In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS250-BK 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 PS250-BK 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 PS250-BK 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.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.ELAC Varro PS250-BKand SVS PB-1000 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro PS250-BK has a frequency range of 27-150 Hz whereas PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the PB-1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Varro PS250-BK's min frequency of 27Hz.
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
Both ELAC Varro PS250-BK and SVS PB-1000 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 PS250-BK's and SVS PB-1000's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS250-BK has external dimensions of 381.0 x 361.0 x 361.0mm ( 15inch x 14-3/16inch x 14-3/16inch ) 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) .
SVS PB-1000 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 99mm taller and 171mm deeper than ELAC Varro PS250-BK.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS250-BK and SVS PB-1000 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS250-BK 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 PS250-BK is approximately 1303.2cm2 / 202.0inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2. The Varro PS250-BK requires 36% 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 PS250-BK weighs 16.44kg / 36.2lbs and the SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the PB-1000 27% heavier than the Varro PS250-BK.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS250-BK 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 PS250-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS250-BK:
Grill 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
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
381mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1303cm2
vs
2026cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
649USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS250-BK |
SVS PB-1000 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-150 Hz |
19-270 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Fiber-composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
381.0mm (15") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
361.0mm (14.2") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
16.44kg (36.2lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
5 Years |