[Smittyfit]


Decided to write this SHORT post for first time subwoofer purchasers in the $500 range.  

 

Some background -> I spent 3 years during university buying and selling audio equipment.  I have experienced MANY brands, designs, and quality.  Also, I had to study and research for hours to obtain the knowledge and science behind audio and video equipment.  In regards to subwoofers only I have experienced: Energy XL 8/10/12 & s10.3(very good), Mirage s10(good) Mirage ps12, Mirage BP100, Mirage BP150, klipsch some 8" one, polk micropro 3000 (very good), sunfire true (ok), Paradigm ps1200, paradigm pw2200 (great), velodyne vx 10, velodyne cht12, velodyne dls12, velodyne dls15, and more...  

 

That being said jump right to it!

 

 BEST $500 subwoofer -> SVS PB1000 

 

WHY?

-> 5 YEAR WARRANTY!! No matter what you have a subwoofer for 5 years!  NO other company offers a warranty like this for subwoofers.  Most have 1-2 years on the amp and 1-5 years on the driver.  SVS subwoofers are BULLET PROOF!  AND the first year you can trade up to FULL value!!  Can NOT beat this!

 

-> BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!  Anyone that are on the forums or in the business/hobby KNOW you can NOT beat SVS in customer service.

 

-> BEST & SAFE shipping & packaging so NO shipping damage!  Before my purchase I TRIED to find bad reviews on SVS shipping or if by chance you pay for it and get ripped off (I know paranoid but it happens online).. If you are buying ONLINE or SHIPPING DO NOT WORRY!

 

-> BEST FOR LAST -> PERFORMACE and more!!

 

 The BEST thing about the PB-1000 is EVERYTHING... Let me explain.

 

Extension -> SOLID 20hz, with room game some will get down to 16hz.  You WILL FEEL the pressure!  This subwoofer is tuned under 25hz, so it plays 20hz just as easy as 60hz... Does not bottom out when it needs to dig deep.  

.  

Frequency response -> perfectly FLAT down to 20hz. MOST lower with room gain! Most subwoofers under $500 can NOT play the last octave and they over play the 40-60hz range.  This subwoofer also plays higher frequency, so you can EASILY integrate this subwoofer with bookshelf and cut the speakers off at 80/100/120. 

 

Driver quality -> FULL 1 INCH excursion!!  Big surround that is NOT foam, so it will NOT deteriorate.  Super fast driver, 10" and HIGH power!

 

Amp -> VERY powerful!  300 true watts RMS/720 peak class D and runs COOL!  More than enough power.

 

Box -> HUGE box, big port allows this 10" to outperform ANY 10" HT subwoofer on the market. Also has an AMAZING finish!

 

Features -> "DSP control for accurate response and refined behavior under all operating conditions." Because of this, the distortion is VERY LOW even at HIGH volumes right down to 20hz!!

 

SUM IT UP!

 

The SVS PB1000 will play VERY loud!  Distortion free! Down to 20hz with authority! FLAT/and NEVER die!

Yes almost to good to be true... After reading it, I feel like everyone will think I either work with SVS or I'm one HUGE fanboy! Hahaha

 

More experiences, additional notes and recommendations:

 

The SVS PB1000 -> OUTPERFORMS all previous 10" SVS models!  (SVS support informed me) -> I know some will not believe it because of the weight difference in the driver.  I suppose the new driver is lighter, moves faster, more efficiently, the DSP is amazing and controls the driver better, and potentially a great XmaX.

 

My listening room is about (in feet) -> 12L*24W*10H, open concept to a hallway, and open concept to small kitchen 10L*12W*10H, ALSO open to OUTSIDE door.  Additionally my main room has 2 windows OPEN both 2*3 feet and the kitchen has one as well.  This is a very HARD listening area to pressurize!!  The SVS does it with EASE!  You will FEEL the movies and some music.  The subwoofer is VERY powerful!  You will even feel it in the couch.  My place is ALL tile, and under is cement and you can feel the energy on the floor.  The sound is VERY clean, you will hear all the different notes!  Very smooth, yet powerful!

 

Compared to the others I have owned -> Paradigm pw2200 is the BEST comparison.  The paradigm would go a bit louder maybe 3 MAX 6 db more in the 30-80hz range.  The SVS is WAY better below 25hz!!  Also the SVS has less distortion and plays FLAT, unlike the paradigm.  However the Paradigm was a great subwoofer still.  The micropro was awesome.  Had the BEST sounding punch I have heard, and low distortion.  But the SVS plays under 35hz WAY better.  The SVS has less distortion but the polk was tighter sounding.  I think this is because of the port vs. sealed/rad design.  The ENERGY 10.3 was very good and good punch not near the polks.  But under 30hz could not touch the SVS.  The sunfire was cool... But could not handle high SPL or below 30hz well.

 

At the end of the day overall the SVS is better than ALL the subwoofers I have owned.  The closest competitor is the pw2200.  Both new same price, I would pick the SVS.  But if I could get say 2 used for $650 U.S. or under I may do it.  But then again the PW2000 is close...  Anyways you get my point, the SVS PB1000 best ALL the subs I've had before.

 

If you have $500 MAX for a subwoofer... LOOK NO FURTHER, just get it!  If your max budget is $1000 I would get 2 of these....  Trust me 2 subwoofers is WAY better than 1!!  

 

I know a lot of people are going to ask about the MONO, HSU, Rythmic and all kinds of other ID companies.  So let me clear it up one time.

GO WITH SVS!  WHY you ask? -> THEY GIVE YOU 5 YEAR WARRANY and are the MOST trusted ID company in the business....  And you can NOT find bad reviews on their service or product... 

 

PERSONAL opinions regarding this topic.  (NOTE:  I DO NOT OWN THE MONO OR other ID units, I'm just putting my OPINION and INPUT)

 

The mono and some other ID companies may have a subwoofer capable of producing higher SPL.  BUT the SVS will be cleaner, tighter and better quality.  As well because the tuning point is so low and with the DSP chip it will play FLAT, LOW and NOT distorted. Basically you are choosing and sacrificing. 

 

With SVS you get -> Better warranty, better customer service, lower distortion, linear response and authority down to 20hz.

 

With MONO you get -> A bit more volume.


To me... It is a NO brainer!

 

I really meant for this to be short... Sorry!!  I hope this helps anyone looking to make a subwoofer purchase in the $500 range!  I know it seems very one sided, but sometimes that's just the way it goes.  At the end of the day buy what makes you happy!  


Special thanks goes to MIKE and SVS representatives Jack Gilvey and Ed Mullen 

 

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK SVS!

 

[its phillip]

I think you are a little overenthusiastic.

 

[MemX]

Are you on commission?





(I know that you're not as SVS don't work that way, but your post makes it sound like it.)




Also, you don't need to SHOUT as we're not DEAF.


Thank you please.




Anyway, I'm glad you're happy with your new purchase. If you're like a lot of us, it will merely be a stepping stone to bigger and crazier things.

 

[Smittyfit]


I wrote this post for those looking to purchase a subwoofer under $500.  I wanted to make their research and decision as easy as possible.  That being said I may come off a "little overenthusiastic" or as if I'm on commission.  I can assure you I am not, like Memx stated SVS does not work in that way.


Also I was not shouting, yet making it easier to read the important facts and opinions.

 

Thank you, I can not see anyone being unhappy with this purchase.  There is no better at that price point.

 

[flickhtguru]

I know the PB1000 is a great performer. Although I have not heard it. BUT I have 2 Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Plus subs that I got ON SALE for $499 each shipped. So my point is I think that my $499 LFM-1 Plus would outperform a $499 PB1000. Outlaw has sales about 2 times a year and basically always has the same prices on the Plus's so with that said at regular price the PB1000 is the best $500 sub but on sale I think the LFM-1 Plus is better.

 

[drunkpenguin]

Let me sum up the OP...


SVS=Kicka$$!!!

 

[shadyJ]

The OP has made the thesis, now let me present the antithesis. The PB1000 doesn't look bad for the money, but not great. From everything that is known about it, I think there are better choices for the same price. First of all, you claim that it plays 20 Hz with authority, but according to third party measurements it is down 6 dB by 20 Hz , which is technically within SVS's frequency response claim, but not exactly a beast down there. Also a '1" excursion' isn't really that impressive, sorry. It seems like your trying to mix people up into thinking a 1" xmax which would be something, but no way that driver has 1" xmax.


Secondly, it runs into a lot of distortion if you try to push it to any palpable levels at that point. In my opinion, this sub can not reach worthwhile output levels to justify its deep tuning point. A better compromise would have been a higher tuning point for more output and less distortion.


Third, you claim it's extraordinarily loud, but according to SVS it can not even get as loud as a PB12 NSD, and, with some of the lowest CEA meassurements for mid and upper bass on data-bass, the NSD was not exactly an output king. If the PB1000 were on data-bass, it would be the worst performing sub for mid and upper bass output out of all subs measured there, even worse than the goofy 10" from B&W and the budget BIC sub.


If I had $500, I would be far more interested in the Reaction BPS 212 Turbo. With two 12"s, I am betting the Reaction will destroy the PB1000 starting at the upper 20s and above. The PB1000 should have a port advantage in the upper teens and lower 20s, but who cares since it doesn't have enough output for that region to matter. I am betting in a blind shootout a lot more people would prefer the Reaction. I think the Hsu VTF1 might also make more sense, at least in 2 port mode. No doubt the PB1000 will have more deep bass output, but I think the VTF1 in 2 port mode will do better at 30 Hz and above, which means decent performance for music. I would rather give up deep frequencies and have good performance for music than have middling performance for both music and movies. In a large room, the Premiere Acoustics PA-150 would be a much better choice than the PB1000 and can be had for $400 last I heard. With the PA-150 having many times the mid and upper bass output, the PB1000 would be like a whisper in comparison. And if you can spend just a $100 more than the cost of a PB1000, you can get a Hsu VTF2 or Rythmik LV12r, either of which will likely far outperform it in every respect, not to mention the famed Outlaw sales, which puts the LFM Plus at the same price thereby making it a no-brainer.


In the face of all this, the PB1000 just does not look like an interesting option at its price point, sorry.

 

[Smittyfit]


ShadyJ -> Thank you for your input!!  

 

This is the type of comment I KNEW was going to come up!  Excellent!  Let me help again "Those looking to buy a $500 subwoofer and first time potential buyers of SVS"!

 

First thing distortion: ShadyJ has NO idea what he is talking about here.  The limiter built in the SVS unit does NOT allow it to distort like typical subwoofers.  

 

The PB-1000 goes VERY low.... In room response you will get a clean 16hz.... Check Sound and Visions test results here:  http://www.soundandvision.com/content/review-svs-pb-1000-subwoofer-measurements

 

This shows with NO reflective boundaries the SVS hits 20 Hz at 110.6 dB and 25 Hz at 113.0 dB.  So YES the PB1000 is down -3db from 25hz tdown to 20hz.. BUT in a REAL LIFE situation in a ROOM with ROOM gain most will get +6db BOOST in the last octive... Making the SVS pb1000 FLAT with 90% of people getting a bit of a HUMP in the last octave!!

 

If ANYONE looks up the OLDER SVS 10 inch models and look at the reviews... The frequency response in rooms for those who have measured you will see EVERYONE who has had one experienced TRUE 20hz solid bass, and this is the BEST 10 inch SVS model thus far...


The PB-1000 is so powerful it is the SAME as the NSD 12 inch, only -3 db down in the last octave... Again look up this highly regarded subwoofer, you will not see a bad review.  

 

I KNOW that Rythmik, HSU, and other internet direct subwoofers are great!!  But for $500 NO more, you can NOT get better than this SVS!

 

If you do NOT care how your subwoofer sounds, and just want the loudest sounds coming out of the speaker then yes you are correct when saying the PA-150 would over power the SVS.  The only problem is the PA sounds horrible, and can not play lower than 30hz.  You will basically only hear one note that is playing 2-5 times louder than it should be.

 

At the end of the day, SVS DOES sacrifice some OUTPUT, but in return we get the best warranty, customer service, a linear frequency response and a subwoofer that sounds amazing at ALL levels that will last at least 5 years!

 

Again, if you only have $500, do not think and waste time... Just buy it!  The only negative feedback are from those that are "GUESSING" like ShadyJ is doing.  Also just look up the reviews of the paradigm pw2200 V2.  A great subwoofer that again can play a bit louder than the SVS but NO comparison across the board, the SVS blows it away!  Even the Sunfire True which cost over $2000, it can NOT come close to comparison!  


I hope this helps!

 

 

[shadyJ]

I guess you haven't heard, but Sound and Vision measured their PB1000 wrong. Their own tests have it outperforming the PB12 NSD and coming in not too far from the PC13 Ultra. Those results are, of course, nonsense and contradict SVS' own performance claims for it. You say SVS doesn't permit distortion, I linked to third party THD measurements that shows a lot of distortion at 20 Hz right there. You say it hits 16 Hz, well there is an unsmoothed third party measurement showing it is down something like 20 dB at 16 Hz at which point it would only be generating distortion. But hey, if the guy who measured the PB1000 wrong is saying there is 16 Hz output coming from it despite actual measurements, that settles it. After all, who are you going to believe, him or your lyin' eyes? I'm glad to see your happy with your sub, and if you like it that much, you should hear what a real sub sounds like someday.

 

[Smittyfit]


ShadyJ thanks for the reply!


Could you be so kind to post us the link to his write-up please?  I'm sure we would all love to see the full story.

 

Here is a link from a very creditable source:  http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/66069-svs-pb1000-sb1000-subwoofer-review.html

 

He used a "XTZ Room Analyzer II Pro" to measure the PB-1000.  To sum up his results, the svs measured flat down to 20hz... He also mentions a few times about how you will feel the bass from the PB1000, and the kick in the chest.


Again, for $500 and the warranty, trade in, low distortion, spl, frequency response, build quality, you can't go wrong!  Some people now a days getting multiple subwoofers... You can get 2 for $950... It's amazing value!  And yes so are the HSU, and other internet direct companies BUT for the $500 class nothing beats it....  You're comparing it to subwoofers costing more...  And most will say you need to hear it before judging -> There has NOT been a single bad review of any of the SVS 10" subs, and this is the best one.  This has to mean something.


Hope this helps.

 

[LeDelmo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MemX  /t/1520262/must-read-best-500-subwoofer-info-advice-for-first-time-buyers#post_24421365


Are you on commission?





(I know that you're not as SVS don't work that way, but your post makes it sound like it.)




Also, you don't need to SHOUT as we're not DEAF.


Thank you please.




Anyway, I'm glad you're happy with your new purchase. If you're like a lot of us, it will merely be a stepping stone to bigger and crazier things.

You do realize that you are on a computer right? JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS USING CAPS dose not mean you have to be shouting at the top of you're lungs to read it to yourself...

 

Or are you just "that" committed? If so than bravo

 

Slow clap everybody

 

[shadyJ]

Those measurements I linked to are from this review . Also Jim Wilson's reviews are anything but credible. He is reviews only exist to generate blurbs because he gives effusive praise to every single sub he has tried, no matter how ridiculous it is. By the way, you will need a lot more than 100 dB for a kick in the chest feeling. Or, like it says in the above review, "What the SVS PB-1000 can’t do is punch you in the chest." Jim knows that as well, but it doesn't matter because his reviews are entirely subjective and therefore nothing he writes can be challenged. By the way, the XTZ room analyzer is great for measuring room acoustics, but not for measuring speakers and subs themselves. I don't know why you felt compelled to mention that. Jim doesn't have any usable measurements in his reviews.

 

[Smittyfit]


All I'm saying here is that the PB-1000 is the best $500 option.  As well ALL the SVS, HSU, AND other internet direct companies all offer great value.  All depends in what you are looking for.


The case here is for $500.... And for the warranty, 1 year free full value trade in, overall amazing performance for $500 you CANT go wrong!

 

Again everyone who has ever had one says nothing but great things!  All of us say it goes solid in the 20hz.. 


Again, the other ID subwoofers are also great depending on the purpose.

 

But when people like ShadyJ say things like "Reaction BPS 212 Turbo would destroy the pb-1000" you're making people that only have $500 think there are no good subwoofers for that price...  And your comment is stupid...  They only play down to 24hz +/- 3.5db... The SVS will play lower with more authority.. The 212 will just play the 30-80hz louder.. So it will not be flat...  Less extension... So the SVS is better in other areas...

 

Everything is a trade off... But when you look at the big picture, and for $500 MAX for a subwoofer... The SVS PB-1000 is the best option....

