In this review, we will be comparing SB-1000 Pro and Descend DN12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Definitive Technology. 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 SB-1000 Pro and Definitive DN12 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 SB-1000 Pro and Definitive DN12 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.SVS SB-1000 Proand Definitive DN12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
SB-1000 Pro has a frequency range of 20-270 Hz whereas Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SB-1000 Pro can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Descend DN12's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 SB-1000 Pro has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Definitive DN12 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 SB-1000 Pro's and Definitive DN12's external dimensions. SVS SB-1000 Pro has external dimensions of 343.0 x 331.0 x 402.0mm ( 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch ) whereas Definitive DN12 has external dimensions of 488.0 x 459.0 x 512.0mm ( 19-3/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) .
Definitive DN12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 128mm wider, 145mm taller and 110mm deeper than SVS SB-1000 Pro.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS SB-1000 Pro and Definitive DN12 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS SB-1000 Pro and Definitive DN12 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 SB-1000 Pro is approximately 1330.6cm2 / 206.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive DN12 is approximately 2350.1cm2 / 364.3inch2. The SB-1000 Pro requires 43% less surface area than the Descend DN12 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 SB-1000 Pro weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the Definitive DN12 weighs 33.23kg / 73.1lbs. This makes the Descend DN12 181% heavier than the SB-1000 Pro.
Here is a comparison of how SB-1000 Pro and Descend DN12'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 SB-1000 Pro?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB-1000 Pro:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideBrochureSVS Support Information
What's in the Box of Definitive DN12?
Here are the items that come with the Descend DN12:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordRemote controlCR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)Owners Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
343mm
vs
488mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1330cm2 (331x402mm)
vs
2350cm2 (459x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| General |
SVS SB-1000 Pro |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
325 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-270 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
325-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
820-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
343.0mm (13.5") |
488.0mm (19.2") |
| Width |
331.0mm (13") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
402.0mm (15.8") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black,White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |