SVS 3000 Micro CEA-2010 Results!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Purchase: Amazon: amzn.to/3PLNTqy Audio Advice: www.audioadvice.com/?referral=erins-audio-corner Best Buy: howl.me/ckCCe6kvxNg Crutchfield: howl.me/ckDpeCvmVQq

[@kingtubbyleeperry]

Thanks Erin. It would be nice of SVS would make some larger dual opposed subwoofers, with dual 12 or 15 inch units.

[@HiFinest343]

I have a feeling they’re working on that. I asked a question about that in a live stream and Ed said “we don’t talk about our developments, but is the 3000 scalable, yes, am I going to say more than that? No”. I was like ok so dual 15”?? Lol

[@TokeBoisen]

​@@HiFinest343it would be logical for them to use existing driver sizes, so maybe we'll get a proper dual-driver SB3000 or 2000

[@HiFinest343]

@@TokeBoisen I think a dual 13.5” will be their flagship, if I had to guess. The enclosure will be too large for the dual 15”. They have high standards for design, a flagship piece will demand the 8” voice coil they have on the bigger units, so that’ll take up kore space. Maybe a single magnet like the KC62? I dunno but I imagine it’ll be similar to Arendal if they do something like that. It’s time though. The 16 ultra is getting long in the tooth!

[@TokeBoisen]

@@HiFinest343, it would be the next step for SVS. The DSP-tech and app from the 16-Ultra has trickled down through the entire range, and they have shown several designs now using dual drivers (3000 Micro and In-Wall). Plus there are several advantages to dual-driver subwoofers compared to a similar-output single-driver design, though it comes with its own limitations and compromises as well. SVS stood for a long time as THE subwoofer-brand, but recent increased competition in all segments and their own prices creeping up has put a bit of a damper on that. It'll be interesting to see if they think a dual 13.5" or dual 12" design are feasible.

[@HiFinest343]

@@TokeBoisen agreed on all fronts. Good point on the 3000 micro and in wall being dual drivers. I have dual in-walls with the single amp and it lights up my home gym. Absolutely love it, they know what they’re doing with these duals.

[@Stephane.French.Catholic.An.33]

Good morning ! I bought this little SVS 3000 and I find it superb in terms of sound, finish and above all, as you say, the range of adjustments that can be made with its super stable and reliable application. I connected it to the sub output of my Ambeo Plus soundbar and the bass management is superb. After some time spent finding the right setting that suits me, I arrived at a great linear bass result from 25Hz to 64Hz at 90dB ! the minimal output of SVS says 23Hz is at 85.2dB so -4.8dB ! so great ! Here my settings below: VOLUME 0dB mode LFE phasing 0°+ EQ 31 -7.8 4.5 EQ 56 -4 5.3 EQ 44 2 2 Thanks for your video test about this fabulous micro sub, Have a Very Nice New Year ! look at you from Reunion Island ! is far far away 😁😉

[@catherinelugg4321]

Erin, thanks so much for this review. Per usual, your data are quite compelling. I actually run 2 SVS 3000 Micro subs, one in our living room, the other in my office/listening space. For me, the SVS wins for one simple reason--it's good enough AND weighs under 25 pounds (I think). So, I use it with two-way mains (lighter for my back) and each sub fills in since I listen to scads of classical music, including organ. My wife was SKEPTICAL about the need for a black box, and then I played an album by Ken Cowan to show her the difference between with and without. She about fell out of her chair. For music geeks who listen to orchestral music, I do think a sub is critical. Thanks again for showing the data on both the SVS and KEF. Yeah, the KEF is better, but too heavy for me. I'll be moving to dual sub configurations once the home renovations are complete (in 2024).

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for sharing that information! Yes, the SVS is noticeably lighter. Pretty sure KEF filled the KC62 with lead. 😂 I think products like this are are great way for people to understand the necessity of a subwoofer. It’s one of those “don’t know what you’re missing” scenarios. Larger subs were the only way to get good bass but with the improvement of smaller subs like this - especially when running multiples - having bass is now very accessible.

