In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS500-BK and SB-1000 Pro, 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 PS500-BK and SVS SB-1000 Pro 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 PS500-BK and SVS SB-1000 Pro 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.Both ELAC Varro PS500-BKand SVS SB-1000 Pro have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS500-BK's woofer is 15-inch whereas the SVS SB-1000 Pro features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS500-BK has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas SB-1000 Pro has a frequency range of 20-270 Hz.
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 PS500-BK has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the SVS SB-1000 Pro have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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.
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 PS500-BK's and SVS SB-1000 Pro's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS500-BK has external dimensions of 482.0 x 461.0 x 461.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 18-1/8inch x 18-1/8inch ) whereas SVS SB-1000 Pro has external dimensions of 343.0 x 331.0 x 402.0mm ( 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch ) .
ELAC Varro PS500-BK is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 130mm wider, 139mm taller and 59mm deeper than SVS SB-1000 Pro.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and SVS SB-1000 Pro in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and SVS SB-1000 Pro 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 PS500-BK is approximately 2125.2cm2 / 329.4inch2 and base area of the SVS SB-1000 Pro is approximately 1330.6cm2 / 206.2inch2. The Varro PS500-BK requires 60% more surface area than the SB-1000 Pro which gives it a small disadvantage 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 PS500-BK weighs 25.95kg / 57.1lbs and the SVS SB-1000 Pro weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the Varro PS500-BK 120% heavier than the SB-1000 Pro.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS500-BK and SB-1000 Pro'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 PS500-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS500-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of SVS SB-1000 Pro?
Here are the items that come with the SB-1000 Pro:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideBrochureSVS Support Information
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
343mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1330cm2
vs
2125cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS500-BK |
SVS SB-1000 Pro |
| Brand |
ELAC |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
325 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
20-270 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
325-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
820-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Fiber-composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
461.0mm (18.1") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
461.0mm (18.1") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Weight |
25.95kg (57.1lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black,White |
| 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 |