SVS PB-2000 and SB-2000 Subwoofers Review

How do you write about SVS subwoofers and not sound like a fanboy? Seriously, I'd like to know. Because unless you are some sort of audio elitist with deep pockets that believes that no value priced product can be good, you've got to love SVS. While they have high dollar products in their line-up, their bread and butter is helping the common man realize his (or her) dream of bass that will make your neighbors call the police.

And they've done it again.

The new 2000 series subwoofers both sport 12" drivers, a brand new Sledge STA-500D amplifier, sub 20Hz performance, and price tags under $800,. You could know nothing else and still think they were a good deal. But that's not all. The new drivers are custom designed by SVS. They developed nearly 20 different prototypes before they got the performance they wanted. This included 100-hours of full power testing! The driver features dual high-grade ferrite magnets and an FEA-optimized motor to reduce distortion. It has a reinforced Nomex spider for increased linearity and a durable low-creep rubber long-throw surround and high-quality insulated tinsel leads with 3-point-contact precision alignment.

 

 

SVS PB-2000

The reason for all these driver improvements is not just to increase performance and to improve longevity. The new Sledge STA-500D amplifier is conservatively rated 500 watts RMS continuous and 1100 watts peak dynamic and is described by SVS as delivering "crushing power". SVS felt that no normal driver would be able to stand up to their new amp. But power isn't the only thing in the STA-500D arsenal. This amp has integrated DSP controls for fine-tuning your bass experience for your particular environment. While specifics are unavaliable, SVS says the STA-500D has, "an array of filters," as well as volume, gain, and phase controls. There is a frequency-dependent limiter/compressor algorithm with adjustable attack/release and compression parameters to protect your subwoofer performance from accidental volume increases.

The SVS 2000 series subs come in two flavors - sealed and ported. The SB-2000 (pic at the top of this article) is sealed and is just large enough to enclose the driver and amp (14.2" cube). It weighs in at an impressive 35lbs and brags a usable frequency response down to 19Hz! It looks to have a fairly standard black ash vinyl wrap which is to be expected at this price point. This is the perfect sub for those on a budget that want performance but don't have the room for a larger sub. While other manufacturers charge more for their smaller subs (usually because of the larger amp requirements), the SB-2000 is the less expensive of the pair at $699.

The PB-2000 has a front-firing port for easier placement but has all the same components as the SB-2000. With the ported enclosure, SVS was able to tune the PB-2000 to a staggering 17Hz low point. The PB-2000 is much larger than the sealed 2000 series sub at 20.9” x 17.3” x 22”. The PB-2000 is also much heavier at 66 pounds so you'll probably want to get some of those carpet sliders until you get the PB-2000 into the perfect position. The extra materials in constructing the enclosure bump up the price of the PB-2000 $100 to $799.

Measurements & Analysis

 

SVS SB-2000 Published Frequency Response

SVS PB-2000 Published Frequency Response

 

 

PB-2000 CEA 2010 Results (2 meter RMS)

• 20Hz      103.8 dB
• 25Hz      107.6 dB
• 31.5Hz   109.6 dB
• 40Hz      110.1 dB
• 50Hz      110.5 dB
• 63Hz      111.5 dB

Bassaholic Roomsize Rating: Large

Source: About.com Stereos from Brent Butterworth Testing

 

SB-2000 CEA 2010 Results (2 meter RMS)

20Hz      92.1 dB

25Hz      97.1 dB

31.5Hz   102.8 dB

40Hz      108.3 dB

50Hz      108.9 dB

63Hz      109.2 dB

Bassaholic Roomsize Rating: Medium

Source:  About.com Stereos from Brent Butterworth Testing

 

Which One Should You Get - the SB-2000 or PB-2000?

The question you need to ask yourself when you're looking at the Series 2000 subs is: "What is the size of my room?" If you have a large room and need a lot of output, the ported PB-2000 is your sub. If you have a smaller room, then save yourself the $100 and choose the smaller SB-2000.  The smaller sub will certainly please your significant other by blending into the room decor more easily.

The PB-2000 earns our Bassaholic Large room rating - which is appropriate for a room over 3000 cubic feet. The SB-2000 received our Bassaholic Medium room rating - meaning it can slam a room that's less than 3,000 cubic feet in volume at reference level.

Of course, the amount of output isn't the only difference between these two subs. The larger PB-2000 has a bit more low extension, dropping down to a bone-rattling 17 Hz. But lest you think the SB-2000 is a slouch, its sealed enclosure will provide a more than respectable 19 Hz. The output differences, however, are pretty significant. Expect the ported PB-2000 to play about 10 dB louder below 30Hz.

The SVS subs really are all about performance. The vinyl wrap on the enclosures is acceptable, but nothing too impressive for your significant other. I've never really been a fan of SVS's new curved grilles, but they certainly are unique. The subs also come with small, conical rubber feet on the bottom. The size difference between the two is pretty striking. The smaller SB-2000 is essentially a 14-inch cube while the PB-2000 is...well...it's massive. We highly recommend you build yourself a cardboard model of the PB-2000 if you think you might want it in your living room.

Of course, SVS has provided a hassle-free in-home trial for some time. Currently, they'll let you test out your new sub for 45 days and even pay shipping both ways if you aren't happy. But, other than a heart attack over the size (if you get the ported model), you should be very happy with your purchase. The new driver/amp combination in the 2000 Series subs is just amazing. We tested them with everything from music to movies and they never failed to impress. The mark of a good sub is not just extension and output, but also the ability to disappear into the performance. The SVS 2000 Series did just that.

But when bass was needed, the PB-2000 and SB-2000 subwoofers were more than up to the task. Clean and clear, these subs were able to shake my pant legs in a medium-sized home theater. They can provide bass that will hit you in the chest one moment, and disappear into the musical score the next. The fact that these subs only cost $700 for the SB-2000 and $800 for the PB-2000 is just amazing. For the best bass, we always recommend running two subs. SVS believes the same, offering discounts right on their website—no haggling needed.

Conclusion

Regardless, of which sub you chose, our experience with SVS suggests that either will probably knock your socks off. At less than $800 each and sporting a DSP-enabled amplifier, SVS is offering technology normally reserved for subwoofers two or three times the asking price of 2000 series. So, again, I ask, how can you report on SVS without sounding like a fanboy? Because I can't seem to do it.  The SB-2000 and PB-2000 set a new bar in the performance/price category that just may be bringing the competition back to the drawing board.

If you want to find out more about SVS and the 2000 Series subs, our friends over at AV Rant did an interview with Gary Yacoubian, the President of SVS. Head over there to check that out.

For more information on the 2000 Series subs, check out http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.