When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, few companies are as respected as SVS. Today we're comparing two of their most compelling offerings: the flagship SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the popular SVS SB-2000 Pro ($899). Let's dig into what makes each special and help you decide which one belongs in your setup.
Before we dive 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 you feel as much as hear. These frequencies typically range from around 20Hz (incredibly deep) up to about 200Hz (upper bass). Getting these low frequencies right requires powerful amplification, precise driver control, and careful cabinet design.
SVS has been innovating in the subwoofer space for over 20 years. The SB-2000 Pro was released in 2019 as part of their "Pro" series update, bringing app control and advanced DSP to their mid-range line. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is brand new for 2024, representing their most advanced sealed subwoofer ever.
The most obvious difference is driver size. The SB17-Ultra features a massive 17-inch driver - SVS's largest ever - with dual 8-inch voice coils. Think of voice coils like the engine of a speaker; having two allows for more precise control and power handling. In contrast, the SB-2000 Pro uses a very capable 12-inch driver with a single voice coil.
The power difference is substantial:
While both are powerful, the SB17-Ultra's dual amplifier design (one for each voice coil) provides exceptional control over the massive driver. Think of it like having two engines in perfect sync versus one larger engine.
Both subwoofers dig deep, but there's a noticeable difference:
Those extra 4Hz at the bottom end might not seem like much, but they make a real difference when watching movies with ultra-low-frequency effects or listening to pipe organ music.
For movie watching, both subwoofers excel, but in different ways. The SB17-Ultra can pressurize larger rooms with ease, delivering those chest-thumping moments in action movies with authority. Its dual amplifier design helps maintain composure even during the most demanding scenes.
The SB-2000 Pro is no slouch either. In small to medium rooms (up to about 400 square feet), it delivers impressive impact and depth. While it won't hit quite as hard or low as its bigger brother, most users will find its performance more than satisfying.
For music, both subwoofers show their sealed-box heritage with tight, accurate bass. The SB17-Ultra's larger driver and more powerful amplification allow it to reproduce the lowest organ notes and electronic music with greater authority. However, the SB-2000 Pro's smaller driver can sometimes feel more agile with fast-paced music.
Room size should be a major factor in your decision:
Both subwoofers feature SVS's smartphone app for control and room tuning. This lets you adjust:
The SB17-Ultra includes a more advanced DSP processor (295MHz vs 50MHz), allowing for more precise control and future firmware updates.
The SB-2000 Pro at $899 represents exceptional value, delivering 80-90% of high-end subwoofer performance at a fraction of the cost. For most users in typical rooms, it's more than capable of delivering satisfying bass for both movies and music.
The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution at $2,499 is a premium product with matching performance. You're paying for:
Choose the SB17-Ultra if:
Choose the SB-2000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers represent different sweet spots in SVS's lineup. The SB-2000 Pro continues to be a benchmark for performance at its price point, while the SB17-Ultra pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a sealed subwoofer.
For most users, the SB-2000 Pro will be more than enough subwoofer, delivering impressive performance that will satisfy all but the most demanding users. However, if you're building a serious home theater or just want the absolute best, the SB17-Ultra represents the current state of the art in sealed subwoofer design.
Remember, proper subwoofer placement and room calibration are just as important as raw performance. Either model, when properly set up, will provide years of enjoyable bass reproduction for both movies and music.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($899) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass impact | |
| 17-inch with dual voice coils | 12-inch single voice coil |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power enables more headroom and dynamic range | |
| 2,800W RMS (dual mono-block amps) | 550W RMS (single amp) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) - Exceptional extension | 19Hz-240Hz (±3dB) - Very good extension |
| Cabinet Size - Consider your available space carefully | |
| 20.0"H x 19.5"W x 21.2"D (124 lbs) | 14.6"H x 14.2"W x 15.6"D (38.6 lbs) |
| Room Size Suitability - Matching sub to room size is crucial | |
| Ideal for large rooms >400 sq ft | Best for small/medium rooms <400 sq ft |
| DSP Processing - Better processing means more precise bass control | |
| 295MHz DSP - Reference level processing | 50MHz DSP - Very capable processing |
| Price/Performance Ratio - Consider your actual needs vs. cost | |
| Premium pricing, ultimate performance | Excellent value, strong performance |
| Primary Use Case - Choose based on your main listening habits | |
| Dedicated home theaters, reference systems | Mixed-use rooms, music and movies |
Both are excellent, but the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) is superior for dedicated home theaters, especially in larger rooms. The SB-2000 Pro ($899) is perfect for small to medium home theaters where deep bass impact is desired but reference-level output isn't required.
The primary difference is size and power. The SB17-Ultra has a massive 17-inch driver with 2,800W of power, while the SB-2000 Pro uses a 12-inch driver with 550W. This translates to deeper bass and higher output capability in the SB17-Ultra.
Yes, both are excellent for music. The SB17-Ultra offers more headroom and deeper bass extension, while the SB-2000 Pro provides tight, musical bass that works well in most listening rooms.
The SB-2000 Pro is ideal for small rooms, offering powerful performance without overwhelming the space. The SB17-Ultra might be overkill in rooms smaller than 400 square feet.
Unless you have a large room, dedicated home theater, or demand absolute reference-level performance, the SB-2000 Pro will likely meet your needs at a significantly lower price point.
The SB17-Ultra reaches down to 15Hz, while the SB-2000 Pro extends to 19Hz. Both are impressive, but the SB17-Ultra provides those ultra-low frequencies that you can feel in movie soundtracks.
Yes, both models feature SVS's smartphone app for control and room tuning, though the SB17-Ultra has a more advanced DSP processor for finer control.
Both excel with action movies, but the SB17-Ultra offers more headroom and impact. The SB-2000 Pro still delivers impressive performance for most home theater applications.
Both come with SVS's 5-year unconditional warranty, demonstrating the company's confidence in their products' reliability.
While one high-quality subwoofer can work well, dual subwoofers often provide more even bass response. Two SB-2000 Pros might be a better choice than one SB17-Ultra for many rooms.
The SB-2000 Pro is lighter and more compact, making it easier to position. The SB17-Ultra's larger size and 124-pound weight require more careful placement planning.
Both offer excellent value in their categories. The SB-2000 Pro provides exceptional performance for $899, while the SB17-Ultra justifies its $2,499 price with reference-level performance and the latest technology.
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 - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - spacehifi.com.au - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com
