In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES8 and PB-1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio 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 Polk Signature Elite ES8 and SVS PB-1000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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 Polk Signature Elite ES8and SVS PB-1000 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the SVS PB-1000 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES8 has a frequency range of 32-180 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 Elite ES8's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Polk Signature Elite ES8 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Polk Signature Elite ES8's and SVS PB-1000's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES8 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm (15-1/8inch x 12-13/16inch x 17-3/16inch) 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 55mm wider, 95mm taller and 95mm deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES8.
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 Polk Signature Elite ES8 is approximately 1424.6cm2 / 220.8inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2. The Elite ES8 requires 30% 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 Polk Signature Elite ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the PB-1000 18% heavier than the Elite ES8.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES8 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 Polk Signature Elite ES8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES8:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that come with the PB-1000:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille (installed)
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
 Height |
385mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1424cm2
vs
2026cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES8 |
SVS PB-1000 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
100 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
19-270 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
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 |
385.0mm (15.2") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
437.0mm (17.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| 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 |