In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv XS12e and PB-1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Emotiva 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e 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.Both Emotiva Airmotiv XS12eand SVS PB-1000 have a single woofer setup however the Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e's woofer is 12-inch whereas the SVS PB-1000 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv XS12e has a frequency range of 28-200 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 Airmotiv XS12e's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e's and SVS PB-1000's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e has external dimensions of 400.0 x 400.0 x 400.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 15-3/4 x 15-3/4inch) 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) .
Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e is 80mm shorter and 132mm less deeper than SVS PB-1000 but it is also 19mm wider.
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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e is approximately 1600.0cm2 / 248.0inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2. The Airmotiv XS12e requires 21% 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 Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e weighs 19.05kg / 41.9lbs and the SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the PB-1000 10% heavier than the Airmotiv XS12e.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv XS12e and PB-1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
400mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1600cm2
vs
2026cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv XS12e |
SVS PB-1000 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-200 Hz |
19-270 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
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 |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
400.0mm (15.7") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
400.0mm (15.7") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
400.0mm (15.7") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
19.05kg (41.9lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |