In this review, we will be comparing PB16-Ultra and PB-4000, 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 PB16-Ultra and SVS PB-4000 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 SVS PB-4000 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 SVS PB-4000 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB16-Ultra's woofer is 16-inch whereas the SVS PB-4000 features a 13.5-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz whereas PB-4000 has a frequency range of 16-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go slightly deeper then the PB-4000'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 PB16-Ultra and SVS PB-4000 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 SVS PB-4000'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 SVS PB-4000 has external dimensions of 596.0 x 521.0 x 762.0mm ( 23-7/16 x 20-1/2 x 30inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 32mm wider, 39mm taller and 26mm deeper than SVS PB-4000.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB16-Ultra and SVS PB-4000 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB16-Ultra and SVS PB-4000 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 SVS PB-4000 is approximately 3970.0cm2 / 615.4inch2. The PB16-Ultra requires 10% more surface area than the PB-4000 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 SVS PB-4000 weighs 69.64kg / 153.2lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 14% heavier than the PB-4000.
Here is a comparison of how PB16-Ultra and PB-4000'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 SVS PB-4000?
Here are the items that come with the PB-4000:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordRemote control4 Elastomer feetOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
13.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
16 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 Height |
596mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3970cm2 (521x762mm)
vs
4357cm2 (553x788mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2300USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
SVS PB-4000 |
| Brand |
SVS |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
13-280 Hz |
16-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
13.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Composite/Glass Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
635.0mm (25") |
596.0mm (23.5") |
| Width |
553.0mm (21.8") |
521.0mm (20.5") |
| Depth |
788.0mm (31") |
762.0mm (30") |
| Weight |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
69.64kg (153.2lbs) |
| 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 |