The products of the American brand SVS do not suffer from a lack of media attention, especially subwoofers. The 16-Ultra series released some time ago collected awards, and the creators of the bestseller decided to repeat the success. The new 4000 series is based on 16-Ultra technologies and naturally receives high marks from specialized publications in their homeland in the USA and Europe. The SVS SB-4000 model received the EISA award as the best cinema subwoofer of the 2018-2019 season.
You may like: SVS PB13-Ultra Review
Not just a cube
Most subwoofers today look like cubes, usually black. To say that the SVS SB-4000 is no exception would be wrong, although it technically fits this description. The large cabinet, made of medium-density MDF, has rounded side edges and is available in two finishes: black oak or black piano lacquer. Both are good enough that you don’t want to hide the subwoofer far behind the sofa. Rather, you want to put it in a prominent place.
The front upper edge has a cutout on which the display and control buttons are located. A similarly shaped cutout has a metal perforated grill of complex shape. It is removable, but at the same time, it is attached to the body as securely as possible. Conical rubber feet are designed for vibration isolation, but even they are perceived as part of the design concept. Both the appearance and the high build quality of the subwoofer hint at the high status of the model, as well as the fact that its creators are not devoid of imagination and a sense of style.
Power reserve
When getting acquainted with the technical side of the issue, I want to ask the SVS SB-4000 subwoofer one question: “Who are you, a monster?!” And all because behind the two-layer 13.5-inch fiberglass-cellulose diffuser, framed by a rubber suspension, a real monster is hiding. The voice coil has a diameter of 3 inches and 8 layers of winding with flat aluminum wire. This approach allows to minimize distortion and electrical losses occurring inside the coil, and at the same time allows the speaker to withstand kilowatts of power.
The magnetic system weighing over 17 kg includes two ring ferrite magnets, a ventilated core of increased size (made of low-carbon steel), and a copper ring equalizing the induction. The speaker is assembled in a cast aluminum basket, durable, but does not interfere with the free flow of air. The maximum working stroke of the speaker is 76.2 mm, and this is even though the rubber suspension and centering washer have a high degree of elasticity – by pressing on the diffuser, it is barely possible to move it a centimeter.
Also Read: SVS SB13 Ultra Review
To drive such a monster, an amplifier with extraordinary talents is required, and SVS engineers installed exactly that. It operates in class D and delivers 1200 watts of power measured according to the RMS standard, and at peak – up to 4000 watts. The output stages are built on discrete elements, and for the sake of high dynamic characteristics, a switching power supply with a reduced noise level was used. The decision is quite reasonable, because a transformer capable of providing a one-time release of such an amount of energy would have monstrous dimensions, and besides, switching power supply due to technical features is much better suited for such tasks.
There is only one way to keep such a powerful device in place – by providing a large mass, and the SVS SB-4000 has it. This subwoofer weighs almost 50 kg and simply moving it from its place is quite problematic.
Innovation and Management
The design of the SVS SB-4000 is impressive in itself, but what’s more interesting is how the controls are implemented. The subwoofer has low-level balanced and unbalanced inputs, the signal from which goes to a digital processor manufactured by Analog Devices with a clock frequency of 50 MHz, which performs double signal processing with a depth of 56 bits. This allows for high accuracy in signal conversion, but also significantly expands the available set of settings, going beyond the usual three parameters.
In addition to phase, volume, and cutoff frequency adjustments, the subwoofer has a parametric equalizer that allows you to lower or raise the output at any frequency, making a peak or dip of the desired width. Room resonances are compensated separately. For them, you can only select the frequency and intensity of resonance suppression.
But even these extremely useful functions pale in comparison to how brilliantly the subwoofer controls are implemented. To fully appreciate the engineering genius of SVS, let’s remember how we usually set up a subwoofer. First, a point is selected in the room where (purely theoretically) the subwoofer should work normally. Then the user, in the pose of an avid gardener hanging over his favorite bed, tries to reach the subwoofer controls, while simultaneously figuring out how comparable the sound he hears (near the emitter) is to what is produced at the listening point.
Having taken a vertical position and returned to the chair, the user realizes the futility of existence and recalls the technology of tuning “by contradiction”, when the subwoofer is “seated” in the chair in the place of the listener, and the installer begins to wander around the room in search of the point at which the bass is heard best. After which the subwoofer goes to this magic point, and the user again falls to the tuning knobs in the hope of catching that cherished configuration, when everything will be heard and nothing will hum.
The SVS SB-4000 subwoofer has three control methods that can eliminate all the above-mentioned suffering. The first thing that immediately catches the eye is that the buttons are located on the front upper edge of the case. In combination with the display, they already allow you to calmly adjust the subwoofer without taking exotic poses from National Garden Yoga. The second adjustment tool is the remote control, which duplicates the above-mentioned buttons and, if you have keen eyesight, allows you to adjust the subwoofer while sitting at the listening point.
Developing this theme, one can fantasize about the fact that the subwoofer would not be hindered by control interfaces that would automatically switch settings simultaneously with the switching of the projector operating mode or when switching from cinema to listening to music. However, in principle, this is already feasible now, with the help of an IR emitter. A bit crude, but it will work.
