SVS SB3000 and PB3000-First look
SVS SB3000
SVS PB3000
3000 Series Bass Driver
All Images Credit SVS.
Introduction
I have owned and continued to use SVS subs for more than a decade. My current line up is two PB12NSD’s and two SB2000’s (in the same room), and I couldn’t be more happy. For me SVS is the Oppo of the sub world. They provide a great product that is really well built, performs exceptionally well, is very reliable and SVS provides both excellent before and after sales service. So I was intrigued to have a first look at their latest 3000 series subs.
The new subs aptly named the 3000 series fits right between the current lower cost 2000 and high end 4000 series. With a price range between $1000 to $1400 SVS can now supply a wide range of cost effective and high end subs to meet all tastes from $500 to $2500 for the top of the line 16-Ultra Series.
Both 3000 versions are driven by the same 800 watt RMS amplifier and use the same 13″ long throw driver. The most noticeable difference between these two subs is their size and weight with the PB weighing in at 82.2lbs. a full 27.7lbs. more than the SB. The more expensive PB also provides a few additional control ‘bells and whistles’ and the ability to adjust its tuning. With its feature set, new driver and power amplifier the 3000 series provides many of the features that the top end 4000 offers.
The 3000 series is all new from the ground up. The newly designed long throw driver uses a 25 lb. dual magnet ferrite motor with a 13” aluminum cone and a newly developed voice coil that provides a more linear throw. This new design also improves voice coil heat dissipation helping to reduce the drivers thermal compression behavior, a re-designed and stiffened enclosures and an updated 800 watt amplifier that supports a sub-control application.
New Control Features
Neither sub has any front surface controls. Instead they sport an ergonomically friendly and clean control layout on the rear amplifier plate called the ‘Intelligent Control Interface’ (ICI). There are several push buttons and a meter that can be assigned to show volume, phase, and low-pass filter settings, but for more extensive control users will need the smartphone app.
3000 series Rear Panel
The plate amplifier is a scaled down version of the one used in the 4000 series. It is the same class-D design with discrete MOSFETs’ and DSP engine running on a 50 MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP chip with 56bit filtering. The SVS Subwoofer Control App provides:
- Control the volume down to one dB of precision
- Low-pass filter control from 30 Hz to 200 Hz down to individual hertz frequency precision
- Low-pass filter slopes of 6, 12, 18, and 24 dB/ octave
- Phase control from 0° to 180° selectable down to individual degrees
- Room compensation response curve selectable from 25 Hz, 31 Hz, or 40 Hz
- Room compensation slopes of 12 or 6 dB/ octave slope
- A 3-band parametric equalizer with which the user can adjust the bass response to their taste using the app.
Lets not forget the port tuning for the PB3000 providing two different LF roll-off chanteristics.
To PB or SB, That Is The Question?
With its much larger cabinet the PB3000 will provide a stronger bass output and of course it provides you with a degree of port tuning but only comes in black ash. Its greater output, two modes of operation and additional features make it suitable for large rooms of typically 5,000+ cuft. For those of you with a smaller room of 3000+ cuft and a restricted budget the SB3000 will, I am sure, do you proud. It also comes in both high gloss piano black (a $100 surcharge) and black ash.
The question is just how many of each do you want?
Remember that SVS offer a 45-day risk-free trial with free return shipping and with the SVS bill of rights how can you go wrong?
- 45 day risk-free in-home trial
- Fast and free shipping and returns
- 5-year unconditional warranty
- Low price guarantee
- Pre-purchase SVS Sound experts advice and support
- 1-year trade-up policy
- Lifetime SVS Sound experts technical support
- 1-year performance upgrade
- Direct line to the president
- 90-day defective replacement guarantee
- 1-year “no-lemon” guarantee
- Our product promise
- 60-day guaranteed price protection
Both subs have the same plate amplifier and sub design:
Driver Spec
- All New Proprietary 13” high-excursion SVS 3000 Series Subwoofer Driver.
- SVS first flat edge wound split-wind voice coil provides maximum magnetics at high excursion while reducing mass and improving overall driver efficiency. Built around a premium grade 2” polyimide impregnated fiberglass former for maximum thermal conductivity.
- Two massive, dedicated toroidal ferrite magnets generate unparalleled levels of magnetic force to drive the highest levels of excursion, SPL, and start/go power for the deepest and most authoritative bass possible.
Amp Spec
- Massively powerful Sledge STA-800D2 DSP 800-watt continuous Class D design with 2,500+ watts of Peak Power.
- High efficiency cool-running Class-D switching topology with massive 25 Amp 600 Volt MOSFET’s result in lower EMI and highest efficiency while providing effortless power to produce SPLs and low frequency output with pristine clarity well beyond reference listening levels.
- High resolution 50Mhz Analog Devices Audio DSP with double precision 56bit filtering is the most advanced subwoofer processor available for perfect audio reproduction.
SB3000
Sub Spec
- 18-270Hz ± 3 dB
- Dimensions (w/ grille): 15.6” H X 15.2” W X 17.8” D
- Dimensions (without grille): 15.6” H X 15.2” W X 15.7” D
- Weight unboxed 54.5lbs
PB3000
Sub Spec
- 16-260 Hz +/- 3 dB (standard mode)
- 18-260 Hz +/- 3 dB (sealed mode)
- Dimensions (w/ grille): 21.9” H X 18.3” W X 26” D
- Dimensions (without grille): 21.9” H X 18.3” W X 23.5” D
- Weight Unboxed 82.2lbs.
Additional Features – Sub Control App
- A powerful and flexible Bluetooth controlled subwoofer DSP app, works with both iOS and Android operating systems.
- Easiest and most convenient way to adjust crossover frequencies, parametric EQ, polarity, room gain and all other bass management functions.
- Three convenient custom presets allow for perfect tuning in any room or system, from your favorite seat.
For further information check out the following links:
