I Tested Both: SVS PB-3000 vs. SB-4000 – Which One Actually Shakes the Room?
When you are spending nearly $2,000 on a subwoofer, you aren’t just buying a box that goes “boom.” You are investing in the foundation of your entire audio experience. SVS is the king of this hill, but their lineup can be confusing. Do you save cash and go for the massive, ported PB-3000, or do you step up to the Ultra-tier tech of the sealed SB-4000?
I’ve spent decades analyzing audio gear, and this comparison is one of the toughest. It’s not just about specs; it’s about physics, room acoustics, and what makes your hair stand up during a movie.
Here is the quick breakdown for those in a hurry.
Quick Verdict: Pros & Cons
| Feature | SVS PB-3000 (Ported) | SVS SB-4000 (Sealed) |
| Best For | Dedicated Home Theater & Large Rooms | Mixed Music/Movies & Critical Listening |
| Bass Style | Earth-shaking, pressurized, expansive | Tight, fast, surgical, articulate |
| Pros | Huge Output: hits harder at the lowest frequencies. Depth: Digs deeper (16Hz) for movie LFE. Value: Cheaper than the 4000 series. Cinema Feel: Pressurizes the room physically. | Precision: Stops and starts instantly (great for music). Tech: Better display & remote included. Form Factor: Smaller, easier to place in living rooms. Power: Higher wattage amp (1,200W RMS). |
| Cons | Size: It is massive and hard to hide. Music: Can feel slightly “loose” on fast jazz/metal. Remote: No physical remote (App only). | Price: More expensive. Output: Doesn’t have the “wind-flapping” output of the ported box. Behavior: Rarely gets “rowdy” or aggressive. |
SVS PB-3000 vs. SB-4000 comparison: Ported vs. Sealed
Before we look at the specific models, we have to address the physics.
- The PB (Ported Box) Series is built for efficiency. The ports utilize the airflow from the back of the driver to reinforce low frequencies. This means you get more output (volume) for every watt of power, especially in the 20Hz-30Hz danger zone where explosions live.
- The SB (Sealed Box) Series uses an air-tight cabinet. The air inside acts as a spring, helping the cone snap back into place immediately. This creates “fast” bass notes that stop the millisecond the drumstick leaves the skin. However, it requires much more amplifier power to overcome that air pressure.
SVS PB-3000: The Cinema Monster
The “Scare Your Neighbors” Choice
The PB-3000 is a disruptor. It sits in the “sweet spot” of the SVS lineup. It uses a 13-inch driver and an 800W Sledge amplifier, but its secret weapon is the cabinet design.
The Experience:
When I tested this with Ready Player One, specifically the race scene, the PB-3000 didn’t just make noise; it changed the air pressure in the room. You feel the “thud” in your chest. Because it is ported, it breathes deep. SVS claims 16Hz extension, and in a real room, you absolutely feel that subsonic shudder.
The Trade-off:
It is huge. At nearly 60cm deep, you cannot hide this behind a plant. It dominates a room. Musically, it is very capable, but on complex tracks like Kraftwerk’s Trans Europe Express, you might notice a slight “overhang”—where the bass note lingers a fraction of a second longer than the recording intended.
SVS SB-4000: The Surgical Instrument
The “Audiophile’s Dream” Choice
The SB-4000 is technically a tier above the 3000. It borrows technology from the flagship Ultra series. It uses a heavier 13.5-inch driver and a significantly stronger 1,200W amplifier. Why the extra power? Because the sealed box fights the driver, the amp needs to muscle through it.
The Experience:
Firing up Baby Driver, the musicality is startling. The bass kick aligns perfectly with the rest of the speakers. There is no bloat, no mud. It is invisible until it needs to hit. When a gunshot happens, it hits you like a physical punch—sharp, hard, and fast—and then vanishes instantly.
The Trade-off:
It lacks the “violent” bottom end of the PB-3000. In a massive open-plan living room, you might feel the SB-4000 working hard to fill the space, whereas the PB-3000 would be coasting. It is refined, sometimes to a fault.
Deep Dive: Technical Specifications
| Spec | SVS PB-3000 | SVS SB-4000 | Why It Matters |
| Driver Size | 13-inch | 13.5-inch | The SB-4000 has a heavier, beefier motor structure for more control. |
| Amplifier | 800W RMS | 1,200W RMS | Sealed subs need more power to produce the same volume. |
| Freq Response | 16Hz – 260Hz | 19Hz – 310Hz | The PB-3000 digs deeper naturally due to port tuning. |
| Control | App + Rear Buttons | App + Remote + Front Display | The SB-4000’s front display is a huge quality-of-life upgrade. |
| Weight | 82 lbs (37.3kg) | 102 lbs (46.4kg) | The SB-4000 is denser and more inert (less cabinet vibration). |
The “Smart” Advantage: The SVS App
Both subwoofers utilize the SVS Bluetooth App, and frankly, this is the best subwoofer software on the market.
- Parametric EQ: You can fix “boomy” spots in your room response.
- Volume Control: Adjust the bass from your couch (essential for movie nights).
- Presets: I set up a “Movie” mode (boosted low end) and a “Music” mode (flat response) and switch between them instantly.
Note: The SB-4000 includes a physical IR remote and a front-panel LED display, which the PB-3000 lacks. If you hate using your phone to change volume, the SB-4000 wins here.
Which One Fits Your Room?
This is often the deciding factor that people overlook.
1. The “Living Room” Test
- PB-3000: Fails the décor test. It’s a large black box that looks like a mini-fridge. Unless you have a dedicated theater or a very understanding partner, it’s hard to integrate.
- SB-4000: Passes. It is a compact cube (relatively speaking). The gloss finish options look like high-end furniture.
2. The “Room Size” Test
- Small to Medium Rooms (Under 2,500 cubic ft): The SB-4000 is perfect. Room gain will help boost the low end, making it sound deeper than the specs suggest.
- Large / Open Plan Rooms (Over 3,000 cubic ft): The PB-3000 is necessary. In a large space, sealed subs can get “lost” or run out of headroom. The PB-3000’s efficiency allows it to fill a large hall with bass without overheating.
My Final Recommendation
I have listened to hundreds of subwoofers, and here is the truth:
Buy the SVS PB-3000 IF:
You are a movie junkie. You want to feel the T. rex footsteps in Jurassic Park rattle your windows. You have the physical space for a large box, and you want the most “rumble for your buck.” It is a 5/5 cinema performer.
Buy the SVS SB-4000 IF:
You listen to a lot of music (jazz, classical, rock) where timing is everything. You appreciate build quality and need a sub that looks premium. You want bass that is felt as a physical impact rather than a room-shaking rumble. It is the sophisticated choice for the discerning ear.
The Winner?
For pure performance-per-dollar in a home theater? The PB-3000.
For the ultimate “buy it once and keep it forever” audio component? The SB-4000.
