Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Authoritative yet articulate bass output, suitable for both music and home theater applications
- Compact size for a 13-inch driver, allowing for easy placement in various room sizes
- Wireless Bluetooth control via a user-friendly smartphone app allows for convenient DSP and settings management
- Precise, high-resolution DSP adjustments allow for bass response, including parametric equalization and room gain compensation
- Tight, fast, and precise bass with seemingly unlimited headroom, thanks to its powerful amplifier
- Only RCA line-level inputs are offered; balanced interconnects require an adapter
Product Considerations
- The stock power cable and footers can be upgraded for a substantial increase in performance
- Optimal setup may require measurement tools for precise integration with main speakers
- While comprehensive, the SVS app lacks a built-in response measurement feature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SVS SB-1000 Pro, the SB-3000 has lower bass extension and sounds tighter and punchier
- Compared to the Velodyne DD-12 and Paradigm Defiance X12, the SB-3000 offers better performance than these older, more expensive 12-inch subwoofers
- Compared to the SVS SB-4000, the SB-3000 matches the SB-4000's performance in smaller rooms, but the SB-4000 can play lower and louder in larger rooms
- Compared to the Definitive Technology Descend DN12, the SB-3000 has a better app and user-adjustable PEQ
- Compared to the JL Audio Fathom f113v2, the SB-3000 is less expensive and weighs less, but the JL Audio has an automated digital EQ system
Takeaway:
The SVS SB-3000 is a compact, feature-rich subwoofer that delivers impressive and articulate bass for both music and movies. The powerful amplifier, user-friendly app, and precise DSP controls make it easy to integrate into any system and enhance the overall listening experience.
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SB-3000
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Driver: 13" high-excursion SVS driver
- Amplifier Rating: 800 watts RMS (2500+ watts peak)
- Frequency Response: 18-270Hz ±3 dB
- Dimensions (w/ grille): 15.6" (397mm) H X 15.2" (385mm) W X 17.8" (451mm) D
- Weight (unboxed): 54.5 lbs. (24.7 kg)
- Finish Options: Premium Black Ash and Piano Gloss Black
- Cabinet: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) construction
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- SVS subwoofers often integrate sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engines, accessible via a user-friendly smartphone app, allowing for precise adjustments to parameters like crossover frequencies, parametric EQ, and room gain compensation.
- They prioritize the design of the woofer itself, often using lightweight yet rigid materials like aluminum or composite cones paired with powerful motor assemblies for exceptional excursion and controlled bass reproduction.
- The brand offers different enclosure designs, such as sealed, ported, and cylindrical, to accommodate various room sizes, aesthetic preferences, and sonic goals.
- SVS consistently earns high praise for the quality and responsiveness of its customer service, which includes generous trial periods, warranties, and upgrade policies, fostering a customer-centric experience.
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Used
SVS
What if you spend more?
Born from three decades of SVS design expertise, PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is the pinnacle or ported subwoofer performance. A massive 17-inch driver with first ever dual 8-in voice coils driven by the most powerful amplifier ever deployed in a consumer subwoofer with DSP intelligence far beyond anything available. All married to advanced power management and auto EQ room correction. The benchmark for reference subwoofer experiences has arrived. Breathtaking low frequencies with unerring accuracy, room-shaking output, and stop-on-a-dime control. The deep, chest-thumping slam of cinematic soundtracks and the delicate nuance of musical bass always rendered truthfully. Whether heard or felt, low frequencies are handled effortlessly without sacrificing sonic fidelity and refinement. With extension to 12 Hz, far below the threshold of human hearing, PB17-Ultra R|Evolution brings sound to life with convincing, visceral, and jaw-dropping impact.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely efficient and sips power compared to its output, making it easy to integrate into existing electrical setups
- Delivers bottomless deep-bass response, reaching down to 12 Hz
- Produces razor-sharp and comfortable bass, avoiding ear fatigue
- Offers high-quality bass that allows for running more gain than usual
- Excellent performance with music—offering nuance, tightness, and control—making them the best-sounding music subs the reviewer has ever heard
Product Considerations
- Very heavy and large, making it difficult to move
- Isolation is important, especially on wood subfloors, to decouple the driver and prevent rattling
- It is important to carefully match the target line with the response when using PEQ adjustments to avoid ruining the subwoofer's frequency response
- Dual subwoofers are highly recommended to avoid your room stealing or amplifying your bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PB16-Ultra: It is better, with much bigger ports and DSP to prevent port noise
- Vs PB2000 Pro: The PB17-Ultra drops to 12 Hz in room, whereas the PB2000 Pro drops to 14Hz
Takeaway: The PB17-Ultra offers amazing bass quality and explosive power while remaining efficient. It's a versatile subwoofer that sounds phenomenal with both movies and music.
