In this review, we will be comparing PB-3000 R|Evolution and PB16-Ultra, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the SVS PB16-Ultra features a 16-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 16-235 Hz whereas PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go slightly deeper then 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
Both SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution and SVS PB16-Ultra 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
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 SVS PB16-Ultra'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 SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm (25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch).
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 88mm wider, 79mm taller and 161mm deeper than SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution.
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 SVS PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2. The PB-3000 R|Evolution requires 33% less surface area than the PB16-Ultra which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.