Sound versions
Given the presence of a parametric equalizer and room correction function, there is no need to talk about the pronounced character of the subwoofer sound. If you hear that a certain note is emphasized in the sound, or, conversely, you feel a lack of bass – arm yourself with a noise meter and test signals, take your smartphone in your hands, and adjust the sound. If there is little bass in a particular area – the same recipe. However, nothing prevents you from assessing the dynamic qualities of the subwoofer and the degree of accuracy of its work.
In situations where the bass is not overused in the settings and room resonances are conquered, the SVS SB-4000 subwoofer is completely free of any tendency to boom, drag, or smear notes. Even when it comes to rumbling low bass, you will hear every thud, every clatter of rolling boulders, the impact of falling tiles, or whatever is happening on your screen at the moment. The sound is generally focused, clear, and frighteningly fast at the right moments. Gunshots and explosions are handled perfectly, so that after a couple of episodes you begin to prepare in advance, understanding what is about to happen.
The listening conditions (as well as the absence of any desire to damage my hearing) did not allow the volume to be turned up to a level where the subwoofer would go into distortion or show at least two-thirds of its working range. Although I had to push competitors of comparable dimensions to the limit more than once. For its dimensions, the SVS SB-4000 demonstrates amazing performance, and its power reserve seems limitless.
Conclusions
The SVS SB-4000 is good only for how clear and dynamic it sounds, as well as for how large its undistorted power reserve is. With such talents, it already has the right to claim the title of “king of home theater”. The design and quality of manufacture also deserve praise. The manufacturer did not allow itself any roughness or deliberate cheapening of the design.
But the most killer argument in favor of this model is, of course, the control. It is extremely functional and allows you to completely change the sound according to your preferences or for the sake of compliance with the standard. At the same time, the variety of control methods is pleasantly pleasing. The application will be extremely convenient for setup, and for everyday use, a remote control or an IR transmitter integrating it into the automation system will be more convenient.
FAQs for SVS SB-4000 Subwoofer
Q1: What are the key features of the SVS SB-4000 subwoofer?
A1: The SVS SB-4000 features a 13-inch high-output driver powered by a 1200-watt RMS (3200-watt peak) Sledge amplifier, allowing it to deliver deep, impactful bass. It includes advanced DSP controls for tuning and room optimization, a compact sealed cabinet design for improved sound quality, and an app for convenient control and monitoring.
Q2: How does the SB-4000 perform with music and movies?
A2: The SB-4000 excels in both music and movie playback. Its ability to reproduce deep, accurate bass enhances music genres such as hip-hop and classical while providing impactful low-frequency effects in action movies and home theater setups.
Q3: What is the frequency response of the SVS SB-4000?
A3: The SVS SB-4000 has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 270 Hz, ensuring it can reproduce the deepest bass sounds while also handling higher frequencies for a more balanced audio experience.
Q4: How do I connect the SB-4000 to my audio system?
A4: The SB-4000 can be connected using the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) output from your AV receiver via RCA cables. It also has high-level inputs, allowing it to be connected directly to speaker terminals if necessary.
Q5: What are the dimensions and weight of the SB-4000?
A5: The SVS SB-4000 has dimensions of approximately 15.5 x 15.5 x 17.3 inches (W x H x D) and weighs around 50 pounds. Its compact design makes it suitable for various room configurations without compromising on performance.
Q6: Does the SB-4000 feature any smart technology?
A6: Yes, the SVS SB-4000 features advanced DSP technology that allows for precise tuning and room calibration. Additionally, it can be controlled via the SVS app, providing easy access to settings and presets directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Q7: What is the maximum output of the SVS SB-4000?
A7: The SB-4000 can produce a maximum output of approximately 117 dB, making it capable of filling large rooms with powerful and clean bass without distortion.
Q8: Can the SB-4000 be used wirelessly?
A8: While the SB-4000 does not have built-in wireless capabilities, it can be paired with the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter, allowing you to connect it wirelessly to your audio system for greater placement flexibility.
Q9: How does the sealed design of the SB-4000 affect its performance?
A9: The sealed cabinet design of the SB-4000 provides a tight and accurate bass response, minimizing distortion and allowing for a better transient response. This design is particularly effective for music and situations where precise bass reproduction is essential.
Q10: What is the warranty period for the SVS SB-4000?
A10: The SVS SB-4000 typically comes with a 5-year warranty on the driver and cabinet and a 2-year warranty on the amplifier. It’s advisable to check with the retailer or SVS’s official website for specific warranty details.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality sound
- high peak power
- flexible settings,
- number of control
Cons: Weight
Price: $1,799
Specifications SVS SB 4000
Design Type: closed
Driver: 13.5 inches, long excursion
Frequency range: 19-310 Hz +/- 3dB
Amplifier: 1200W RMS, 4000W Peak
Controls: DSP volume, phase, cutoff frequency, parametric equalizer, room resonance compensation
Inputs: Low-level stereo XLR and RCA
Outputs: Low-level stereo XLR and RCA
Dimensions: 465x453x530 mm
Weight: 46.4 kg
