SVS SB 3000: I was actually impressed with this subwoofer. [Review, Measurements, vs SB 2000 Pro]

[@propercushty]

I have a Sound Demo video of the SB 3000 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWKZeIaPo7llp9k Final Verdict: I think when you consider all the variables (that matter to me anyway), the SB-3000 is the best all-round sealed subwoofer for households. I really think it offers so much more than the SB-2000 Pro for a little bit more money - the extra 20% or so in cost is really, really worth it. At £1200 or less in the UK, this subwoofer is actually lower in price than the newly released REL T9x: to me, that's just daylight robbery when the SB-3000's performance is so much better when you consider the whole package. People say REL's are 'musical' subwoofers - but most people cross them over at 30-40hz to match them up with their speakers - don't want to burst your bubble...but that's your speakers playing all the bass there. If you want an overall, great subwoofer - I think the SB-3000 is the way to go. In Europe, perhaps the XTZ 12.17 edge is the better way to go - because SVS prices in Europe are so inflated right now. I was very impressed with this sub (takes alot to impress me). For the money, I think it's best bang for buck - full stop. If you're in the market for an SB-2000 Pro or similar, I would recommend you also audition the SB-3000 and you will see how much of a difference those few dBs really make (it's a lot). You will get both more bass extension and considerably more SPL. The SB-3000 has more headroom - so you can also expect less distortion in the sub-bass regions compared to smaller sealed subs like the sb2000 pro, sb1000 pro or the 3000 micro (and other sealed subs from other brands). I know in the review I said that I heard distortion (in the sub-bass) from the SB-3000 - but take into account it is a sealed subwoofer. Below 40hz, almost every sealed subwoofer has to work extremely hard and they end up distorting more than an equivalent ported model: that's the real benefit of a ported subwoofer right there. Hope this helps. Anybody want to ask me a question, just let me know below. - MDT

[@34332]

You're not making it any easier for me, almost stuck on the SVS 2000, but now.. :) I really liked the part with the keyboard and explanation of distortion/harmonics. For simple people like me it makes sense and gives a somewhat better insight in a subs modus operandi and perhaps quality overall. The REL does NOT come with roomcorrection so, for me, a definite no. I assume people who are into these kind of subs (usually multiple subs) need or use advanced roomcorrection subsystems, like Dirac or MiniDSP, etc, and adjust for each sub/roommode separately, which seems an art in itself... I've looked also into 'basstraps', but then you need the professional route. It has to be calculated and measured specifically for a room and size. You might end up with carbon fiber basstraps the size of half your room ;) like you said, you don't get away easy on that. It makes a lot of sense, imo, to incorporate some form of roomcorrection in a sub, especially for users like me, who use a sub occasionally for music and movies via a 2.1 system (stereo setup without DSP onboard). Not sure of a MiniDSP would add more, but I'm a relative noob on that topic and read a lot of mixed comments about that. I think the SVS 3000 one is very interesting, with some easy options re. roommodes, so thanks for the good info on that. 👊

[@propercushty]

If you can get the SB-2000 pro on audition with the SB-3000, you will see what I mean. Just play the wormhole scene from Interstellar at the 1hr mark - the difference will be night and day. The SB-2000 Pro can't handle that scene - the SB-3000 can. Thanks re the keyboard explanation - I felt a bit awkward like I was showing off or something. But I don't know any other way to explain it without music. I think music is the best way anyway because you can literally hear it for yourself. Yeah the REL does not come with room correction - I think that's how they save money and get to a lower price point. The REL HT1205 is actually moderately priced in the UK compared to SVS - about £599 at the moment which undercuts SVS alot. But you don't get the DSP, and that makes a big difference to your life lol. You can use a MiniDSP HD - but it's yet again more troublesome setup and annoyance. With SVS it's all in the app which is nice. Arendal is very good - they have a panel on the back of the subwoofer where you can control the DSP. They also have an app coming out. But they only started trading in 2015 - so some may find this a bit risky. As mentioned in the video..the 1723 1s probably outperforms the sb3000 - you also get a 10 year warranty and 60 day buy and try...but what if you want to upgrade? I know you'll be taken to the cleaners when it comes to resale. I would definitely recommend a demo of the SB-3000 though. That's the only way you'll know with your own ears :)

[@34332]

