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  1. Home
  2. SVS Speakers
  3. Powered Subwoofers
  4. SVS SB16-Ultra
SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer Review
SVS SB16-Ultra - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 16" Composite fiberglass/resin Woofer
  • 1,500 watts RMS Output
  • 16-460 Hz Frequency Response
  • App Control Feature
  • Weight: 122.00 lbs / 55.45kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 20" x 19-1/2" x 20-1/8"
MSRP: $2,300 (list price)
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SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer Review
SVS SB16-Ultra SVS SB16-Ultra
Check price atAmazon›

Made by SVS · United States · since 1998 · direct and retail

SB16-Ultra is a Sealed type Powered Subwoofer by SVS with a frequency range of 16-460 Hz. It was released in 2016. It features 1 x 16" Composite fiberglass/resin Woofer, and powered by a 1500 watts amplifier.

SB16-Ultra is a member of SVS's SB series of Powered subwoofers. SB stands for "Sealed Box" and represents the sealed subwoofers of SVS which are more compact compared to its ported subwoofers, and excel with punchiness, accuracy, and transient response. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

See all 9 SVS SB models compared »

SVS SB Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Compare
20-270 Hz 12" 325 watts 11.82kg
SVS SB-2000 Pro
Compare
19-240 Hz 12" 550 watts 17.55kg
SVS SB-3000
Compare
18-270 Hz 13" 800 watts 24.77kg
SVS SB-1000
Compare
24-260 Hz 12" 300 watts 12.27kg
SVS SB-2000
Compare
19-220 Hz 12" 500 watts 15.82kg
SVS SB16-Ultra
16-460 Hz 16" 1500 watts 55.45kg
SVS SB-4000
Compare
19-310 Hz 13.5" 1200 watts 46.5kg
SVS SB 5000 R Evolution
Compare
17-280 Hz 15" 2000 watts 46.31kg
SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution
Compare
17-230 Hz 13" 1200 watts —


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

SVS SB16-Ultra has a Frequency response range of 16-460 Hz. Thanks to its 1 x 16-inch driver and 1500 watts RMS amplifier, at 16Hz the SB16-Ultra can generate bass levels that is even below 20Hz which is considered to be the bottom limit of Full Range sound (20Hz -20kHz) that human can hear.

Here we have a comparison of how SB16-Ultra's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
SVS SB16-Ultra
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
SVS SB16-Ultra
Min
Average
Max
SVS SB16-Ultra Woofer
SVS SB16-Ultra's Composite fiberglass/resin Woofer

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the SVS SB16-Ultra's 16Hz:

  • B&W DB4S with Low Frequency of 10 Hz (Compare w/ SB16-Ultra)
  • GoldenEar SuperSub XXL with Low Frequency of 10 Hz (Compare w/ SB16-Ultra)
  • KEF KF92 with Low Frequency of 11 Hz (Compare w/ SB16-Ultra)
  • KEF KC62 with Low Frequency of 11 Hz (Compare w/ SB16-Ultra)
  • KEF KC92 with Low Frequency of 11 Hz (Compare w/ SB16-Ultra)

Low-Pass Crossover

SVS SB16-Ultra has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 50-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

SVS SB16-Ultra Back View
SVS SB16-Ultra Back View

App-Based Control

SVS SB16-Ultra can be controlled wirelessly via app available on iOS and Android. Considering the physical buttons are at the backside of the subwoofer, app control comes very handy when you need to change the parameters of the SVS SB16-Ultra frequently. Apps also provides settings that can't be placed on the body.

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA/XLR/LFE
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

SVS SB16-Ultra External Dimensions and Weight

SVS SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch (508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of SVS SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of SVS SB16-Ultra, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

SVS SB16-Ultra Real Life Body Size Comparison
SVS SB16-Ultra Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the SVS SB16-Ultra virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

SVS SB16-Ultra placed next to a Media Stand
SVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The SVS SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how SB16-Ultra's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
SVS SB16-Ultra
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $3000
SVS SB16-Ultra
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

SVS SB16-Ultra has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic suspension aka Sealed subwoofers are preferred for music oriented systems whereas the Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems.

Does the SVS SB16-Ultra come with a Grille?

SB16-Ultra comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of SVS SB16-Ultra?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB16-Ultra:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 8-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • Owners Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the SVS SB16-Ultra.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

SVS SB16-Ultra Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSVS
Full Model NameSVS SB16-Ultra
TypePowered Subwoofer
Release Date2016
Frequency Response16-460 Hz
Enclosure TypeSealed
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
Firing DirectionFront
Amplifier & Driver
Power (RMS)1500 watts
Woofer16-inch Composite fiberglass/resin

Controls & Connections
Low-pass Crossover50-160 Hz
Phase ControlYes
App ControliOS,Android
WirelessNo
Line-level InputsStereo RCA/XLR/LFE
Speaker-level InputsNo
Speaker-level OutputsNo
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)20" x 19-1/2" x 20-1/8" (508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm)
Weight55.45 kg (122 lbs)
GrilleYes
Mounting BracketNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
SVS SB16-Ultra Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
Polk Monitor XT12
Compare
24-160 Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Compare
20-270 Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch
B&W DB4S
Compare
10-350 Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch
Klipsch R-121SW
Compare
28-120 Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch
Klipsch R-101SW
Compare
30-160 Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch
Klipsch RP-1200SW
Compare
17-138 Hz 12" 400 watts 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch
KEF KC62
Compare
11-200 Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch
Klipsch R-100SW
Compare
32-120 Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch
Wharfedale SW-15
Compare
30-120 Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch
Klipsch SPL-100
Compare
27-125 Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch
B&W ASW610
Compare
27-140 Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch
KEF KUBE 8b
Compare
34-140 Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch
KEF KUBE 10b
Compare
24-140 Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch
B&W ASW608
Compare
32-140 Hz 8" 200 watts 10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch
JBL Stage A120P
Compare
32-150 Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch
Klipsch SPL-120
Compare
24-125 Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch
Frequently Asked Questions about SVS SB16-Ultra

How low can the SVS SB16-Ultra go?

The SVS SB16-Ultra has a frequency response of 16-460 Hz. It digs below 20Hz, the bottom limit of human hearing, so you get deep, physical bass you feel as much as hear.

How much power does the SVS SB16-Ultra have?

The SVS SB16-Ultra has a built-in 1500-watt RMS amplifier.

Is the SVS SB16-Ultra sealed or ported?

The SVS SB16-Ultra uses a Sealed enclosure. Sealed subwoofers trade a little output for tighter, more accurate bass and a smaller cabinet, which many listeners prefer for music.

What driver does the SVS SB16-Ultra use?

The SVS SB16-Ultra has a 16-inch Composite fiberglass/resin driver.

Does the SVS SB16-Ultra have app control or room correction?

Yes. The SVS SB16-Ultra offers app control (iOS,Android), an adjustable low-pass crossover (50-160 Hz) and phase control, letting you dial the sub into your room and blend it with your speakers.

How do you connect the SVS SB16-Ultra?

The SVS SB16-Ultra connects via line-level Stereo RCA/XLR/LFE inputs.

How big and heavy is the SVS SB16-Ultra?

The SVS SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs and measures 20" x 19-1/2" x 20-1/8" (HxWxD).

How much does the SVS SB16-Ultra cost?

The SVS SB16-Ultra has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,300.

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