In this review, we will be comparing PB16-Ultra and Revel B1, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Revel. 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 PB16-Ultra and Revel B1 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 PB16-Ultra and Revel B1 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 PB16-Ultraand Revel B1 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB16-Ultra's woofer is 16-inch whereas the Revel B1 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz whereas Revel B1 has a frequency range of 36-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel B1's min frequency of 36Hz.
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 PB16-Ultra and Revel B1 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 PB16-Ultra's and Revel B1's external dimensions. SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm ( 25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch) whereas Revel B1 has external dimensions of 451.0 x 402.0 x 391.0mm ( 17-3/4 x 15-13/16 x 15-3/8inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 151mm wider, 184mm taller and 397mm deeper than Revel B1.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB16-Ultra and Revel B1 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB16-Ultra and Revel B1 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 PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2 and base area of the Revel B1 is approximately 1571.8cm2 / 243.6inch2. The PB16-Ultra requires 177% more surface area than the Revel B1 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 PB16-Ultra weighs 79.32kg / 174.5lbs and the Revel B1 weighs 23.18kg / 51lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 242% heavier than the Revel B1.
Here is a comparison of how PB16-Ultra and Revel B1'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 PB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cordRemote control (3V battery installed)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Revel B1?
Here are the items that come with the Revel B1:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordGrille16-feet Mono-RCA cableOwners Manual
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
36 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
451mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2
vs
4357cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
Revel B1 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
13-280 Hz |
36-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Micro Ceramic Composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
635.0mm (25") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
| Width |
553.0mm (21.8") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Depth |
788.0mm (31") |
391.0mm (15.4") |
| Weight |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
23.18kg (51lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |