In this review, we will be comparing PB-1000 and Alpha S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and PSB. 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 SVS PB-1000 and PSB Alpha S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS PB-1000 and PSB Alpha S8 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 SVS PB-1000and PSB Alpha S8 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-1000's woofer is 10-inch whereas the PSB Alpha S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz whereas Alpha S8 has a frequency range of 35-150 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 Alpha S8's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 SVS PB-1000 and PSB Alpha S8 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 SVS PB-1000's and PSB Alpha S8's external dimensions. SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) whereas PSB Alpha S8 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 16-1/4inch) .
SVS PB-1000 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 88mm wider, 162mm taller and 119mm deeper than PSB Alpha S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB-1000 and PSB Alpha S8 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB-1000 and PSB Alpha S8 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 SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha S8 is approximately 1210.1cm2 / 187.6inch2. The PB-1000 requires 67% more surface area than the Alpha S8 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 SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the PSB Alpha S8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs. This makes the PB-1000 119% heavier than the Alpha S8.
Here is a comparison of how PB-1000 and Alpha S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha S8?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha S8:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
318mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1210cm2 (293x413mm)
vs
2026cm2 (381x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS PB-1000 |
PSB Alpha S8 |
| Brand |
SVS |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-270 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
1 Year |