SVS SB 1000 Review - Subwoofer mania

Combining cinema and music systems into one is not an easy task, so there is a common opinion about the incompatibility of these two directions. The main stumbling block in this issue is bass. Cinema and music require completely different amounts of it and, most importantly, quality. And the subwoofer is, of course, responsible for this. In another attempt to find the optimal solution, we turned to the products of the American brand SVS. It is believed that their subwoofers are equally good in both cinema and music.

Maximum efficiency

I would call the SB-1000 subwoofer universal simply based on its specifications. A 12-inch emitter and 300 W of power allow it to be used in rooms of different sizes, and if we are talking about a larger cinema hall, you can simply increase the number of subwoofers – the bass depth is quite sufficient for cinema.

Another obvious and important fact is the size of the model. A cube with a side length of 34 cm is quite compact for a powerful subwoofer operating from 24 Hz. It is easy to calculate that 34 cm is approximately 13 inches, so a 12-inch speaker occupies almost the entire area of the front panel. In addition, it is long-stroke, which allows for high sound pressure.

Important point: a large working stroke is usually given to small speakers operating in a bass-reflex case. Whereas large emitters (and 12 inches is already a fairly large driver) in a closed acoustic design are traditionally made short-stroke for better bass control. In this case, the manufacturers had the task of combining high efficiency with small dimensions, so we have an atypical hybrid. In this situation, the main thing is not to lose the advantages of both approaches.

Technical details

Two powerful ferrite magnets of the highest class, a magnetic system with a field in the gap, a long voice coil, and a rubber suspension with a large amplitude of movement are responsible for minimizing distortion in the emitter. To reduce compression, a through hole is made in the magnetic system to remove air from under the central part of the diffuser.

The built-in amplifier SVS Sledge STA-300D operates in class D and produces 300 watts in operating mode and more than 700 watts at peak. It has a built-in digital processor that matches the speaker to the cabinet and helps to achieve a linear characteristic at the output.

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The volume, frequency, and phase controls look and function quite analog. It does not look like the processor is used in this part of the audio path. The SB-1000 has a full set of inputs: stereo high- and low-level, as well as LFE, combined with low-level. The presence of high-level inputs will be convenient when connecting to an amplifier with two pairs of terminals. There is also a stereo low-level output with a fixed cutoff frequency of 80 Hz. The latter will allow you to “unload” the power amplifier without a processor in the system.

The subwoofer has a switchable automatic standby mode and a trigger input for integration into an automation system. Power consumption in standby mode is 0.5 W, so it is not necessary to completely power down the system every time.

Life in Motion

The heavy and durable subwoofer case looks neat and compact. Thanks to the rounded edges of the case and the rounded grill, it does not attract attention and quietly dissolves into the interior. The only thing that gives away its presence in a darkened room is the bright blue LED shining through the grill fabric. The grill is firmly attached to the case, and when I tried to remove it, I began to doubt whether this was possible in principle. Of course, this was done for a reason.

The very first explosion while watching a movie made the real potential of this bass machine clear. The blast wave was transmitted naturally in all senses, including the physical sensation of impact and vibration. At the same time, the subwoofer did it playfully, without strain.

The episode with the shooting from a six-barreled machine gun, the recoil of which in the film’s soundtrack fell exactly in the bass range, sounded even more interesting. The subwoofer worked out the fast and dense blows without a single delay – clearly, sharply.

The third test involved the continuous hum of aircraft engines. The continuous low-frequency effect was handled with a high degree of control; the slightest changes in volume levels were audible and physically perceptible, like changes in pressure and air movement. It is important to note that the bass in the cinema did not seem dry or lacking in richness and volume. The room was well-filled with sound. In terms of fullness and power of sound, the SB-1000 could easily compete with even larger bass-reflex models, but in terms of precision and focus of sound, it surpasses most competitors, regardless of their type and size. I have heard better cinema bass only in models that are significantly more expensive and larger.

Performing talents

The transition to listening to musical material required a small readjustment, which boiled down to reducing the subwoofer volume level to equalize the tonal balance. Since the floor-standing speakers acted as the front pair, it was possible to experiment with the crossover frequency in a wide range: from 50 Hz, when the subwoofer crossover already stops working, and up to about 80-100 Hz, when the bass source already began to be localized by ear. At any crossover frequency, the bass was smooth, without local peaks, which primarily indicates a smooth frequency response of the subwoofer.

The bass guitar sound was pleased with its elasticity and clarity right down to the lowest notes, and the double bass recordings showed the true depth of the bass, while also demonstrating the seamless connection of the speakers with the subwoofer. However, the free and rich timbre sound of the double bass seemed to me not so clear and focused. But everything is known in comparison, and I probably can’t name competitors capable of sounding the same or better in this price range.