[@petercoldwell7210]

I recently purchased one of these to replace an older sub that went into melt-down. Using a Dspeaker anti-mode 8033 to EQ out the room resonances the end result is a nice tight and even bass response. The SVS website also has suggested settings to use with their app for particular speakers which, along with the Dspeaker, helps to get very close to the ideal settings quickly.

[@gabrielmease1169]

Purchased the SVS 3000 micro. Having the app is a game changer. Even better than I expected.

[@Kevin-xd5ww]

Pretty neat, I've never considered a small subwoofer but now it looks like quality small subwoofers are becoming more of a thing.

[@billythestalker]

Erin, I owned the micro along with at least 4 other subs, all used in the same setup and location. Furthermore, I used Dirac to calibrate my system and had a good handle on what was happening with the frequency response. This was the only sub I couldn’t get along with. It sounded terrible for music. I returned it. Point is, I heard what you said about sound quality and think you should try some listening tests. There is much more to subs than just frequency response and output. I hope that one day you do some experiments and provide your feedback. 😊

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’ve been at this for a while now. I rarely talk about myself, but if there is one thing, I’m consistently good at one thing I’m really good at is integrating subwoofers. So despite the fact I don’t talk about how they sound, I always listen and work to get the best integration I can. The problem is, I would say the vast majority of people haven’t had the experience or the time to use DSP with features such as filters, eat you at all, pass filters to really understand how to properly integrate subwoofers into their system. So then I’m left with explaining the basics of frequency response and SPL capabilities because that’s really all people seem to listen for. I would love to create a video on subwoofer integration, but it’s a topic that is much better demonstrated live so people can hear the changes in real time. I have helped many people with subwoofer integration in person. However, I have yet to figure out a way to do it over KZbin.

[@ghostpimp]

I like how you explain about how different subwoofers will sound different in everyone room

[@DaM8trix1]

Awesome. Very technical and informative video. Has helped me with a final decision. I’m down for two SVSs now.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Glad I could help!

[@DearSX]

Thank you for the data, I had both, kept the SVS cause I got it on sale for $750 from SVS. I like the Kef a little better, but the SVS if more durable around kids cause of the grill. Also its great to have EQ, although really I don't even use my sub cause I've been too lazy to set it up and out of the box in my room it kinda sucks.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for the donation. I really appreciate that.

[@ravington666]

Thanks, can't wait for the KEF KF92 results !

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Coming soon!

[@davidhoover2446]

I find group delay/phase makes a massive difference on subwoofers and not a lot of people talk about it.

[@beaveronabike]

I had the opportunity to try out a few of SVS's options at CEDIA this year. They're making impressive products. According to the rep I talked to, they're selling more speakers than anyone else in the industry. Oh, and love the shirt :)

[@commanderrussels2612]

Great review. Can nearly get two SVSs for the price of the Kef. SVS has such great customer service too... I think I'd go SVS even though the Kef looks great.

[@HiFinest343]

I run dual 3000 micros to augment my mains, 705s2’s, running full range with 80hz xo for the subs. This is how I run my 2ch listening in that room, then also have dual 13 ultras with the 4000 amp upgrade, and a single 2000 pro. Yes there’s a lot of bass.

[@puddleduckist]

Two nice compact subs. I have the svs SB 3000 hooked up to my small home theater and it's a great powerful sub!

[@haloharry97]

I own 3000 micro, what you said anout room is 100% true, In my original room, it sounded shit. I moved to another room, it sounded amazing.