Video review
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Classic 99
Nothing Continues to Says Lifestyle like Mid-Century Modern RELs
Classic 99 extends our Classic Line to loftier heights. Richer, bolder, and more powerful? Certainly. Yet 99 is also capable of far greater nuance, air, and resolution than its lesser brethren. For those with more capable systems and larger rooms, Classic 99 delivers advances on every front, while still maintaining the same easy-going, room-filling nature all Classic offerings possess. The high-grade genuine dark walnut veneer complements a variety of decors. Classic 99 delivers this in the same simple, comforting form of Mid-Century Modern design. Perfect for those who welcomed the original, yet were waiting for the next chapter to be written, those who crave even higher performance and the ability to fill larger, grander spaces with a broad carpet of deep bass. You'll still want to put on a record, pour a favorite drink, sink into your favorite chair, and relax into the music or movie of your choice. Classic 99, for those who waited for more.
Designed to Be Superior
Classic 99 adopts the form language introduced in its model 98 stablemate. As comfortable as a pair of well-worn loafers, it features solid cabinet walls as thick as 32 mm, clad in rich, warm walnut veneer, hand fitted with care. The simplest of natural aluminum badges and softly radiused feet milled from solid billet, blacked out to allow it to seemingly float, ensure that nothing, not even a grille disturbs the vibe. Yet, as with all RELs, the styling conveys far more than simple comfort. The down-firing 12" driver, while unseen, will surely be felt. Continuing to the rear panel, one finds the period-correct detailing extends to the amplifier panel, where all controls are finished in lovely white gold. Everything that one encounters has the heft of quality switch gear, even the click made by the phase switch is near perfection. Quality abounds everywhere one looks or touches. Don't be surprised if your children fight over it later in life.
Driven to be Louder. And Quieter.
As anyone familiar with REL will tell you, we always begin with the driver. In this case, a bespoke 12" long stroke driver that uses lightweight, stiff, hot-pressed paper to form the main body of the cone. Laid atop that is a stiff center cap made of hand-thrown paper; to randomize the fibres, ensuring that the driver has excellent self-damping. This is one of REL's secrets. Understanding that it is the quietness, that attention to bring the driver to complete silence, that produces the most startling dynamics. Whilst Classic 99 will play shatteringly loud, it's from the very black background that the loudest dynamics emerge to produce the sense of shock sought by great composers and directors.
More than Ample Amplification
Classic 99 is big, bold, and full of character, similar to the Stentor II of our youth, but at one-third the price. Of course, the 99 has a great amp. In order to generate deeper bass and significantly higher output, we turned to a tried-and-true Class D amplifier that we've already used in thousands of previous units. This 450 watt amplifier is fed by an all analogue PerfectFilter™ front end that extends useful output well into the low 20 Hz range – superb for a design of this size and price. It produces a sound that's both rich and richly detailed at the same time. Classic 99 borrows the best from current technology to deliver a sound slightly warmer and more like what we all imagine vintage sound to be, with superior reliability and performance than was ever available back in the day.
Classic RELs: What's The Difference
How does the Classic 99 stack up against the hot little Classic 98?
While they look similar, the newer Classic 99 is some 50 percent larger (by volume) delivering 450 watts of power (300w for CL98) into a 12″ driver (10″ for CL98). Those are significant upgrades in the basic spec of the Classic 99. Yes, the Classic 99 is more powerful, plays louder and goes deeper. It should. We walk you through the untold, less obvious story that makes the Classic 99 truly special even while appreciating the magic that is the original Classic 98.
Less Wiring?
How About Wireless Technology Only REL Offers
The future meets the past gloriously in REL's wireless offerings. For the ultimate, select our Airship II which encourages the use of REL's High-Level Connection PLUS .1/LFE should your listening tastes run toward movies. And these days who doesn't stream quality video content? This is our ultimate wireless design at 5.8 GHz and uses discrete components in the front end to transform your system's sound flawlessly into totally uncompressed wireless capable of eliminating the sprawl of cables across one's living space. On a tighter budget? We slip the exact same 5.8 gig master chip into an affordable system that allows for Low Level or .1/LFE to deliver across the same 35' with the same bulletproof signal delivery that we've become famous for over the past 15 years. HT-Air MKII Wireless is one of life's great bargains.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful aesthetic with walnut veneer, fitting well with mid-century modern or classic speaker setups
- Provides a warmer, richer, more textured, and room-filling bass, enhancing the musicality of the system
- Capable of delivering more bass output at deeper frequencies compared to the Classic 98, beneficial for music and movies
- Seamlessly integrates with speakers, creating a cohesive sound field, and improving vocals and soundstage
Product Considerations
- The setup process can be tedious, as adjustments need to be made manually without an app
- Limited phase adjustment options (0 and 180 degrees) may restrict integration flexibility in some rooms
- May not be the best choice for systems that already sound warm or for those prioritizing punchy—fast bass
- Substantial size may require careful placement in smaller rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Classic 98, the 99 has more bass output at deeper frequencies, and is faster and more nimble
Takeaway: The Classic 99 is a beautiful and musical subwoofer that enhances the overall warmth and richness of a sound system, making it more inviting and enjoyable, especially for those with smaller speakers or systems that could benefit from additional low-end texture. It delivers a smooth, tactile, and spacious bass experience.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Deep, rich, punchy, and precise bass enhances the overall sound experience
- Exceptional control and accuracy with articulate and precise bass notes avoids muddiness
- A muscular amplifier pressurizes the room well, making movies sound huge
- A user-friendly experience is offered via the MaestroUnite app for advanced configuration
- Elegant design with a premium finish is available in Gloss Black or Satin White
Product Considerations
- Substantial weight at 32.4kg
- May be overkill for smaller rooms
- Lacks auto EQ for self-calibration
- Some people may miss high-level inputs
Takeaway: The Anthra W12 is a powerful subwoofer that brings depth and detail to both music and movies. With its precise bass and user-friendly features, it's a great addition to any serious hifi setup and will make any media experience more enjoyable.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Powerful, with great potential for room lock and shaking the listening room
- Tuneful, clean, clear, and accurate bass
- Deep bass extension
- High build quality, with fine cabinetry
- The on-board DSP with software offers flexibility with settings
Product Considerations
- Expensive
- Setup options can be overwhelming
- Heavy, making it difficult to move around
- The software may be complex to use
- Built-in EQ may not be effective
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Velodyne DD-18, the Digital Drive Plus 18 (DD-18+) bettered it in raw power, transient articulation, pitch definition, and deep-bass extension
- Compared to the JL Audio Fathom f113, the DD-18+ created room lock that a single Fathom f113 couldn't
- Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins DB1, the sound was closest to DD-18+, but the blend with Quad ESL-989s wasn't as seamless
Takeaway: The Velodyne DD18+ delivers top-notch sound, deep bass, and plenty of power for an amazing listening experience, and it gets the job done in both home theaters and two-channel systems. Its flexible features and robust construction make it a great option for anyone looking for a serious subwoofer.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses a front-firing 17-inch diameter high excursion driver
- Possesses a powerful internal dual mono Class D amplifier producing 2,800 watts of continuous power with peak capacity of more than 6,000 watts
- App includes customizable presets allowing multiple subwoofer settings
- In open-air setting, measurements showed a linear frequency response tracking in relative alignment with reported measurements, hitting 20 Hz around 92 dB and 15 Hz at 86 dB
- Can improve the overall scale and dimension of music, making it sound more true-to-life
Product Considerations
- It is huge and requires a sizable footprint in the room
- Nearby furniture can rattle and doors can pop open due to vibrations, robust isolation feet or washing machine pucks may be needed
- Proper placement may require investing in longer cables or using a wireless kit, and the wireless kit has a SignalSense feature that takes a second to wake up and is accompanied by an audible click
- Auto subwoofer calibration was delayed, as of the time of at least one review, until the sub's microphone is ready and users will not have to rely solely on their smartphones or purchase a mic separately
- It is heavy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Klipsch RP-1000: SB-17 is more adjustable and more capable, less boomy and more detailed
- Vs KEF KC-92: SB-17 packs more features, customization, and better overall performance
- Vs SVS-3000 Micro: SB-17 has greater output and low bass capability
- Vs REL T-Zero MK3: SB-17 is in no way comparable due to the T-Zero being designed to augment the low end of smaller speakers and is best suited for rooms where space is limited
- Vs RBH SV-1212PR: SV-17 is every bit the RBH sub's equal based on memory, notes, and some older measurements, but it costs about a third as much and is just way more user-friendly
- Vs JL Audio Fathom: SB-17 can hang with the Fathom in many ways, is more flexible, and potentially easier to use thanks to its app
Takeaway: The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is a powerful and versatile subwoofer that delivers deep, impactful bass for both movies and music. It offers a user-friendly experience with its app and has the ability to significantly enhance any audio system.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, suitable for music listening with great articulation and detail
- Easier integration into a room visually, due to its compact/medium size
- Attention to detail in the design, including the fit and finish, and quality components
- Speed and transient response are praised, allowing it to start and stop quickly
- Multiple connection options, including high-level, low-level, and LFE inputs, increasing its versatility
Product Considerations
- May not provide the same level of 'body rock' and tactile feel as larger subwoofers
- May not be ideal for very large rooms where more output is needed
- The finish, while high quality, is only available in a limited number of colors
- The TX range is not designed to be stacked, limiting options for increasing bass output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T/9x has slightly better fidelity, while the SVS Micro 3000 has more SPL and extension
- The T/9x provides a more consistent experience overall, while the KEF KC62 is more versatile
- Performance rivals REL S3.
