In this review, we will be comparing Defiance X15 and PB-3000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm 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 Paradigm Defiance X15 and SVS PB-3000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Paradigm Defiance X15 and SVS PB-3000 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 Paradigm Defiance X15and SVS PB-3000 have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm Defiance X15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the SVS PB-3000 features a 13-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Defiance X15 has a frequency range of 18-230 Hz whereas PB-3000 has a frequency range of 16-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the PB-3000 can go slightly deeper then the Defiance X15's min frequency of 18Hz.
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 Paradigm Defiance X15 and SVS PB-3000 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 Paradigm Defiance X15's and SVS PB-3000's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance X15 has external dimensions of 626.0 x 589.0 x 661.0mm ( 24-5/8inch x 23-3/16inch x 26inch ) whereas SVS PB-3000 has external dimensions of 558.0 x 466.0 x 661.0mm ( 21-15/16 x 18-5/16 x 26inch) .
SVS PB-3000 is 123mm narrower and 68mm shorter than Paradigm Defiance X15 but they have the same thickness of 661.0mm.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance X15 and SVS PB-3000 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance X15 and SVS PB-3000 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 Paradigm Defiance X15 is approximately 3893.3cm2 / 603.5inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-3000 is approximately 3080.3cm2 / 477.4inch2. The Defiance X15 requires 26% more surface area than the PB-3000 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 Paradigm Defiance X15 weighs 41.82kg / 92lbs and the SVS PB-3000 weighs 37.36kg / 82.2lbs. This makes the Defiance X15 12% heavier than the PB-3000.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance X15 and PB-3000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance X15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance X15:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
What's in the Box of SVS PB-3000?
Here are the items that come with the PB-3000:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOnline Registration CardSVS brochure
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
13 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
230k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
558mm
vs
626mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3080cm2
vs
3893cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1600USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance X15 |
SVS PB-3000 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
90 watts |
800 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-230 Hz |
16-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
90-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
2500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
13" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
626.0mm (24.6") |
558.0mm (22") |
| Width |
589.0mm (23.2") |
466.0mm (18.3") |
| Depth |
661.0mm (26") |
661.0mm (26") |
| Weight |
41.82kg (92lbs) |
37.36kg (82.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |