparing two distinct approaches to bass reproduction: the flagship SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,999) and the clever PC-2000 Pro ($1,099). While both are designed to shake your room, they take very different paths to get there.
Before diving into specifics, let's cover what makes a great subwoofer. The goal is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies – those sounds you feel as much as hear. Think of the rumble of an explosion in an action movie or the deep notes of a pipe organ. A quality subwoofer needs to produce these sounds without distortion (unwanted sound coloration) while staying musical and controlled.
The SB17-Ultra, released in 2023, represents SVS's latest thinking in sealed subwoofer design. "Sealed" means the cabinet is completely enclosed, which typically provides tighter, more accurate bass at the expense of maximum output. SVS addressed this traditional limitation by using a massive 17-inch driver powered by dual amplifiers – think of it as having two engines instead of one.
The PC-2000 Pro, updated in 2021, takes a different approach. Its cylinder design uses a port (a carefully tuned opening) to enhance bass output, particularly in the 20-30Hz range where movie effects live. The cylinder shape isn't just for looks – it reduces cabinet resonances (unwanted vibrations) and takes up less floor space.
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15Hz with authority – that's well below what humans can hear but definitely what we can feel. In my experience testing both units, this sub can pressurize even large rooms (think 3000+ cubic feet) with ease. The dual amplifiers provide 2800 watts RMS (think sustained power) and 6000 watts peak, giving it tremendous dynamic range for those moments when things get really intense.
The PC-2000 Pro isn't far behind, reaching 16Hz and providing impressive output from its more modest 550-watt amplifier. The ported design helps it achieve this efficiency, and in rooms under 2500 cubic feet, most users won't miss the extra headroom of its bigger brother.
Here's where things get interesting. The SB17-Ultra has a slight edge in precision – those dual amplifiers controlling the massive driver result in extraordinarily detailed bass. You can clearly hear the texture of an acoustic bass or the subtle variations in a kick drum.
The PC-2000 Pro is no slouch either, offering what I'd call 90% of the precision at roughly a third of the price. Its ported design adds a bit of extra weight to movie effects, which many home theater enthusiasts actually prefer.
Both subs excel in home theater applications, but they suit different scenarios:
For pure music listening, the SB17-Ultra's sealed design and precise control give it a slight edge, especially with acoustic music and jazz. However, the PC-2000 Pro remains highly musical, particularly with modern genres that benefit from its robust mid-bass response.
Both models include sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) – think of it as a smart brain that optimizes performance. They also feature smartphone apps for control and room correction, making it easier to achieve optimal sound in your space.
The SB17-Ultra adds some premium features:
Here's where the PC-2000 Pro has some unique advantages. Its cylinder design often makes placement easier, especially in rooms where space is tight. It can often be tucked into corners or along walls where a traditional box subwoofer might be obtrusive.
The SB17-Ultra, while larger, benefits from more sophisticated room correction software, potentially making it easier to achieve optimal sound despite its size.
This really comes down to your needs and budget:
Consider these factors when choosing between these two excellent subwoofers:
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the current state of the art in home subwoofer design, offering unmatched performance for those who demand the absolute best. The PC-2000 Pro provides exceptional performance at a more accessible price point, with unique placement flexibility thanks to its cylinder design.
For most users, the PC-2000 Pro represents the sweet spot of performance and value. However, if you're building a high-end home theater or critical listening room and budget allows, the SB17-Ultra delivers a level of performance that justifies its premium price.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,999) | SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally mean more output and deeper bass | |
| 17-inch glass fiber composite | 12-inch aluminum cone |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables greater dynamic range and headroom | |
| 2800W RMS (6000W peak) dual amplifiers | 550W RMS (1500W peak) single amplifier |
| Low Frequency Extension - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz ±3dB | 16Hz ±3dB |
| Cabinet Design - Affects room placement flexibility and bass character | |
| Sealed box (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported cylinder (more efficient, smaller footprint) |
| Room Size Capability - Indicates ideal space for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms (3000+ cu.ft) | Medium rooms (up to 2500 cu.ft) |
| DSP Features - Better processing means more tuning options and control | |
| 295MHz premium DSP, advanced room correction | 50MHz DSP, standard room correction |
| Voice Coils - Dual coils provide better control and power handling | |
| Dual 8-inch voice coils | Single voice coil |
| Weight - Indicates build quality but affects moveability | |
| 124 lbs (extremely solid, challenging to move) | 52 lbs (manageable by one person) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each model excels | |
| Reference home theater, critical listening | Mixed-use spaces, versatile placement |
| Value Proposition - Performance vs price consideration | |
| Ultimate performance at premium price | Excellent performance at reasonable price |
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,999) offers superior performance for dedicated home theaters, especially in larger rooms. However, the PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) provides excellent home theater performance for most users at a more accessible price point.
The main difference is design approach - the SB17-Ultra uses a sealed design with a massive 17-inch driver and dual amplifiers for ultimate performance, while the PC-2000 Pro uses a space-efficient cylinder design with a 12-inch driver and single amplifier.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers more precise bass reproduction for music, particularly beneficial for acoustic and jazz. The PC-2000 Pro still performs admirably for music but with slightly less detail.
The PC-2000 Pro is better suited for apartment use due to its smaller footprint and more manageable output. The SB17-Ultra may be too powerful for apartment settings and could cause neighbor complaints.
While both models perform well individually, dual subwoofers provide more even bass response across multiple seats. Two PC-2000 Pros would cost less than one SB17-Ultra while potentially providing better overall room coverage.
The SB17-Ultra reaches slightly deeper (15Hz vs 16Hz), but both provide excellent deep bass performance that exceeds most content requirements.
The SB17-Ultra is optimized for larger rooms (3000+ cubic feet), while the PC-2000 Pro is ideal for medium-sized rooms (up to 2500 cubic feet).
The PC-2000 Pro offers significantly better value for most users, delivering about 90% of the performance at roughly one-third the price of the SB17-Ultra.
Yes, both models feature SVS's smartphone app for control and room correction, though the SB17-Ultra offers more advanced tuning capabilities.
Both excel at movie effects, but the SB17-Ultra offers more headroom and impact for reference-level playback. The PC-2000 Pro still delivers impressive performance for most home theater applications.
The PC-2000 Pro is easier to position due to its cylinder design and lighter weight. The SB17-Ultra requires more careful placement but offers more sophisticated room correction to optimize performance.
Both offer excellent value within their respective price points - the PC-2000 Pro for most users seeking high performance, and the SB17-Ultra for enthusiasts demanding the absolute best regardless of cost.
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 - audioholics.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - iq-av.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - spacehifi.com.au