Takeaway: The REL T/9x is a well-designed subwoofer that can enhance the sound quality of a music system, especially in small to medium-sized rooms. It brings detail, clarity, and extension to the bass, making it a worthwhile addition for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The KC62 is a compact subwoofer, described as tiny and about the size of a soccer ball or basketball, making it easy to accommodate in various rooms and spaces
- Delivers incredible bass for the money and size
- The KC62 provides powerful, deep, and accurate bass reproduction, especially in the lower frequencies
- Features unique Uni-Core technology to fit two woofers into a small cabinet, reducing unwanted resonances
Product Considerations
- The KC62's standby mode may not always engage, requiring manual volume adjustment to wake it
- Small subwoofers can't do what bigger subwoofers can do, although capable
- App control does not provide direct access to remotely control the sub's own manual settings, therefore, some adjustments still need to be made on the back
- In a big room, it'll definitely lose some steam
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The KC62 extends quite a bit lower than the SVS Micro 3000 and is going to have really good extension, especially at lower volumes
- The KF92 has a max SPL that's double the one offered by the KC62, making it a great option for larger listening rooms or home theaters
- The KC62 has a faster response than the REL T/9x, which enhances the vibrancy of percussions in music or exciting moments in movies
Takeaway: The KC62 is a small but mighty subwoofer that delivers impressive bass for its size, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space who still want a great listening experience. Its stylish design and innovative technology make it a standout product that can enhance both music and movie enjoyment.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved bass extension, control, and authority compared to the original HT/1205
- Enhanced aesthetics with upgraded vinyl, gloss black top plate, and smaller logos
- Defined clicks/adjustments on frequency and gain controls, improving setup precision
- Clean bass output with good note distinction, start/stop behavior, transient response, tone, and texture
- Capable of playing louder with a larger sense of scale than the original HT/1205
Product Considerations
- Lacks high-level input
- Some reviewers found the bass extension did not go as low as the Mark I version in certain infrasonic tests
- The glossy top plate may be prone to fingerprints and micro-scratches
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mark II plays louder, extends lower, has more authority and a larger sense of scale overall—with a slightly heavier tone—compared to the original HT/1205
- Compared to the Arendal 1961 1S and SVS SB-2000 Pro, the HT/1205 is more articulate, clean, and clear with better note-to-note distinction and transient response
- The HT/1205 is a more affordable alternative to the KEF KC62
Takeaway: The HT/1205 is a powerful and articulate subwoofer that offers great value for both music and home theater. Its improved design and performance make it a worthy upgrade and a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet capable bass solution.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a warm, full, and 'romantic' bass that evokes a vintage feel while maintaining modern REL quality
- More affordable than higher-end REL subwoofers, while still providing excellent build quality and performance
- Easy to integrate and blend with various speakers, especially classic or vintage models
- Provides a tight, punchy, and expansive bass response that adds foundation to the music without sounding muffled
- Features a smaller size and easier setup compared to some other REL subwoofers
Product Considerations
- Does not reach the ultra-deep and refined bass of REL's higher-end S/510 model
- The 'plumper, fuller' bass might not be ideal for those seeking ultra-tight and fast bass
- Some reviewers note that while improved, older REL designs could have a lack of control over the bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Classic 98 is more affordable and easier to set up than the REL S/510, but the S/510 offers deeper and more refined bass
- The Classic 98 is less warm, more direct, deeper, faster and tighter than the older REL Strata III
Takeaway: The REL Classic 98 is a good subwoofer for adding a vintage vibe and solid bass to a music setup, especially with classic speakers. It is easy to use, sounds good, and provides an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
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