In this review, we will be comparing PC-4000 and PB-3000, 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 PC-4000 and SVS PB-3000 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 PC-4000 and SVS PB-3000 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 PC-4000and SVS PB-3000 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PC-4000's woofer is 13.5-inch whereas the SVS PB-3000 features a 13-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PC-4000 has a frequency range of 17-200 Hz whereas PB-3000 has a frequency range of 16-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the PB-3000 can go slightly deeper then the PC-4000's min frequency of 17Hz.
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 PC-4000 and SVS PB-3000 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 PC-4000's and SVS PB-3000's external dimensions. SVS PC-4000 has external dimensions of 1194.0 x 423.0 x 423.0mm ( 47 x 16-5/8 x 16-5/8inch) whereas SVS PB-3000 has external dimensions of 558.0 x 466.0 x 661.0mm ( 21-15/16 x 18-5/16 x 26inch) .
SVS PC-4000 is 43mm narrower and 238mm less deeper than SVS PB-3000 but it is also 636mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PC-4000 and SVS PB-3000 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PC-4000 and SVS PB-3000 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 PC-4000 is approximately 1789.3cm2 / 277.3inch2 and base area of the SVS PB-3000 is approximately 3080.3cm2 / 477.4inch2. The PC-4000 requires 42% less surface area than the PB-3000 which gives it a small advantage 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 PC-4000 weighs 42.00kg / 92.4lbs and the SVS PB-3000 weighs 37.36kg / 82.2lbs. This makes the PC-4000 12% heavier than the PB-3000.
Here is a comparison of how PC-4000 and PB-3000'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 PC-4000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PC-4000:
Powered subwooferTop-cap w/ integrated grille6-feet AC power cordRemote control4 Elastomer feetOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of SVS PB-3000?
Here are the items that come with the PB-3000:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOnline Registration CardSVS brochure
 Woofer Size |
13.5 inches
vs
13 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
1789cm2
vs
3080cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
558mm
vs
1194mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1600USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
SVS PC-4000 |
SVS PB-3000 |
| Brand |
SVS |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
800 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-200 Hz |
16-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
2500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
13.5" |
13" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite/Glass Fiber |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1194.0mm (47") |
558.0mm (22") |
| Width |
423.0mm (16.7") |
466.0mm (18.3") |
| Depth |
423.0mm (16.7") |
661.0mm (26") |
| Weight |
42.00kg (92.4lbs) |
37.36kg (82.2lbs) |
| 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 |