@@propercushty I will certainly demo the 3000. Like you said in one of your other reviews, better pay a bit more or frequently walk the upgrade path. I was that pennywise poundfoolish guy :) Just a quick word on the part re. absolute hearing, I never experienced it as some kind of 'showoff'. It's a great quality and of real benefit when reviewing gear. I can only envy, lol. I would even say that your word on sound could mean more than other reviewers without. How about that? 😄

[@propercushty]

@@34332 Yeah I think I know the video you're talking about - where I said you should spend more on the amp first so you're not constantly held back by that part of your setup. Absolute pitch or perfect pitch is basically like the auditory equivalent of a photographic memory. When it comes to music it can be both blessing and curse! For example, when I hear people sing etc, I'm always shuddering if something is slightly out of tune. When I walk past the washing machine - 1400rpm spin - "hey, that sounds like a d flat?" Lol..not joking. Thanks mate - glad you feel it helps a bit with my 'cred' hehe. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the subs if you do bite the bullet!

[@34332]

@@propercushty Will def. let you know!

[@Sc2God724]

Rel predator will hit harder and lower svs dsp will boost the lows at low volume giving it that low rating both are solid subs

[@Sky1]

Holy smokes what great reviews you do! I watch both of your SB3000 videos. You do NOT parrot what others say it is of your own opinion and I appreciate that! I went to an audio store to listen to this SB3000 sub. I got to hear it in comparison to the PB3000. PB being so much larger that even if I could fit it in my room I might not be able to put it in the optimal location. I have a rather large room 4700 cuft with hardwoods so when we moved here my bass didn't come with my system. When I listened to the 3000's they made the system sound clean and transparent, I wasn't sure I was really hearing the bass so we put on some other music that had low bass to it then I could hear it but it I was so used to the muddy ported sound from my sub I didn't quite "get it" we then plugged the PB3000 in and at first I thought the PB3k sounded better until after a few minutes when I realized the low bass was accentuated too much so we put the PB3000 back on and it sounded better (again for music which is my priority) I ordered 2 of them in Piano gloss black so they match my SVS Prime towers and surrounds. I would be playing with them today if I had drove our SUV there but they wouldn't fit in my challenger and I didnt want to remove them from the boxes for transport. I ordered the isolation feet and one cable to run to the second sub. I am currently using a 10" Klipsch that is peaky around 70hz and boomy muddy during movies. I plan to pick them up Monday so exited, thanks for your video. Although I can return them I like reassurance.

[@propercushty]

Thank you mate. Glad you enjoyed the review :) Good luck with the new gear!

[@3ericw]

Thanks dude. I love reviews that are informative and not just a glorified sales pitch or reading the box

[@summerrr1]

Subbed and immediately unsubbed just to ruin your weekend

[@davidgerald285]

I've been enjoying my dual sb3000 for nearly two years, good quality sounding subs dissappear when set up right, makes movies and music sound great.

[@sleeper1023]

I ALMOST got the T9/X, then I found your videos. From where I am, I could almost get 2 SB 3000s for the price of one T9/X--to think that I was originally considering two of those.

[@propercushty]

Cheers for the feedback. Take it easy dude

[@michaelwright1602]

I was thinking of selling my 2 SB3000 subs and purchasing the REL... Ain't happening, these videos were the final nail in that thought process. LOL!

[@sleeper1023]

@@michaelwright1602 I actually ended up with a couple of JL Audio E-112s. Couldn't be happier.

[@michaelmagyar5734]

If I understand he acoustic physics correctly, mixing sealed and ported subs in a multi sub configuration is problematic because of the phase inversion of the ported sub at its resonant frequency--leading to problems below the resonant frequency where the ported woofer is 180 degrees out of phase compared to a sealed sub. Your thoughts?

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

At max volume my SB3000 starts to bottom out. I have it set at 80Hz. Would setting the X over lower, would this help?

[@propercushty]

depends really - if you're using it in a large room then you might just need more watts

[@royfowler5637]

What you mean max volume

[@WWeiss-nv5vz]

I believe I read measurements were taken at 127dB. I was playing no where near that volume!

[@rodneyarnoldi]

Thank you, you explained it all very nicely. Oh well, I bought the Rel T/9i's which works well with my Quad 57's baring in mind that the Quads don't play very loud...so more than adequate in my situation. My main reasons for choosing the Rel over the SVS SB3000 was price. The SVS's would have cost me another £800 for the pair and also, I felt that a 13.5 inch bass driver would have a poorer transient response compared to the 10inch Rel driver. (Thinking Quad electrostatics here) But having thought about it after you pointed it out in the video, it is unlikely that a larger driver would have any noticeable effect on the transience at frequencies below 80Hz, but I could be wrong. The SVS SB3000 has the advantage of a built-in DSP which is very handy, but in my case I am using Audyssey in my Marantz receiver which does a similar job as well as allowing one to creating a “room curve” using the phone app. Thanks R.

[@propercushty]

Thanks Rodney. So you bought the T9i then - great stuff! I don't think it's a bad subwoofer per se - when I reviewed those subs, my main issue was the poor marketing practice and the high RRP. If you got those T9i's at the lower price of £600-750 - then that's a great price. I agree, the SVS would have cost you more money and they take up more room. Judging by my findings of the SB 3000, and by looking at the group delay charts from Audioholics, it seems to me the transient response of the SB 3000 was actually a positive point (despite the larger driver size). Sure, at lower Hz the group delay increases, but so does any sub - and the issue becomes 'will you hear it?'. From my testing, the SB 3000 had very nice, tactile-sounding bass. I believe the REL designs might actually have the poorer transient response (haven't seen measurements though), seeing as the DF-passive rad is driven by forces within the cabinet. So the passive rad is always 'slightly' behind the signal if you know what I mean. But again, will you hear it? Where I think the T9i shines: 1. Design (I know many people like these designs) 2. Space-saving (I think the main benefit of these passive rad designs) 3. Capable of 16 bit audio reproduction (fine if you want to listen to stereo music) 4. Easier connection to legacy systems (with the high level input) I just can't recommend them as a 'do-it-all' subwoofer - I know most people want these subs to do both movies and music - and hence I understand why some others may find my reviews negatively skewed. You're right - the DSP is extremely handy - but if you have the Audyssey functionality then in-built DSP is less of a boon. You just have to ensure that any future amplification you buy has that DSP built in too. Either that or buy a MiniDSP unit which are quite popular these days. Hope you have a good experience with the T9i - I certainly preferred it overall to the T9x!

[@rodneyarnoldi]

@@propercushty Thank you so much for your reply, I agree with all you say. Unfortunately, I was put off with my SVS SB2000Pro purchase because of the thin walls or lack of bracing of the cabinet. As you pointed out, I was also concerned that the Rel's downward firing passive driver might cause some lag, but Rel convinced me that would not be an issue with their speakers!! At the end of the day, I am more than happy with the Rel's in my system. Going on your listening tests etc I would say that the SVS SB3000 would be a hard to beat subwoofer and certainly a very good choice...

[@propercushty]

@@rodneyarnoldi Pleasure replying to you as always Rodney. Hope you enjoy the RELs and they bring you the joy you're looking for - after all, this is all about the music at the end of the day!

[@ABHORRANCE831]

@@rodneyarnoldi Dual REL T/9x was definitely the fastest and punchiest sub I've listened to for music, short of the JL Fathom (which is significantly more expensive). In a Music Only systems, I'd go with REL as well. For a mixed theater system, I'd lean SVS due to the lower extension and special effects slam. The REL HT/1205 sounds amazingly tight for music for it's price point ...really great. It's kind of their rival to the SB-2000 both good and bad (lighter cabinet, smaller driver components). If REL had an HT variety closer to rival the SVS SB-3000, I'd probably go that route for myself.

[@sripower]

Have you played mask off through the xtz? If so what did you think of the output/distortion? I find my xtz struggles with the low in that song and songs like killshot.

[@propercushty]

it depends on what volume and how you have it set up. Do you have the right port plugged in extended mode? And what EQ mode do you have it in? Overall it is a bit cleaner than something like the SB 3000 sealed - but compared to the pb16 ultra = no chance

[@taseti4803]

I got 4 SB 3000's on the way. I'm upgrading from 4 SB 2000's. I'm running a 7.4.4 system. 4, hight speakers, 6 ultra towers and 1 Ultra center.

[@elthamlad468]

f*ck living near you

[@taseti4803]

@@elthamlad468 It sounds great too.

