News

May 30, 2023

Which SVS Subwoofer Should You Buy?

The ultimate guide to choosing a SVS subwoofer for home theater or music? All 14

The ultimate guide to choosing a SVS subwoofer for home theater or music? All 14 models compared!

By

Published

Flipboard

Reddit

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Whatsapp

Email

SVS offers 14 different subwoofers priced from $599 to $2,899. Deciding which one to buy can be a daunting task, so we reached out to SVS to get some answers.

There are many variables to consider when choosing a subwoofer so it's best to have a complete picture of the use case before assigning a specific model as the best solution for your room.

These factors include listening preferences, playback level, décor/room integration, room size, and budget. In general, most people start by choosing between ported or sealed subwoofers.

Don't want to read? Most people will be delighted with the SB-1000 Pro ($599). Buy two if you can. If you only have the space for one subwoofer, the upgrade pick would be the SB-3000 ($1,099) which hits the sweet spot for its low end extension and musicality. Again, consider a stereo pair if your budget allows.

Ported subwoofers are generally larger and excel with greater output and deeper low frequency extension compared to sealed models with similar power and driver size specs. Ported cabinets are especially good for energizing large spaces and capturing the full visceral energy of action movies with big LFE tracks. People who really like to crank the volume will benefit from the ported design.

Sealed cabinet subwoofers are more compact and excel with accuracy, transient response, and musicality. They are generally the choice of audiophiles for that reason but can still deliver that guttural bass when called upon at a lower price than the ported counterparts.

Cylinder subwoofers, which are also ported, are generally recommended when floorspace is a concern. You can essentially get ported box subwoofer performance from a cabinet that extends up vertically to minimize the footprint in a room. Some people also lay them on the side behind a couch or get creative with placement given the unique form factor.

In-wall subwoofers are ideal when you want the subwoofer completely out of sight. This solution generally requires the help of a custom integrator, and is the only SVS option with external amplification.

Once you’ve decided on ported vs. sealed, and box vs. cylinder vs. in-wall, choosing the best subwoofer depends on how much space you have, how loud you like to play, and the type of content you enjoy.

No matter which SVS you choose, it will deliver on five key performance attributes. As you move up the line, you will get greater dynamic output, deeper low frequency extension, and different connectivity options.

16-Ultra Series: Introduced in 2016, the flagship SB16-Ultra (sealed) and PB16-Ultra (ported) redefine what is possible with cost-no-object design and engineering. Fit for large rooms and the finest home theaters and Hi-Fi systems.

4000 Series: Introduced in 2017, the 4000 Series nearly match the performance of the Ultra models with smaller drivers and cabinet sizes. The sleeper of the range is the unique cylinder shaped subwoofer that saves floorspace while delivering chest-pounding, pinpoint accurate output comparable with ported box designs. Although each model in the series will have unique characteristics based on their design, SVS says they’re brutally powerful yet subtle and nuanced.

3000 Series: Exactly in the middle of the line-up are four subwoofer variations. Sealed or ported designs hit the ultimate sweet spot with massive output, subterranean extension, and audiophile musicality. Want something less conspicuous? The 3000 In-Wall subwoofer (2023 model) delivers massive, cinematic bass with no floorspace required, while the 3000 Micro (2021 model) is the smallest boxed subwoofer SVS makes, yet it can still provide stunning depth with audiophile refinement.

2000 Pro Series: Introduced in 2019, the three 2000 Pro Series subwoofers all dig below 20 Hz for deep bass extension with astonishing detail and accuracy. Each brings reference subwoofer performance to more affordable price points.

1000 Pro Series: Introduced in 2021, the entry-level line comes in sealed or ported versions which redefine subwoofer performance in their price class. Choose sealed for stunning musicality or ported for heart-pounding output with greater extension.

Tip: The SVS SB-1000 Pro won our budget subwoofer shootout!

The most important reason to go with two or more subwoofers is to improve bass response throughout the room so all listening areas enjoy the same low frequency impact and depth. Dual subwoofers do this by removing phase cancellation, or nulls, which occur when two sound waves from a single home theater cancel each other out, reducing the bass you hear in that spot.

This happens when there is a delay between sound waves reaching your ears directly from those bouncing off a wall or other room surface, which reach your ears an instant later.

You can also get "boomy" spots in a room called peaks where the bass collects and sounds louder. A single subwoofer is often at the mercy of a room, but dual subs smooth peaks and nulls, and take control of the room with effortless, accurate bass. Bear in mind, that doesn't mean more bass — but more accurate bass response at your listening position.

Multiple subwoofer setups offer increased dynamic output capabilities, or as some people like to call it, more headroom. The combined power of two or more powered subs working in tandem can result in greater dynamic range, better SPL capabilities and more impactful bass.

