In this review, we will be comparing SB16-Ultra and PB16-Ultra, 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 SB16-Ultra and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SB16-Ultra and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SB16-Ultraand SVS PB16-Ultra have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 16" drivers.
Frequency Response
SB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 16-460 Hz whereas PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go slightly deeper then the SB16-Ultra'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
The SVS SB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra 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.
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 SB16-Ultra's and SVS PB16-Ultra's external dimensions. SVS SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ( 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch) whereas SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm ( 25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 57mm wider, 127mm taller and 276mm deeper than SVS SB16-Ultra.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS SB16-Ultra and SVS PB16-Ultra in scale.
Comparison image of SVS SB16-Ultra and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2 and base area of the SVS PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2. The SB16-Ultra requires 42% less surface area than the PB16-Ultra 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 SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs and the SVS PB16-Ultra weighs 79.32kg / 174.5lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 43% heavier than the SB16-Ultra.
Here is a comparison of how SB16-Ultra and PB16-Ultra'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 SB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordRemote controlOwners Manual
What's in the Box of SVS PB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that come with the PB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cordRemote control (3V battery installed)Owners Manual
 High Frequency Response |
460k Hz
vs
280k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 Height |
508mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2539cm2 (496x512mm)
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) |
 Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
16 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
SVS SB16-Ultra |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
| Brand |
SVS |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
1500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-460 Hz |
13-280 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
1500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
508.0mm (20") |
635.0mm (25") |
| Width |
496.0mm (19.5") |
553.0mm (21.8") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
788.0mm (31") |
| Weight |
55.45kg (122lbs) |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |