Foreword / YouTube Video Review

The review on this website is a brief overview and summary of the objective performance of this speaker. It is not intended to be a deep dive. More so, this is information for those who prefer “just the facts” and prefer to have the data without the filler.

However, for those who want more - a more detailed explanation of the objective performance, and my subjective evaluation (what I heard, what I liked, etc) - please watch the below video where I go more in-depth. Additionally, my CEA-2010 test results can be viewed directly via my Google Sheet here.

Information and Photos

Both the SVS SB-2000 Pro and SB-3000 subwoofers are relatively compact subwoofers with serious output.

The SB-2000 Pro features a 12-inch driver with 550 Watts RMS, 1,500+ Watts peak power Sledge amplifier with fully discrete MOSFET output, and SVS subwoofer DSP smartphone app in a compact cabinet measuring roughly 15-inches on all sides.

The SB-3000 features an all-new first ever 13-inch high-excursion SVS driver and 800 watts RMS, 2,500+ watts peak power Sledge amplifier with fully discrete MOSFET output. Its deep and thunderous low frequency output with revealing clarity and flawless tonal accuracy delights hardcore audiophiles and home theater fans alike. Measuring just over 15-inches cubed, the SB-3000 outperforms much larger subwoofers and takes command of a room sonically without taking over visually.

They both feature SVS’ built-in DSP with Bluetooth integration. This feature allows you to use an app from your phone - from the comfort of your seated position - to control volume, adjust settings such as high-pass filter, phase, 3-bands of Parametric EQ and other features. I really, really love this feature and it is, in my humble opinion, something that sets the SVS line apart from other subwoofers.

Another “feature” about SVS is their longstanding customer service marks, 5-year warranty and 45-day return “risk-free in-home trial”.

The price for each varies depending on finish. I tested the gloss white SB-2000 Pro and the gloss black SB-3000. I have listed the prices (as of this review) below:

• SB-2000 Pro: $799 (black ash), $899 (gloss)
• SB-3000: $999 (black ash), $1099 (gloss)

Here are some photos of the Bluetooth application:

Test Setup/Conditions:

For test setup and conditions please view my discussion on this page.

Frequency Response

The below frequency responses were taken with all DSP options disabled, volume at maximum and 0.05v RMS input in to the LFE channel. You can see the SB-2000 Pro has a more linear frequency response while the SB-3000 has a rise in the higher-frequency response until approximately 160Hz where both subwoofers begin to trail off.

Group Delay

“Room Gain Compensation”

The below provides an idea of how the integrated DSP’s “room gain compensation” feature works. As you can see, depending on the chosen frequency, the low-frequency response is rolled off earlier than the subwoofer naturally rolls off. This might be ideal for those who have a very small room and get exaggerated bass or have neighbors who they do not want to bother with very low frequency effects.

CEA-2010 Test Results

CEA-2010A results can be viewed directly here.

Parting / Random Thoughts

I encourage you to watch my YouTube review for more details but a quick few notes:

• At only $200 more, the SB-3000 represents the better value, in my humble opinion. It isn’t much larger than the SB-2000 Pro and it has considerably more output capability. However, the SB-3000 might be overkill for most. My living room (which is where I demoed these subwoofers) is about 20x20 feet but is open to the kitchen, the dining room and the hallway. So, effectively, my living room is considerably larger than the dimensions indicate. Still, I found the SB-2000 Pro to be ample for music listening in my room, as there is a room mode that boosts the response about 6dB at 30Hz. For movies with LFE below 25Hz, though, the SB-3000 proved more useful. So, it really is up to you as to what makes the most sense. If you do want very LFE and/or you don’t have the benefit of room gain (large room or bad placement), then the SB-3000 is the better option. If you have a smaller room and/or you don’t need very low frequency output then the SB-2000 Pro will be just fine. And, remember, 2 subs are always better than one. So, it might even make more sense to purchase two of the SB-2000 Pro (if it is within your budget).
• Listening to these in my living room, they paired great with a variety of speakers. From the Kef R3 to the JBL HDI-3800.
• With the variety of DSP features in these subwoofers, there really is no reason why someone could not get a very nice response in their listening position. I highly recommend you taking the time to download Room EQ Wizard and using the MiniDSP UMIK-1 (or UMIK-2) in order to help you match the subwoofer(s) to the main speakers.
• The built-in Bluetooth of these subwoofers in conjunction with the BT app (for iPhone and Android) makes it incredibly easy to dial in the sound to your liking. Even from the comfort of your couch. Which means no getting up from your seat and going back and forth between the amp and your seat to get the sound just right. This is a feature that is incredibly useful. That said, some users may prefer to use a room correction program such as Dirac Live which then diminishes the need for the built-in DSP of the SVS subwoofers.
• There was no audible mechanical resonance and no indication of this in the data.
• I was quite impressed with both subwoofers and would recommend them to anyone in the market for a subwoofer with plenty of output down to 30Hz. And with room gain, these should be able to satisfy most listener’s needs. If you need ultra-low output, though, then you may want to consider a larger woofer and/or ported design.

As stated in the Foreword, this written review is purposely a cliff’s notes version. For more details about the performance (objectively and subjectively) please watch the YouTube video.

Support / Contribute

If you like what you see here and want to help me keep it going, please consider donating via the PayPal Contribute button located below. Donations help me pay for new items to test, hardware, miscellaneous items and costs of the site’s server space and bandwidth. All of which I otherwise pay out of pocket. So, if you can help chip in a few bucks, know that it’s very much appreciated.

Alternatively, if you plan to purchase these speakers please consider using my affiliate links below as it helps me gain a small commission at no additional cost to you which all goes toward me being able to continue providing these reviews.

Purchase via SVS Directly:

SB-2000 Pro:

SB-3000:

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