In this review, we will be comparing SB-2000 and HTS 12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Polk Audio. 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-2000 and Polk HTS 12 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-2000 and Polk HTS 12 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-2000and Polk HTS 12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
SB-2000 has a frequency range of 19-220 Hz whereas HTS 12 has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the SB-2000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the HTS 12's min frequency of 28Hz.
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-2000 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 Polk HTS 12 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
Polk HTS 12 Port
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-2000's and Polk HTS 12's external dimensions. SVS SB-2000 has external dimensions of 372.0 x 362.0 x 478.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 14-1/4 x 18-13/16inch) whereas Polk HTS 12 has external dimensions of 478.0 x 437.0 x 510.0mm ( 18-13/16 x 17-3/16 x 20-1/16inch) .
Polk HTS 12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 75mm wider, 106mm taller and 32mm deeper than SVS SB-2000.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS SB-2000 and Polk HTS 12 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS SB-2000 and Polk HTS 12 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-2000 is approximately 1730.4cm2 / 268.2inch2 and base area of the Polk HTS 12 is approximately 2228.7cm2 / 345.4inch2. The SB-2000 requires 22% less surface area than the HTS 12 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-2000 weighs 15.82kg / 34.8lbs and the Polk HTS 12 weighs 22.68kg / 49.9lbs. This makes the HTS 12 43% heavier than the SB-2000.
Here is a comparison of how SB-2000 and HTS 12'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-2000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB-2000:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordOwners ManualQuick Start Guide
What's in the Box of Polk HTS 12?
Here are the items that come with the HTS 12:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
 Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
220k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
372mm
vs
478mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1730cm2
vs
2228cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS SB-2000 |
Polk Audio HTS 12 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-220 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Width |
362.0mm (14.3") |
437.0mm (17.2") |
| Depth |
478.0mm (18.8") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Weight |
15.82kg (34.8lbs) |
22.68kg (49.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |