The SVS SB-2000's (see image) slick, compact size and more restrained volume gives it its own set of advantages in this regard. The 12-inch high-output driver seems tuned optimally to its 500-watt RMS amplifier to give you a good, clean balance between bass response and power.
For those on a mid-range budget looking for a high-quality subwoofer for their home theater system, the SVS PB-2000 and SVS SB-2000 are two options worthy of consideration. CAUTION: While still not top-tier pricing, these are still not cheap. They are also aimed for listening pleasure and not critical listening. For a cheaper alternative, we recommend checking out the Logitech Z623 instead. And audio-pros looking for a subwoofer for their music-production studio might want to have a look at KRKS8.4.
In summary, the SVS PB-2000 and SVS SB-2000 both offer very good value for money. The impressive build quality and compact form make them a great choice, especially for smaller to mid-sized rooms (for which they are suited best). The SB-2000 is the smaller and less expensive of the two and gives you a more compact sound. The SVS PB-2000 gives you more power but also takes up more space.
Let me tell you something right off the bat.
Room acoustics, particularly room dimensions and speaker positioning, will have an immense effect on sound quality.
The impact of the combination of these two is actually so strong that in most cases, it doesn't even make sense to utter a single word on sound quality without speaking of them.
This is why I'd hiiiiiiighly recommend you to check out this simple, 2D, online speaker placement calculator.
It's GOOOOLLLDDDDD. I've had an Acoustics & Audio PhD build this tool specifically for this purpose:
Default values:
- Ceiling height: 106 inches or 8 feet 10 inches or 2.70 meters
- Most standard ceiling height
- Listener's height: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Average height of a sitting person
Central heights of speakers (measured from the ground) and examples to them:
- Soundbars: 30 inches or 2 feet 6 inches or 0.75 meters
- 8", 10" or 12" Subwoofers: 8 inches or 0.20 meters
- 360 degree speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Horizontal speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Floor standing speakers: 20 inches or 1 feet 8 inches or 0.50 meters
- Bookshelf speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Center speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
Side note: This tool can and will return inaccurate results for small, portable Bluetooth speakers such as JBL's Go Series. It will, however, deliver just fine for more powerful, packed bluetooth speakers such as this one.
ASAP Science made a video on the loudest and quietest rooms in the world. A mind blowing example of the importance of acoustics (time adjusted video).
Other parameters such as the age/materials of the building, the furniture & carpets in place, etc can and will, of course, have an effect on room acoustics, too. But much less.
Also...
Did you know you could also virtually hear any speaker online?
Crutchfield had recently created a tool that virtually simulates the sounds of many different speakers; such as those of SVS, Klipsch, KEF and B&W. Nothing will, of course, beat hearing the speakers in reality. But I'd still recommend you to give it a shot.
While you're at it, blast my Hidden Electronic Gems list to test them:
Anyways...
Design
A black, matte-grain vinyl finish is the staple design on both subwoofers. Both also come with a removable metal grille.
A bright blue LED lights up when the subwoofer is turned on. This can't be turned off and might be a little too bright for some. But it does add a mild futuristic touch to the otherwise conservative look that can be appealing.
The primary differences between the two boxes are:
- The size and weight.
- The SVS SB-2000 is sealed while the PB-2000 is ported.
SVS SB-2000
The SVS SB-2000 is sized just right enough to enclose the driver and amp. It weighs in at 35lbs. The size to performance ratio is impressive, making a strong case in point for those looking for powerful bass without overkill in smaller spaces.
SVS PB-2000
The SVS PB-2000, on the other hand, comes with a front-firing port. This makes it easier to place. And gives it a lot more power and deeper bass. Even though the rest of the components are similar to its sibling, the added materials in the construction make it heavier (it weighs in at 66lbs).
SVS also has a Speaker System Builder where you may choose from pre-selected systems or custom build your own by selecting any combination of SVS speakers and subwoofers.
Sound
When it comes to subwoofers, the sound is only as good as where you place it in the room. Bass frequencies are technically non-directional, but placing them randomly will not get you optimal results.
As aforementioned, the SVS PB-2000 is the better bet for this due to its ported design. It is also considerably more powerful (see specs below).
That being said, the SVS SB-2000's slick, compact size and more restrained volume gives it its own set of advantages in this regard. The 12-inch high-output driver seems tuned optimally to its 500-watt RMS amplifier to give you a good, clean balance between bass response and power.
The SVS PB-2000 (see image) comes with a front-firing port. This makes it easier to place. And gives it a lot more power and deeper bass. Even though the rest of the components are similar to its sibling, the added materials in the construction make it heavier (it weighs in at 66lbs).
Specs:
SVS SB-2000
Dimensions: 14.6″ (H) x 14.2″ (W) x 15.4″ (D)
Weight: 34.8 lbs.
Frequency Response: 19-220 Hz ±3 dB
SVS PB-2000
Dimensions: 20.9″ (H) 17.3″ (W) 23.2″ (D)
Weight: 65.6 lbs.
Frequency Response: 17-260 Hz ±3 dB
Connectivity
Back panels on both subwoofers include an array of controls and connections. These include volume, Low Pass Filter, phase, and stereo-level inputs and outputs connecting to your devices and speakers. In addition to a socket for a detachable power cord and on/off switch.
Find the perfect subwoofer for your speakers using the SVS Subwoofer Matching Tool.
Price
The SVS SB-2000 is available at $699, and the SVS PB-2000 for $799 (please check your local dealers for offers).
Verdict
In conclusion, this is how the SVS PB-2000 and SVS SB-2000 stack up against each other:
- Design: Tie. But the SVS SB-2000 is more compact.
- Sound: The SVS PB-2000 is more powerful and the SVS SB-2000 more restrained.
- Connectivity: Tie.
- Price: The SVS SB-2000 costs lesser.