Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Design: Powered Subwoofer
  • Enclosure: Sealed
  • Amplifier: Class D 300 watts
  • Woofer: 10" cone composed of high tensile spun fibreglass strands top coated and bonded to a cellulose core
  • Frequency response: 27 Hz – 200 Hz
  • Crossover: Variable from 50Hz to 150Hz, 24dB/Octave
  • Phase: Variable from 0 to 180 degrees
  • Volume: Variable
  • Inputs: Stereo RCA/LFE/Wireless
  • Power modes: Auto/On
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 13" x 11.5" x 13.5" (330mm x 292mm x 345mm)
  • Weight: 30.86lb (14kg)
The KIN Sub 10 is yet another audio solution in the award winning, versatile KIN family. Perfectly proportioned and packed with proprietary Totem technology, KIN Sub 10 accentuates the bass excitement of every music, movie, or gaming experience.
Manufacturer Site

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:

  • Totem prioritizes phase coherence in their designs, often using first-order crossovers or avoiding them altogether in the midrange-woofer path with their proprietary Torrent drivers.
  • Totem cabinets are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, using lock-mitered joints, veneered interiors, and borosilicate damping to minimize resonances.
  • Known for producing surprisingly deep and powerful bass for their compact size, Totem speakers challenge expectations of low-end performance.
  • Totem speakers exhibit exceptional imaging and soundstaging capabilities, creating a broad and immersive sound field that allows the speakers to seemingly "disappear".

Arro

  • Positioning: The entry-level floorstanding speaker in Totem Acoustic's lineup.
  • Description: Features an ultra-slim design and impressive bass extension, making it ideal for small rooms or spaces where placement flexibility is key. Unlike the more expensive models like the Tribe Tower, offers a more compact and budget-friendly option while still delivering phase-perfect sound and holographic imaging.

Bison Twin Tower

  • Positioning: A mid-range floorstanding speaker with a focus on musicality and versatility.
  • Description: Known for its powerful yet graceful sound, features custom-engineered drivers that provide a lush midrange and full bass, suitable for a wide range of music genres. Compared to the Forest, offers a more immersive experience with its dual-woofer design.

Tribe Tower

  • Positioning: A high-performance speaker that bridges the gap between the mid-range and premium offerings.
  • Description: Features Totem's Torrent technology, delivers exceptional clarity and phase correctness, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking detailed sound reproduction. It offers a more sophisticated design and technology compared to the Bison Twin Tower.

Wind

  • Positioning: A premium floorstanding speaker known for its avant-garde design and superior sonic architecture.
  • Description: The Wind's unique multi-driver system and complex cabinet geometry provide a full-range expressiveness that stands out in the lineup, making it ideal for large and complex musical demonstrations. It offers a more advanced and flexible sound experience compared to the Forest.

Element Metal V2

  • Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Totem Acoustic's engineering and design.
  • Description: Equipped with second-generation Torrent woofers and a titanium dome tweeter, offering groundbreaking clarity and dynamic potential without the need for a crossover. It surpasses other models like the Wind with its bespoke engineering and sophisticated performance, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the highest level of audio fidelity and craftsmanship.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
90
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
60
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
45
Founding Year
1987

Our take on the brand

Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Totem
Tribe Solution
2200
2200
/
1
Reviews
Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
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Product Strengths

  • Speed and musicality, reproducing the purity of sound
  • Tight, agile, and dynamic bass
  • The two smaller woofers create a density of sound with higher speed and less resonance
  • Components are chosen to boost the speed and to affect the signal as little as possible

Product Considerations

  • The specific ice finish of the Tribe tower is not included with the sub
  • The power supply is inside the box, which vibrates with the bass and affects the signal
  • The power cable goes upward, which the reviewer thinks is an error of conception

Takeaway: The product is designed for speed, resulting in natural and pleasant bass that lets you focus on the music. The well-placed components of the product have innovation and create quality sound

Video review

Our take on the brand

Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
REL
T/9x
1762
1762
/
15
Reviews

Serie T/9x: Bigger and Better

The T/x Serie Flagship

The job of any range topper for REL is to deliver more of everything, particularly output and dynamics. The 9x is no different in this regard, as it delivers the goods in both music and theatre applications. 9x, however, delivers a level of intimacy, clarity and speed that means there are no longer trade-offs between the sonic balance of smaller models weighed against the power and scale of a model 9.

The all new 9x has even greater output than before, but the headline news is the way it sacrifices nothing in clarity and transparency to achieve this. At this price it opens the pathway for owners of high-performance European floor and stand mounted monitors and smaller panel speakers to enjoy truly full range sound.

Reimagined, Then Reengineered

A completely redesigned flagship

Many don't realize the intense linkage between performance and design here at REL. Performance is everything to us and so it drives physical design revisions. Our engineers, recognizing the need for greater acoustic volume to achieve the goals of greater fluidity and power, turn to the designer who works dimensions to fool the eye into seeing a smaller, more compact footprint even though cabinet volume increases. Using gently rounded corner radii that allows the eye to flow over and see less visual mass. The result is both modern and familiar with no unnecessary adornment.

Outsized Performance

Innovative Alloy/Fibre Bass Engines

To achieve higher output with better control requires a complete overhaul of the suspension components. Much like the suspension on a sports car, these items are responsible for the tuning and feel of our designs. By increasing the cabinet volume, efficiency is improved yielding higher output for no more amplifier power. Less back pressure inside the cabinet means we can tune for a stiffer, better controlled driver suspension. We retained the best aspects of our previous design, such as the aluminum center cap responsible for stiffening the lightweight 10" (250mm) cone while adding almost no mass. The updated combination produces considerably better attack and dynamics with greater transparency.

