In this review, we will be comparing PB-3000 R|Evolution and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Bowers Wilkins. 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-3000 R|Evolution and B&W DB4S 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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolutionand B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 16-235 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the PB-3000 R|Evolution's min frequency of 16Hz.
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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution 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 B&W DB4S 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
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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution has external dimensions of 556.0 x 465.0 x 627.0mm (21-7/8 x 18-5/16 x 24-11/16inch) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm (14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch).
SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 103mm wider, 181mm taller and 193mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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-3000 R|Evolution is approximately 2915.6cm2 / 451.9inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The PB-3000 R|Evolution requires 86% more surface area than the DB4S which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.