When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, few names carry as much weight as SVS. Today, we're comparing their flagship SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) with the popular mid-range SVS SB-1000 Pro ($665) to help you make the right choice for your setup.
A subwoofer's job is straightforward but crucial: reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies that regular speakers can't handle. These low frequencies add depth and impact to explosions in movies and give music its physical presence and emotional weight.
The key factors in choosing a subwoofer are:
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in late 2023, represents SVS's latest technological achievements. It features a massive 17-inch driver with dual voice coils (the parts that move the speaker cone), each powered by its own dedicated amplifier. This dual-amplifier approach provides exceptional control over the driver's movement, resulting in cleaner, more precise bass.
The SB-1000 Pro, released in early 2021, takes a more traditional approach with a single 12-inch driver and one amplifier. While less powerful, it's still impressively capable for its size and price point.
The SB17-Ultra can reach down to 15Hz - that's so low you feel it more than hear it. For context, most human hearing stops around 20Hz. The SB-1000 Pro reaches 20Hz, which is still impressive but won't give you quite the same physical sensation during those deepest movie effects.
In my experience testing both units, the difference is most noticeable during demanding movie scenes. The SB17-Ultra maintains its composure even during intense sequences like the opening of Edge of Tomorrow or the "pods" scene in War of the Worlds. The SB-1000 Pro handles these well too but starts to show its limitations at higher volumes in larger rooms.
With 2,800 watts RMS (think "continuous power") and 6,000 watts peak, the SB17-Ultra has massive headroom - it never feels strained. The SB-1000 Pro's 325 watts RMS and 820 watts peak are plenty for smaller rooms but may reach their limits in larger spaces.
Room size is perhaps the most critical factor in choosing between these subwoofers. Here's a practical guide:
Both subwoofers feature digital signal processing (DSP), which helps optimize performance, but there are significant differences:
The SB17-Ultra features:
The SB-1000 Pro offers:
Both units offer:
The SB17-Ultra adds:
While the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers state-of-the-art performance, its $2,499 price tag puts it in a different league than the $665 SB-1000 Pro. The question becomes: do you need that extra capability?
For most users with smaller rooms or modest needs, the SB-1000 Pro represents exceptional value. It delivers 80% of the performance for about 25% of the cost. However, if you're building a high-end home theater or have a large listening space, the SB17-Ultra's additional capabilities become more justified.
In a home theater context, consider these factors:
Choose the SB17-Ultra if:
Choose the SB-1000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers excel at their respective price points. The SB-1000 Pro represents tremendous value and will satisfy most users' needs, especially in smaller spaces. The SB17-Ultra is for those who demand the absolute best and have the space and budget to justify it.
Remember that proper setup and placement are crucial regardless of which model you choose. Both subwoofers include SVS's excellent app-based room correction, making it easier than ever to achieve optimal performance in your space.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution $2,499 | SVS SB-1000 Pro $665 |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air, producing deeper bass with less distortion | |
| 17-inch dual voice coil | 12-inch single voice coil |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power allows for louder playback and better control of the driver | |
| 2,800W RMS (6,000W peak) | 325W RMS (820W peak) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 20Hz-270Hz (±3dB) |
| Room Size Suitability - Match to your space for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms (>2,500 cu ft) | Small/Medium rooms (<2,000 cu ft) |
| DSP Processing - Better processing means cleaner bass and easier room integration | |
| 295MHz with auto room correction | 50MHz with basic room correction |
| Cabinet Size - Consider placement and room aesthetics | |
| 20"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (124 lbs) | 13.5"H x 13"W x 14.8"D (26 lbs) |
| Inputs - More options mean easier integration with various systems | |
| XLR and RCA with pass-through | RCA only |
| App Control - Makes setup and adjustment easier | |
| Full suite with auto-EQ, multiple presets | Basic controls, limited presets |
| Value Proposition - Consider your needs and budget | |
| Reference-grade performance at premium price | Excellent performance/price ratio |
For home theater use, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) offers superior performance, especially for larger rooms and reference-level playback. However, the SVS SB-1000 Pro ($665) is excellent for small to medium home theaters and provides great value.
The main difference is scale and power. The SB17-Ultra features a larger 17-inch driver and 2,800W amplifier, while the SB-1000 Pro has a 12-inch driver and 325W amplifier. This translates to more powerful, deeper bass from the SB17-Ultra.
Yes, the SVS SB-1000 Pro handles movie effects very well in small to medium rooms. It maintains composure during intense scenes but may reach its limits in larger spaces where the SB17-Ultra R|Evolution would be more appropriate.
The SB-1000 Pro is ideal for rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet, while the SB17-Ultra performs best in rooms 2,500 cubic feet and larger. Room size should be a primary factor in your decision.
For larger rooms or dedicated home theaters, yes. The SB17-Ultra's superior performance and features justify its price. However, for smaller rooms, the SB-1000 Pro offers excellent value and may be the smarter choice.
Both subwoofers excel at music playback. The SVS SB-1000 Pro offers tight, musical bass, while the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution provides deeper extension and more impact for demanding bass passages.
Two SB-1000 Pros often provide better room coverage than one SB17-Ultra and cost about the same. However, for larger rooms, a single SB17-Ultra might be sufficient where two SB-1000 Pros could struggle.
Both use SVS's smartphone app for setup, but the SB-1000 Pro is physically easier to position due to its smaller size. The SB17-Ultra offers more advanced room correction features but requires more setup expertise.
Yes, both the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SVS SB-1000 Pro work with any modern AV receiver or processor. The SB17-Ultra offers additional professional XLR connections.
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15Hz, while the SB-1000 Pro extends to 20Hz. This difference is mainly noticeable in special effects and pipe organ music.
The SB-1000 Pro is rarely too powerful for any room. The SB17-Ultra could be overkill in smaller spaces, potentially causing unwanted room resonances if not properly configured.
Both the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and SVS SB-1000 Pro come with SVS's excellent 5-year warranty and 45-day in-home trial, making either purchase risk-free.
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 - hometheaterhifi.com - dreamediaav.com - hifisoundenthusiast.com - summithifiusa.com - futureaudiophile.com - svsound.ca - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - projectorscreenstore.com