With rock and metal, the fast rhythm section was no problem for the SB-1000 – individual notes and beats were audible without the attempt to blend everything into a single, indistinct, booming mess that many low- and mid-priced subwoofers are guilty of.

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Even at low crossover frequencies and with music that does not contain pronounced bass notes, the presence of the subwoofer in the system and its quality are felt quite well. When listening to acoustic music or vocals, you can quite feel how much fuller and richer the lower notes become, as well as how much more realistically the scale and size of the sound images are conveyed.

This subwoofer can be called musical, and with due attention to the settings, it can achieve seamless integration with both floor-standing and shelf speakers.

Conclusions

The SVS SB-1000 has proven itself to be a very versatile solution, which is what it was originally chosen for. It would probably not be an exaggeration to say that in this price category and size, the developers have come close to the maximum possible. The subwoofer produces high-quality sound in both music and cinema modes while providing sound pressure and bass depth comparable to significantly larger models.

If we were to be really picky about quality, we could probably get a little more musicality or a little more power, but in that case, the scales would tip one way or the other. Right now we have a good balance.

I liked the design of the SVS SB-1000: it doesn’t look flashy, but it’s modern, and by the way, it’s assembled very well. The only thing is that the blue LED will hurt someone’s eye that is particularly sensitive to this part of the spectrum.

FAQs SVS SB 1000 Subwoofer

Q1: What makes the bass of the SVS SB-1000 different from other subwoofers?
The SVS SB-1000 is known for producing tight, accurate bass rather than the booming or overwhelming sound typical of other subwoofers. Its sealed design offers precision and control, which makes it ideal for audiophiles who prefer clarity over loudness, especially in smaller rooms.

Q2: Is the SVS SB-1000 suitable for both music and movies?
Yes, the SVS SB-1000 handles both music and movies excellently. It delivers punchy bass for action scenes and provides subtle nuances for music. The subwoofer’s versatility lies in its ability to adapt to both high-impact soundtracks and detailed audio tracks, making it an all-around performer.

Q3: How does the sealed design affect the sound of the SVS SB-1000?
The sealed design creates tighter, more controlled bass. Unlike ported subwoofers, which emphasize louder and deeper frequencies, the SVS SB-1000 focuses on delivering detailed and precise low-end sound, perfect for users who appreciate accurate, responsive bass.

Q4: Can the SVS SB-1000 produce deep bass despite its compact size?
Yes, despite its compact form, the SB-1000 can deliver impressively deep bass, down to 24 Hz. Its 12-inch driver and powerful amplifier work together to ensure you feel the impact of low frequencies, without the need for a larger enclosure.

Q5: What room sizes are ideal for the SVS SB-1000?
The SVS SB-1000 is optimized for small to medium-sized rooms. Its compact design allows for easy placement, and it can fill spaces with clean, impactful bass without distortion. For larger rooms, pairing two SB-1000 subwoofers can enhance performance.

Q6: How does the SB-1000 perform at low and high volumes?
At low volumes, the SVS SB-1000 still delivers detailed and textured bass, which is a testament to its accuracy. At high volumes, it remains clear and controlled, avoiding distortion even when pushed to its limits. The subwoofer’s amplifier dynamically adjusts to maintain a balanced output across all volume levels.

Q7: Does the SVS SB-1000 offer customization for sound preferences?
Yes, the SB-1000 includes adjustable phase, volume, and low-pass filter settings, allowing users to fine-tune the bass to their listening environment and preferences. This flexibility ensures that the subwoofer can blend seamlessly with different speaker systems.

Q8: Is the SVS SB-1000 easy to set up?
Setting up the SVS SB-1000 is straightforward. It comes with intuitive controls and clear instructions, making it easy to integrate into any home audio or theater system. Its compact size also means it can fit in a variety of locations without taking up much space.

Q9: How does the SVS SB-1000 compare to more expensive models in the SVS lineup?
While the SB-1000 is one of the more affordable subwoofers in the SVS lineup, it still offers premium features like a powerful 300-watt RMS amplifier, a 12-inch driver, and detailed bass performance. More expensive models may offer even deeper bass and higher output, but the SB-1000 provides exceptional value for its price.

Q10: What’s the best position for placing the SVS SB-1000 in a room?
Ideally, the SVS SB-1000 should be placed near the front of the room, either in a corner or along a wall, to maximize bass output. However, because of its sealed design, it can be more forgiving with placement and still deliver great results, even in unconventional positions.