[@avnut5517]

I suspected the results would pan out this way. Great to see the verification. I am looking forward your next test and review!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@MechAdv]

I was planning on buying 2 micros the next time SVS had their outlet sale. Usually you can get a pair for around or just under 1500$. Then I had the opportunity to pick up a PC2000 Pro boom tube for 400$(plus some elbow grease in trade), and snapped it up. That thing produces some incredible lung pressure for movie sound effects, but it’s really boomy for music in my room. It’s in the one place that it fits without rearranging the whole space. I’m wondering if the dual micros would perform better for mixed usage to be honest.

[@DjBunito]

Now the KF92, thanks Erin for your work!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You bet!

[@raybensinger8383]

I wanna see the kef kf92 thats what im intrested in 4 of them kef is on a roll lately ls60 is amazeing u need to get that in for testing thanks for all your hard work erin

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I just posted it to my Patreon page for early viewing.

[@wallycunningham5090]

I'm looking for lots of that "chocolatey bottom end", what would be best?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Try an enema. That should help. 😂😂

[@docwho10th88]

HSU VTF 15 MK2. it will squeeze the chocolatey goodness" out of your body and get rid of all of your pets and rats at the same time...plus break a few windows.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Probably a ported design with a single large woofer, or at least one with a passive radiator. Both the KF62 and SVS 3000 Micro are sealed box designs with two small woofer drivers for tight and more accurate bass (and less TP).

[@Mark-rw3kw]

As far as a "chocolatey bottom end" Schitt Audio doesn't make speakers or sub-woofers yet (only electronics), but maybe some day.

[@mikelanier5617]

​@docwho10th88 I had 2 of those in my last house and they were remarkable! 16 hz pipe organ notes literally caused damage in my theater 😊 We live in a 40ft. 5th wheel now and switched over to 2) SVS SB3000 subs and they are excellent for both music and movies. Very small after owning the HSU "end tables" 😂 and perfect for our small space. 👌

[@ivanbogdaue]

I had this dilemma two years ago and, although where I live, price difference is not so big, I still opted for SVS 3000 Micro. In my opinion, for such small subwoofers, bass above 40Hz is more important than bass below 40Hz which is quite low anyway. Mobile app was also important factor for me. And yes, I do have locations in my room where bass is so boomy and some where it is almost non existing.

[@idray986]

It would be cool if you could test the KC62 simultaneously with Kef LS50 Wireless 2 plugged into the back dedicated lfe in its factory config and run it as its full range mode and see what happened as far as frequency response.

[@NeilBlanchard]

As I commented on the KEF sub review you did - the lack of continuous phase control with that unit, makes it a non-starter, I think. The SVS having that control on the app - is a big plus. Dialing this in - is (almost) everything as far as setting a sub up well.

[@razisn]

Have been using RELs lacking that continuous phase control for listening to 2-channel music with high end speakers for years now and I can't say I have missed that phase control. Maybe if one crosses the subs too high or uses them with very small satellite speakers but other than that it has not been my impression that such phase control has much to add. It just confuses people and makes setup more complex.

[@homeboi808]

@@razisnMore complex? It’s the same concept, you have a helper adjust the control until it sounds best (or you use a measurement mic and test tones). It may take a little extra time but that’s all. For the premium REL charges they could at least add it.

[@jaystarr6571]

Dirac Live will probably help.

[@idray986]

Huge Kef fan here, i had a strong feeling about this one and can't wait for the KF92, heck maybe someone here can send erin the reference 8b. However I usually recommend the two svs 3000 over the kc62. When that's all the budget permits. Would i love two 8bs or 2 kf92s , hell yeah but im also pretty happy with my two used 2000sb that i have paired with my Demo Reference 5 that Erin could always test if he wanted to. Keep up the great work!

[@anaxa4883]

No matter where I place them, PA subwoofers always hit way harder than home theater subs. The light cone and rigid surround makes a huge difference

[@sudd3660]

i only had one PA woofer in a subwoofer, but i do agree that those PA have a sound to them that is enticing. if you can compare directly between same size driver and both sealed box, then REW measurement and see if it shows up in the graph. i have some guesses that explain the difference in sound, lighter cone creates a earlier roloff at the low frequencies, that makes things sound more tactile in the upper bass. if you have dsp and make them have the same frequency response it makes them sound alike. then i rather pick a oversized PA driver even tho it has less excursion, generally half of a common subwoofer driver. if that makes sense, cone area over excursion, but about the same air displacement.

[@anaxa4883]

@@sudd3660 I actually own a sealed 8inch home theater sub with the typical flexible surrounds. Given the driver size, yes, it does play higher frequencies much better giving it more mid bass kick than your typical 12inch home theater sub. But it's still nothing like a PA woofer. I don't think frequency response measurements tell the whole story. When listening to bassy music like rap or EDM, a small heavy woofer with flexible surrounds ends up flopping around uncontrollably when there's a lot going on in the music. That makes the bass sound soft and muddy. Those very lightweight yet large PA woofers barely move and keep their composure much better it seems.

[@matiaserp]

Curious to see the KEF KF92 compared to those 2 as well. Great reviews.

[@KimmoJaskari]

The 92 is in an entirely different category though.

[@StCreed]

How much distortion of audible depends on the frequency. At the very low frequencies you're a good listener if you can hear 40% THD.

[@p_mouse8676]

So you can basically get two of those for the price of one KEF. In a multi-sub setup, with delays etc, that is even better. That way you can get rid of those pesky room modes. (you can already do that with two subs on opposite walls, see Floyd Toole's book) That was I was trying to say with the previous video. Still would like to see distortion / Klippel measurements :)

[@Swagory]

I had this exact question!

[@kurtzcol]

me two thanks

[@gabrielmease1169]

I'm putting a 5.1.2 home theater system in a small living room and am using Cambridge Audio MINX 22's (I have wanted to play with the BMR drivers in a small space for a long time, but they only play down to 120 Hz). I find it interesting that the SVS transitions better over 150Hz than the smaller KEF. My experience is that opposing drivers give better placement flexibility, so with size and placement being paramount, the KEF and the SVS seem like my only good options. Just ordered everything from Audio Advice using your referral link.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, I appreciate you using that link. Please be sure to write back in. Let me know how it all works out for you in the end. I really like follow follow up to see if people are satisfied with their purchases and if they’re not what I can do better to help in the future.

[@avgeek8810]

Thanks Erin!

[@KimmoJaskari]

I would hope the KEF was a little better, since it's much more expensive. But there's also the factor that sealed SVS subs like the SB 2000 Pro or SB 3000 are only slightly larger, and may just produce more.

[@AlbertKel]

Slightly? What are you smoking.

[@demonreturns4336]

⁠@@AlbertKeland he said ‘may’ just produce more My guy definitely smoking something 😂

[@bokramubokramu8834]

Please review the 1000 and 2000 pro

[@michaelrobinson9643]

How do you demonstrate the dynamic capability of a subwoofer - as in how it manages instantaneous change. How fast and how well controlled (overshoot or undershoot)? In control systems I use an impulse response measurement but I'm not sure what comparison would be useful to give us a sense of how tight and controlled the bass will be and to what extent that control exists...

[@razisn]

Obviously according to him, these are qualities that don't matter.. so all subs are the same as long as they can attain the same spl with similar frequency response. Which is bs in my book.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

^ Never said that. In fact… The CEA-2010 is a tone burst measurement. Which accounts for instantaneous distortion and compression. The FR indicates the system Q. So you can use these methods to ascertain dynamics and sound quality to a very large degree. The final result, though, is down to integration with your system. For example, it doesn’t matter how good the subwoofer is if it is set up out of phase with your mains.

[@hu._-]

Hi Erin, do you think DSP may be trying to filter out leaking 60Hz line noise? That dip is not designed in and doesn't show up in earlier plots I've seen for the Micros.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

It’s possible but I doubt that’s the case. I tested 6 other subwoofers that day and none of them exhibited this behavior. You mentioned other’s measurements. Are they anechoic? In-room measurements would easily mask these things.

[@jkfotonet]

Love your analytical comparison. Kef's probably 10% better but it's almost 2x the price because SVS is have a massive 30% off for the micros. Ordering 2 x micros as we speak, for my hifi only setup. cheers

[@sudd3660]

pretty in-depth review, would be nice if you added signal processing delay measurement, if it is too large then subwoofer integration to mains might become an issue.

[@MaMuSlol]

Yeah I've got a polk hts-12 and that thing has about 26ms of delay. Is that a common amount of delay for subs?

[@sudd3660]

@@MaMuSlol i have no idea, i know there are some active speakers that have above 100ms and those have a low latency toggle. i am guessing it harder to measure for ported , increasing delay due to port. maybe a measurement for the highest frequency it can play to get a baseline delay and one for the most common crossover frequency.

[@Arthax83]

Really apprechiate your work! ❤ From my understanding, as you said, every subwoofer will sound different depending on room etc. I was debating the SVS Micro 3000 or SVS SB-1000 Pro - I went with the Pro. Do you objectivley made the right decision? Its in our 25 square meter livingroom.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I don’t believe I’ve seen results for the SB-1000 but odds are it gets lower than the 3000 Micro. Thank you very much for the donation! It helps a lot.

[@outolempinimi5165]

For SVS underwhelming (rather non-existing) infrasonic (below 20Hz) performance. It’s not only about movies but also music (modern and classical, namely pipe organ) that utilises these frequencies. For considerable less money you can get a traditional budget subwoofer like Klipsch and EQ it with a DSP (if not having a low reaching PEQ from the source). IMO only reason to get these kind of micro-subwoofers is either room size limitations or significant other factors.

[@TheDenix8]

It would be interesting to test if there's any truth to some reviewers saying they couldn't integrate well some of higher end, tight/fast sounding speakers with subwoofers until going to those smaller models, especially KEF KC62 (and to some degree SVS 3000 MICRO). What metric could be used to test that? Hmm

[@br1878]

That was my experience. A part of me wonders if it really just comes down to being easier to control the output of a smaller woofer. But if that the case, in room measurements should remove this discrepancy, should it not?

[@joentell]

Good stuff!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks, Joe!

[@kartikk127]

How does these compare to the SVS sb1000?

[@sportsmachinerr1401]

I'm looking to buy 1 maybe 2, SVS 3000 Micro's as i want a compact solution to use along side my Focal Aria 926's to boost the lows. Good Idea or are there a better options? Listening volume around 75dbc avg, occasionally 100dbc peak.

[@iscbts70]

If you get the chance, add the Goldenear Supersub X and XXL to your list. Similar design

[@whatfreedom7]

If I’m looking into one of these for a small room say 11x11ish and in a corner is it going to hurt the sound considering it’s firing sideways?

[@BuffSquadBigBenni]

Thanks Erin

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

You bet!

[@danielezzet8870]

Going to show those gym results in the kef kf92 thumbnail

[@1337sim1]

Amazing review! Thank you Erin. How would I contact to help you test in the klippel powered speakers with woth ARC input?

[@gaurd3]

Spl difference over the lover end is going to be more apparent. Personally for 900 dollars I would skip the micro and go with another brand. Not getting much anymore with svs.

[@mrkim5644]

2 svs 3000 micro’s is my future sub choice. Might match it with the sevens or the nines.

[@GREGBT69]

Great video and informative. Though... do spl is considered to be more important than distortion level?

[@FOH3663]

Re: the 65hz varying dip, interesting, I too cant understand what's at play there if that shaping is baked in. Any further thoughts/considerations?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m not sure to be honest. I thought about it and I just don’t know if it’s something in the tuning relative to the FS of the drivers combined with the enclosure size and DSP or some sort of drive unit resonance. I see little wiggles and some of these other subwoofers, but I’ve not seen anything with them that looks quite like this particular one.

[@bencarignan2711]

I can see the room influencing the response curve, but wouldnt things like bass detail and tightness exist independent of the room influence.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

They do. But the only way those are independent other room is if you’re not listening in a room. Once that subwoofer goes into the room, the response will change and where it may have had tightness before, it may now be booming. That’s why it’s important to have anechoic data to see what’s going on with the speaker to help you better plan your system. For example, I care about linearity and SPL. As long as the Subwoofer behaves linearly I can reliably equalize the response in my room. And as long as there is enough output capability, then I know if I can comfortably equalize some issues out or maybe add a little bit, depending on how the room influences the response.

[@peterpida1840]

You know what? I would be veeeery curious for measurements of Devialet Phantom Gold. And for power drawn too :D

[@Hope4NewDay1]

The KEF isn't cool enough for $1500 when compared to $900.

[@rikardekvall3433]

Great Erin. Spoiling us! But, how do I measure my down firing subwoofer with a big round port on the side?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Same way you measure any subwoofer. As long as you’re at least a few feet away, it won’t make a difference at all.

[@rikardekvall3433]

@@ErinsAudioCorner thanks man! So no need to flip over the sub, woofer facing mic, but only leave it as is and measure?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@rikardekvall3433 correct. 👍

[@Audio_Simon]

Thanks for another video! When you compare FR at different output levels, would you be able to scale it to overlay them? I would find it easier to see how the response changes.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I can. I just like to show these at their true SPL so the numbers are absolute rather than relative. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind for the final “shootout” style video. Thanks!

[@juliangst]

I don't really get the reason for getting those micro subs. They just have terrible value when you look at the performance for the price. A good 12" or 10" like SB1000 Pro is not only cheaper but also performs a lot better than those micro subs (88dB at 20Hz) while being barely larger (~35cm side length cube vs 28cm cube with the micro). For office near field setups where space is really limited and you don't need much SPL those micro subs might be a good choice but I wouldn't run them in a living room setup.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I don’t personally see the use for them, but there must be a market for them because they are producing them and more companies are making them. So those people are the ones that I hope are seeing these videos.

[@erkkijaakkopetteri]

I wouldn't call 25% larger in each direction and double the volume "barely larger". Lots of people fit this into cabinets or corners where they just don't have the choice.

[@eetu2532]

You pay premium for the size for sure. A lot of people (at least here in Nothern Europe) have TV cabinets that are only ~30cm deep nowadays and want a sub that fits either next to it or inside the unit.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Both the KF62 and SVS 3000 Micro are sealed box designs with two small woofer drivers for tight and more accurate bass than a single large driver. If you look at very high-end tower speakers, most of them have at least 2 woofer drivers instead of one larger woofer driver for the same reason.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@eetu2532 One should not put the SVS 3000 Micro or the KF62 into a cabinet since they both have dual opposing woofer drivers, and at least one driver would be facing a cabinet wall, which is obviously less than ideal (to put it mildly). Not just talking about one woofer and one passive radiator, but two active woofers.

[@kenjohnson7682]

Any chance you could review the Bowers & Wilkins DB3D dual 8” sub? I know it’s considerably more expensive, but it might be worth it if the specs on their website hold up under testing. They claim 10Hz - 350 Hz -3dB (centered on level at 100Hz). Real

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d be willing to but I’d have to acquire it.

[@davidhoover2446]

Those subs don’t get nearly loud enough for me. Plus, they roll off hard. I enjoy an extended low end.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

I hope you also review the emotiva se8!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m not saying I will not, but it’s not in the plans right now. I think after I finish up this round of small subwoofers, I’m going to move on to something else for a little while.

[@ChihuAudioMan]

Does the DSP protect the sub from bottoming out?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Yes.

