In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1200-GB and PB-1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC and SVS. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and SVS PB-1000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and SVS PB-1000 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and SVS PB-1000 have a totally different setup: the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB features 2 x 12-inch drivers whereas the PB-1000 features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Varro DS1200-GB can go slightly deeper then the PB-1000's min frequency of 19Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the SVS PB-1000 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's and SVS PB-1000's external dimensions. ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) whereas SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) .
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is 57mm shorter and 114mm less deeper than SVS PB-1000 but it is also 102mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and SVS PB-1000 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and SVS PB-1000 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2. The Varro DS1200-GB requires 0% less surface area than the PB-1000 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs and the SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 82% heavier than the PB-1000.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1200-GB and PB-1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that come with the PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
19 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
423mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
vs
2026cm2 (381x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
SVS PB-1000 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
19-270 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Fiber-composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
483.0mm (19") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
418.0mm (16.5") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
5 Years |