[@reggieburris]

The white gloss on the SB-3000 is available at certain times of the year, not year round like the SB-2000 Pro and SB-1000 Pro. The SB-3000 hits hard, much harder than the SB-2000 Pro and the $200 difference in price between the two is well worth it to go with the SB-3000 (correction).

[@propercushty]

yeah i was honestly very surprised by how much harder it hits in a similarly sized package :)

[@34332]

Good info, tx!

[@andreasmoller9798]

I love my Arendal 1723 1s subwoofer its the best subwoofer i ever owned and its fantastic with both music and movies

[@felixlaboy1453]

Hey hi there. I was thinking of Arendal sub. Witch model do you have

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@felixlaboy1453 Arendal 1723 1s as stated above

[@tibitibi1407]

Man Discovers Tech. Hi!! There is currently a 3000 micro, is it worth replacing it with sb 3000, will there be a big difference? will the air pressure be higher because the box is bigger? Thank you

[@propercushty]

huge huge difference - if you have the space and what the LFE sounds...get the SB3000 and forget the 3000 micro!

[@tibitibi1407]

@@propercushty Thank you very much!!! At the moment I have a Rel T9i which is very good for music, but not so much for movies or maybe it should be set up better!! Or do you know the Rel t9i? Svs sb 3000 would be better? Thank you! Have a nice day!!

[@jeffmartin4833]

I just switched out the Micro for a SB3000. Holy crap the difference is insane. I have a rather large room 12 x 27 and micro just kinda fell at about 15 foot mark. The SB3000 fills it all and you can feel it.

[@tibitibi1407]

@@jeffmartin4833 Thank you

[@philcarty]

@@propercushty The monolith 13 walks all over the svs

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

vinyl wrap IS the thinking man's subwoofer finish: after you're finished with baby subs, you graduate to larger systems; you want a rugged finish on any room furnishing that weighs 80 pounds or more. vinyl wraps/heavy paint coatings forever

[@axelamps1279]

First time I've ever seen you, and it's because I'm looking at buying this particular sub and you obviously came up in my algorithm. I really like your presentation style. No superfluous garbage. Yes, I can obviously read and we all knew the specs before opening the video most likely! Nice one, subscribed.

[@Lowkey_nxthxn]

I been hearing really good things about this subwoofer really considering if I should buy them

[@propercushty]

i think for most setups this subwoofer would be the ideal balance between performance, price, space, features, retained value, design etc.

[@Lowkey_nxthxn]

@@propercushty I will probably do an upgrade then it will be a big upgrade from the ten inch subwoofer I own

[@propercushty]

@@Lowkey_nxthxn for sure yeah!

[@davidmusoke]

Great review ... one correction is that the 3rd harmonic of a 31.5Hz signal is not 63Hz but 94.5 Hz (31.5Hz x 3).

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

Great video! Would you take one sb3000 over 2 sb1000 pros?

[@propercushty]

Do you plan on ever upgrading in the future? How many people are using the sub at once? If you have lots of people to entertain, then perhaps the two SB1000 pros because you will have a more even bass response from seat to seat. But if it's just for you, I reckon get the SB3000. 1. It takes up one spot in the room...so more space-friendly 2. You can use the DSP to get the sound just right in your position 3. One day you can upgrade and get a second one SB3000 if you want more headroom and better sub-bass 4. One SB3000 should still outperform two SB1000 Pros if they are positioned around the room. You might only gain 3dB if the SB1000 Pros are positioned in different locations Two of those SB3000s will have you sorted for 99% of content out there I am sure of it. Anything more than that is just greedy lol.

[@Bryan-hd7nm]

@@propercushty yes I most likely will upgrade later on to another sb3000 lol thank you so much for your reply it helped out a lot!

[@propercushty]

@@Bryan-hd7nm my pleasure sir - just try and get a demo if you can though!

[@michaelwright1602]

Damn, I sure have learned a lot from the video, thank you! I subscribed.

[@elthamlad468]

Hi, thanks for a great video. In my quest to do as much research as possible before getting a sub(s) I have come across this sub, which are an awful lot cheaper than the REL S/510 I am looking at. Can I ask, if you have expereience of the S/510 how would you rate it to this cheaper, but very well regarded SVS? Also, how would a much cheaper option such as a BK XXLS400 weigh up against something like this SVS at nearly 3x the BK's price? My requirements are two channel stereo listening with TV/Movies via the optical on my amp, so not after LFE at this stage.

[@propercushty]

Honestly couldn't compare that REL with the SVS because I haven't heard the REL. However, I'm not the greatest fan of their products or marketing hype. I'd say the SB3000 all day long over the BK XXLS400. The BK is a good sub - but the natural competitors to that are the SB1000 or Sb2000 pros. And the SB3000 is clearly a level above those...and I mean CLEARLY a level above... If you were to compare 2 or 3 XXLS400...then I'd probably lean BK if you have the space and can be bothered to set up multiple subs!

[@901pics]

Looking for a sub for 70/30 movies...just bought sony 5000es/ klipse 8000 II towers for about a 400 square oval room....would you get 3000/micro?

[@Sc2God724]

The sb1000 pro has more output then the 3000 micro that being said the 3000 micro gets close to the output and has better bass fidelity you could go best of both worlds and get a rel ht 1205mk ii it will have that higher output also being higher fidelity you can also go with the sb2000 which will get close to the 1205mkii. Fidelity with more output

[@Roof_Pizza]

I wanna unsubscribe for the Future call out.

[@srupp9271]

I have to agree with other viewers of your channel .Brilliant ! And I'm glad I finally found somebody on KZbin who doesn't seem to be just about bullshit and try to sell you something.

[@propercushty]

apologies for the late reply and i thank you sincerely

[@womz8203]

What would you choose between the SVS PC-2000 Pro and SVS SB-3000? Great video BTW!

[@propercushty]

depends on the space on what my needs are (how much sub-30hz bass will there be in your content?) - overall i would lean sb-3000 if your room isn't too big and your needs aren't too extreme

[@lesarnolfinis6775]

How is your 50 Hz resonance in your room that bothered you with the REL? Have you fixed it?

[@propercushty]

Can cancel it out using DSP, or if you want to do active cancellation using a second subwoofer, I place a second sub at the back of the room in a corner and it cancelled most of that out

[@christisdale9977]

Can't hear you

[@felixlaboy1453]

Hey buddy amazing review. I’m looking to a subwoofer. My room is 11 by 20 with 8 foot ceiling. My ask witch subwoofer would you recommend and should I go with 2 subs. Thanks for any help and advice.

[@propercushty]

if you're looking for a good all-round subwoofer then i'd definitely recommend the sb3000 if you can get two of them - definitely do it because you'll really benefit with a doubling of output in the 20-35hz region where sealed subs usually struggle if your needs are purely for theatre then you could also consider something like an XTZ Cinema Edge series if you can get them where you are

[@felixlaboy1453]

@@propercushty I’m in The USA. I’m using mostly for Theatre. So you recommend the SB3000 over the PB3000.

[@propercushty]

@@felixlaboy1453 SVS designed the PB3000 to be the more powerful choice for home theatre... ..but in your space i'm sure the SB3000 would also be ideal and it also looks alot better...those PB boxes are quite big and ugly in a living room. but if it's a dedicated home theatre room then probably just get the PB option

[@felixlaboy1453]

@@propercushty Thank you very much for all your help. I really appreciate it.

[@felixlaboy1453]

@@propercushty yes now that I’m really looking at a lot of pictures of some setups. I will agree with you. That’s PB is big. I know I have the space but wow. I think il taking your advice and going for the SB. Thank you so much.

[@ah.l]

3000 micro or sb 3000 for music?

[@propercushty]

sb 3000 if you want greater flexibility

[@Keks130782]

Buddy tell me when the room is quiet you hear a high-frequency squeak from the amplifier in the back? My 3000 squeaks and I can hear it at a distance of 7-8 ft

[@propercushty]

i couldn't hear it pal sorry - perhaps try and isolate and dampen that sound somehow - you could potentially use some sort of putty or material like they do in cars - i think they call it 'dynamat'

[@Keks130782]

@@propercushty Thanks. I will try..

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

@@Keks130782 is it still under warranty? your amp shouldn't be squeaking. i think you should reach out to the SVS support team. they're famously customer-focused

seems common on these from what I've been digging, and the amp swap seldom works. Try plugging something into the USB port (something that draws a bit of power like a phone charger or a flash drive). Some people report that this makes the hiss go away.

[@bootymchooters2820]

Excellent video, sir. Thank you. I am all about 2 channel listening. When I saw all of your musical instruments, I thought well this guy knows a thing or two about music.