[@bluematrix5001]

The REL HT/1003 MKII is a great sub for $700

[@demonreturns4336]

😂

[@AndrewDCDrummond]

Seems a bit wrong having the subs output so much above 100Hz, as if you go any higher you will need two subs as you can place where > 100Hz is coming from.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That's what you'd use a low-pass filter on your pre-amp for. :)

[@AndrewDCDrummond]

@@ErinsAudioCorner but why have the sub capable of such high output, unless you are pandering to people that miss the old Bose Acoustimass systems. You would set the upper crossover and slope on the sub though normally, would you not? Not many high end hifi preamplifiers have hi or low pass filters so you would be limiting your market by relying on that.

[@shaymcquaid]

Thanks!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you!

[@stackoverflow8260]

Can you please do a review of Rythmik FM8?

[@Synthematix]

So in a nutshell Kef have managed to build a better sub with smaller drivers

[@Novilicious]

What about group delay on subs? Is it not the primary reason why some subwoofers are more musical than others? 🤓

[@Mark-rw3kw]

That is a good question, especially those that have complex DSP circuitry.

[@SanandanDA]

Waiting on the KEF KF92 video

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Besides size/weight the SVS SB2000 is the same $900. Is there anything the Micro does better than the SB2000?

[@Mark-rw3kw]

The SB2000 uses a single 12-inch woofer driver. The Micro uses Dual (two) opposing 8-inch drivers (not one woofer and one passive radiator, but two full-blown woofers) running back to back with each other. So the SB2000 (better for movies) goes a bit lower in frequency response than the tighter and faster 3000 Micro (better for music).

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

Thanks for your response. I'm going back and watching all your old videos, great content! I believe I read smaller woofers being faster/tighter was a myth or fallacy.@@Mark-rw3kw

[@jgsabato]

It is a myth, a lot of things go in to how " fast" a sub is. One of my systems is an Infinite Baffle subwoofer setup that uses a 4 x 15" manifold arrangement ( 2 15" drivers facing 2 15" drivers). It is "faster" than either my sealed 10" or ported 12" subs I use elsewhere. It takes very little excursion to produce the sound that a small sub will struggle with.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

@@jgsabato It's certainly possible that a large driver is designed to need less travel than a smaller driver using a different design or different manufacturer. But I wouldn't say it is a complete myth. Pat of the issue with a ported design is that some sound is not coming from the driver itself and may arrive at a different time. Infinite baffles are a lot more complex in this regard.

[@jgsabato]

An infinite baffle is not complex at all, it is in essence a sealed subwoofer; that is as simple as it gets. A ported design is more difficult to get right than an IB. You just need drivers that have TS parameters that are compatible with IB designs. That is true of any good sub and why programs like WinISD, Bassbox and others exist. You can model the driver/box combination to get good results.

[@StorybyKrish]

Compare them to Rel t7x please!

[@TheDushyantDesai]

Erin, thanks for the review and comparison with CEA data. Based on this I would say SVS is better for music with less distortion above 40Hz as almost all musical content (acoustic music, anyway) is 40Hz and higher. On the other hand the movie special effects are below 40Hz and would be better on KEF. What do you all think?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

That’s a reasonable conclusion. However, I would caution others to consider their music library. I listen to all sorts of music and often times it has content that goes below 40 Hz.

[@razisn]

Oh c'mon! You must be joking. Of course it is very room dependent but have you ever checked a cheap sub made for making sounds fed from the LFE channel of a movie or even an expensive sub but geared towards movies and maximum amplitude against a good fast and controlled sub made for music (like a REL or very few others)? It is like chalk and cheese even placed in the same spot in the room. Subs are just like any other woofer. Driver quality , box implementation and crossover count. How this is reflected in what measurements is your job to find out but please. I really wonder where have you got this impression from.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Frequency response and max SPL are huge factors. Subs shouldn’t be made for music like a speaker shouldn’t be made for a specific genre. You tell me… why would a subwoofer be better suited for music than movies? Music and movies all cover a broad range of frequencies. It’s illogical to think they should be tailored for one specific function. These are audiophile tropes that are unfortunately perpetuated. I won’t do that. It just dumbs things down and doesn’t actually inform. 👍