Another reason relates to the directionality of bass. Simply put, multiples are much harder to localize than a single sub. It's often possible to hear where a single is placed in the room, particularly if it is not located in the front stage. In comparison, multiple subs are nearly impossible to localize and give the sensation of bass all around, coming from every direction.

The final reason to go dual is when décor and aesthetics are a factor. Two smaller subwoofers are sometimes easier to place and conceal in a living room or home theater if lifestyle considerations are at play.

In general, SVS recommends using two subwoofers versus a single subwoofer. It's certainly not required, but the benefits of dual subwoofers often outweigh the advantages of having a single larger subwoofer at the same price. Many owners choose to buy a single subwoofer with the idea they can always add a second later if performance is not at the level they expected.

When choosing two subwoofers choose the same model for the best possible blending. Mixing models can create phase issues that actually detracts from the quality of bass. Generally, you want to match the driver size and amplifier power as closely as possible so they are close enough sonically to generate even bass response throughout the listening area without to much variance in the output levels, transient speed, and low frequency extension capabilities. If you do need to mix different brands or models, the SVS team can always assist with tips for using DSP to get them blended as closely as possible.

The SVS SB-1000 Pro ($599) and the SB-3000 ($1,099) are the two most popular subwoofers. The sealed cabinet design makes both models relatively compact and easy to place in a room, so many owners choose to integrate two of each. Two subwoofers also hit the sweet spot in terms of maximizing performance at very inclusive prices relative to the larger ported models and those with similar performance specs from competitors.

Both the SB-1000 Pro and SB-3000 also excel as all-around performers hitting down to 20Hz and deeper, for the visceral bass extension and impact movie lovers crave, while still sounding accurate and musical for the audiophile listeners.

SVS Sound Experts are available 7-days-a week via phone (877) 626-5623, chat or email to help with product questions, system setup, order support, and more.

SVS Customer Bill of Rights:

Tip: Try out the SVS Matching tool. Choose your speaker brand/model and get three SVS subwoofer recommendations along with their suggested settings. Also check the SVS blog for more tips and advice.

SVS subwoofers are available from svsound.com (manufacturer direct) and from the online retailers such as Amazon and Crutchfield. Instead you may want to locate a SVS dealer near you. The pricing should be the same regardless where you make your purchase.

Still have a question? Ask it in the comments below or let us know what you purchased or already own.

Home > Latest > Loudspeakers > Loudspeakers > Subwoofers > Subwoofers > Which SVS Subwoofer Should You Buy?

Asa

June 1, 2023 at 6:06 pm

I own the SB-1000 Pro paired with SVS bookshelf speakers (SVS Prime Wireless Pro). It's a nice set up in smaller room connected to a Sony BRAVIA XR-55A80J. It was easy to set up and has been flawless and the app is easy to use to make adjustments to the entire system. The sub itself is tight, and while not the deepest spec-wise, delivers the goods for TV/Yt watching. For a larger room, I’d get something a bit larger. I did watch a Police concert using the PCM setting for 2.1 listening as was pleasantly surprised how open it was and Copeland's tight snare was a perfect match for this system.

I have a Hsu Research sub in the main media room, which provides plenty of bass, but would be interested to hear some of SVSs larger subs and/or using two in a room.

Overall, I’ve been impressed with what SVS is doing as of late and is a good value in the approachable realms of audiophile speakers/subs.

JB

June 4, 2023 at 2:42 am

Got two sealed 4000's – They’re freaking amazing and I can't imagine anything being better.

John Kutasz

June 4, 2023 at 4:18 am

A few quick items I learned from the SVS online happy hour presentations (highly recommended):1 – if you have 2 subs and want to use the wireless adapter, be sure to go wireless for both.2 – the biggest thing to avoid, if you can't use 2 identical subs, is to not mix a ported and sealed sub.3 – their new in-wall sub is only available (wisely) from authorized dealers, because installation isn't a simple process.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Flipboard

Reddit

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Whatsapp

Email

Looking for the ultimate tech or hi-fi gift for Father's Day? Your dad will absolutely love our 2023 selections from some of the best...

The class of 2023 faced more obstacles than any other in recent memory and we've assembled some of the best tech graduation gifts that...

AXPONA 2023 featured a wide range of loudspeakers from SVS, MoFi's Andrew Jones, and Clarisys Audio.

A big 12-inch subwoofer for a little price. Find out why the RSL Speedwoofer 12S may be impossible to beat at its $799 price...

Our first in a series of new gift guides has launched. You don't have to be getting married to enjoy these products, but they'd...

The high-end wireless loudspeaker category is starting to become very competitive. Can the SVS Prime Wireless Pro offer the same level of performance as...

The SVS In-Wall 3000 Subwoofer will shake up your room with 800-watts RMS of bass pumped into dual 9-inch drivers hidden in your wall.

Starting at $650 USD, the new Elac Varro Series Subwoofers offer something for everyone but which one makes the most sense for you? We...