 

[basshead81]

The BPS212 Turbo is rated +/-3.5db down to 24hz open ground plane. Place the sub in a room and it will extend much deeper then the PB-1000. I agree that the PB-1000 is highly regarded for its price point and I am glad you are happy with it. I can not say if it is the best 500.00 dollar sub, but when you factor in all of SVS perks it definitely makes a stong case to be a leader. Thanks for sharing your opinion, nothing wrong with what you have said.

 

[edgebsl]



Quote:
Originally Posted by basshead81  /t/1520262/must-read-best-500-subwoofer-info-advice-for-first-time-buyers#post_24423885


The BPS212 Turbo is rated +/-3.5db down to 24hz open ground plane. Place the sub in a room and it will extend much deeper then the PB-1000. I agree that the PB-1000 is highly regarded for its price point and I am glad you are happy with it. I can not say if it is the best 500.00 dollar sub, but when you factor in all of SVS perks it definitely makes a stong case to be a leader. Thanks for sharing your opinion, nothing wrong with what you have said.

While I am very grateful for the mention in this thread I must point out that I would not be certain that our 212 can extend lower than the PB-1000.

I would not feel good about not pointing that out.

We do employ a subsonic filter around 20hz on our subs as do many in the price range of our line.

This is to protect from over excursion and undue strain on the amplifier. It's not a "brick wall" and yes in some rooms there will be use-able extension below.

But in many rooms where boundary and room gain is not sufficient, this is not a guaranteed result.


Different rooms and different tastes will determine which tool is the right one for a particular job.

Different design goals serve different needs and tastes.

In the case of a sealed sub with two 12" drivers, a lot of displacement makes for a lot of headroom in the mid-bass and a lot of impact in that region from 35-80 hz.

When you compare that to a ported sub it too will have it's advantages, particularly the huge increase in efficiency from the port tuning somewhere between 20-25hz .

And as a result have an extremely flat response and max output curve that will better suit rooms where boundary gain is not sufficient.


SVS makes extremely fine products and I am honored to have ours even mentioned in the same thread.

 

[wlhungdude]

classy response Jeremy. ty.


I'd very much like to hear your product someday, but I've recently decided to 'swim to the deep end' and go DIY.

good luck with your products and your business!

 

[basshead81]



Quote:
Originally Posted by edgebsl  /t/1520262/must-read-best-500-subwoofer-info-advice-for-first-time-buyers#post_24424046


While I am very grateful for the mention in this thread I must point out that I would not be certain that our 212 can extend lower than the PB-1000.

I would not feel good about not pointing that out.

We do employ a subsonic filter around 20hz on our subs as do many in the price range of our line.

This is to protect from over excursion and undue strain on the amplifier. It's not a "brick wall" and yes in some rooms there will be use-able extension below.

But in many rooms where boundary and room gain is not sufficient, this is not a guaranteed result.


Different rooms and different tastes will determine which tool is the right one for a particular job.

Different design goals serve different needs and tastes.

In the case of a sealed sub with two 12" drivers, a lot of displacement makes for a lot of headroom in the mid-bass and a lot of impact in that region from 35-80 hz.

When you compare that to a ported sub it too will have it's advantages, particularly the huge increase in efficiency from the port tuning somewhere between 20-25hz .

And as a result have an extremely flat response and max output curve that will better suit rooms where boundary gain is not sufficient.


SVS makes extremely fine products and I am honored to have ours even mentioned in the same thread.

Thanks for your honesty!! I was not aware of the sub-sonic filter.

 

[Reference_head]

I didn't realize that the PB1000 had a 10" and the SB1000 has a12". Seems strange they would use the same model with different size drivers

 

[shadyJ]

It looks like both 1000 sub drivers are using the same motor, maybe the 1000 signifies that.

 

[deepat04]

OP, the PB1000 is a very popular choice at $500 and for good reason. But not everyone's needs are identical. If your goal is to fill a large room with $500, taking a close look at a PA-150 or waiting for the Outlaw to go on sale are better options for max output. If aesthetics are your priority an EMPTEK ES 1010i or the SB1000 are better suited to fill that need. Or you simply poses a weak emotion and all of your energy is concentrated on finding a flaw in anything SVS related, you should look into HSU

.


See the only constant here is price, if $500 is max budget the PB1000 has earned its place on the list, but user requirements vary, whats great in today's subwoofer market is, when it comes to good options, there is more then one.



Congrats on your subwoofer.