[@razisn]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Easy answer. Everything is a compromise unless one spends a boatload of money, so it depends which compromises are made and what your money goes towards. For movie effects you need very high SPL and lowest bottom end. You never judge tone or timber and distortion when listening to an explosion. So your money goes towards SPL and lowest frequency response. For music that lowest bottom end (lowest octave say 16-32Hz) is rarely if ever needed to sound loud and SPL of the rest of the freq. range should just be inline with the main speakers. On the other hand, coherency with the main speakers, clean bass notes and the ability to follow fast main speaker woofers and integrate well and easily with them is what matters. Otherwise the whole of the bottom end sounds wooly, slow, muddy and muffled and you can spend ages dealing with DSP to no avail. DSP maybe nice to have (though it poses its own problems) but in no way necessary for good quality subs in a 2-channel music system unless one's room is really horrible or placement is very wrong. A sub which may be quite adequate for reproducing the LF channel of an average domestic HT setup, can ruin a pair of very decent speakers when one listens to 2-channel music. Hence for a long time 2-channel music listeners shied away from subs because their experience had been limited to subs meant for HT (both cheap and not so cheap). When setting up subs for a 2-channel good quality music system the idea is to have the subs fill in the missing octaves without calling attention to themselves. You don't realise they are there until you switch them off. When you have a bass player traversing the frequency range between main and subs you don't want to hear a change in timber and quality. Not many subs can do that well and be also good in HT duties. You obviously have never heard a good modern sub geared towards 2-channel music. Of course an ideal sub will we able to do both jobs well but then we're talking about very serious money. As I said I really do not see why a sub should be differentiated in how it is measured or subjectively judged versus the woofer of main speakers.

[@seanb3303]

Erin said Chocolatey bottom end 😀

[@wadimek116]

8" is to small for subwoofer, you wont get near flat 20hz even with dps at any normal listening level in movies

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, of course. Some diehards will even say the same thing about 15 inch subwoofers. There are some guys who are using multiple 24 inch subwoofers. As always, it comes down to your needs and practicality. There’s always a trade-off.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Not everyone buys a subwoofer for movies. Some buy them strictly for music.

[@12P14D22C]

Measurements look absolutly disgusting. Only setup i See them do anything is a very basic small sattelite system that needs a crossover at 200hz or even a bit higher. Then this would give something i guess.

[@FrankMiller-k3o]

Ankunding Harbor

[@mrkajtar]

Small or not, very weak for the price.

[@br1878]

“Chocolatey bottom end” lmao

[@frostybe3r]

Comparing these is dumb, it’s literally half the price.

[@docwho10th88]

8 inches is NOT a subwoofer and is a total waste of money.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Some say the same about 15’s.

[@docwho10th88]

If it does not shake your body violently and make things fall off the wall....it's only a glorified box. Been doing sub shootouts since the 80's and SVS were and still are the Walmart garbage subs.

[@c0mbat15]

Why are 8" subs a waste of money? Do you think they make no difference? I had the Rel T Zero MKIII 6" sub and it made a huge difference to my bookshelves. I then upgraded to the SVS Micro 3000 and then the Kef KC62 and both are amazing. I also had the SVS 2000 Pro and it was the worst of the lot. It just didn't work in my smaller office.

[@docwho10th88]

Subwoofer...not a mid bass module...a true subwoofer hits below 20Hz down to at least 17Hz and shatters things. A tiny box is not going to get you there.

[@docwho10th88]

Here,,this is a true sub and this guy knows what he is doing kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZLJoo17nZV7qZY@@c0mbat15