Tried and True Amplifiers

The Brains Behind the Brawn

We have retained our signature Class A/B amplifiers used in every generation of Serie T since 2006. Reliability is the key to happy ownership and with some 200,000 and counting of this range leading long happy lives, Serie T/x owners can feel certain of REL's standard setting reliability. The powerful 300 watt mosfet amplifier used in the T/9x remains an icon with huge reserves of current, massive power supplies but small upgrades are found everywhere. New driver mosfets that open up performance and transparency and new methods for securing the toroidal transformers mean better performance and superior strength.

REL's legendary High Level Input connection and fast filters are a significant part of the REL story. Connecting via the speaker outputs of your amplifier without drawing any power from it may seem like magic, but the real magic lies in the way the sound takes on a natural character. Unique tuning and special limiters mean the T/x range sounds fresher, faster and more dynamic than before.

Standby Mode switch is only included on 220V units.

Wireless that Doesn't Compress the Sound

Unlimited Possibilities

At REL, we've developed a sterling reputation for building the finest sounding, fastest wireless systems available in the industry. We never rely upon digital compression as it results in dull, lifeless sound. Instead, we have perfected an (optional) Arrow™ wireless system so fast and dynamic we're comfortable encouraging the use of wireless on one channel of a pair of RELs while the other channel may be connected conventionally with cable.

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
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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

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
KC62
1949
1949
/
12
Reviews

KC62 is an incredibly compact subwoofer that delivers the might and magic of deep, accurate bass for a thrillingly immersive music, movie and gaming experience. Created using innovative KEF engineering including the ground-breaking Uni-Core® technology, the football-sized KC62 features two 6.5inch force cancelling drive units powered by 1,000W RMS of specially designed Class D amplification.

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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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

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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REL
HT/1205 MKII
1132
1132
/
9
Reviews

Rethink What's Possible

Performance Home Theater

Serie HT is designed specifically to answer the challenge of creating affordably priced, exceptionally dynamic, pure home theater powered subwoofers. The HT/1205 MKII is the ideal combination of a lightweight, modern 12" CarbonGlas™ (300mm) driver coupled to a powerful 500W Class D amplifier that runs cool, producing extraordinary dynamics. Internally, we developed specially adapted home theater input filters that produce extremely flat bass down in the 20's.

We set out to build the loudest, relatively compact 12" unit available for pure home theater use, and at truly attractive pricing. You'll be the judge of how well we accomplished that goal, but critics are already lining up for reviews. We believe the HT/1205 MKII is destined to become a modern classic with svelte cabinet dimensions finished in an attractive, yet purposeful line grained black aluminum-look and topped by a 12mm thick beautifully polished top that serves to damp vibrations on the critical top surface of the cabinet.

For REL owners already enjoying our Reference, Serie S and T/i subwoofers designed for both 2-channel and theater use, the HT/1205 MKII is designed to supplement their system's .1/LFE output to produce extremely high output for chest rumbling home theater special effects.

Designer Exterior

The beautiful new cabinetry is bespoke; it has new textures, proportions, and finishing touches previously unseen in the category. Lower, sleeker cabinetry borrows proportions drawn from our new Reference models. Over the years, our experiments have established that this results in a faster, deeper presentation of bass—all while looking smashing. Your eye is immediately drawn to the top panel, whose entire surface finished in 5 coats of hand-polished piano black lacquer. A discreet REL logo floats within the top layer of lacquer whilst the body of the cabinet is clad in horizontally streaked, line-grained composite. The entire affair looks expensive, bespoke, and tastefully restrained. Additionally, you can stylishly combine it with either Serie T/x or Serie S in large, fully-immersive REL HT/3D™ setups.*

Drive Like You Mean It

The HT/1205 MK II's driver is a 12" (300mm) CarbonGlas™ construct as it has always been, but all its components were beefed up. It is improved in both large and small ways, enabling it to deliver the greatest performance possible. Lightweight, stiff, and quiet, the combination of glass fibre primary cones with true carbon fibre centre caps results in a cost-effective yet pistonic cone. Larger, more powerful magnets produce more energy. Upgraded suspension designs control the HT/1205 MKII's output all the way out to the limits of both the amplifier and the driver. The result is crazy output, while the HT/1205 MKII remains fast and liquid.

Now Hear This!

Amplifiers do the heavy lifting in a theatre subwoofer. We turned to a true tier one amp supplier to build our latest design for us—they did not disappoint. They included thicker boards, upgraded the power supplies, and did all the stuff that results in a brutally powerful amp with remarkable longevity. Additionally, the MOSFET power modules rated at 800 watts mean this amp is just cruising at its 500-watt rating. It produces truly awe-inspiring sound. While the theatre gets all the headlines, the HT/1205 MKII's big secret is that it sounds sublime in musical applications. Big and robust-sounding, it is sure to become an instant classic.

PerfectFilters™: Where it All Starts – Amplifier

REL input filters are renowned throughout the audio world. They bring together ultra-fast crossovers, elevation filters that extend the flatness of deep bass, and explosive-sounding integrated limiters. This compact series of analogue circuits is REL's secret recipe in both music and film sound. Refined in this second generation, the secondary filters are much higher in frequency; they make the rarefaction of air in the sound of an explosion to feel that much more realistic. Also, our latest circuit includes an all-analogue subsonic filter that begins as low as 8 Hz to minimize the effects of infra-noise from soundtracks that extends well below the resonance point of the driver. The result is incredible delivered power with the ability to play all the way to the driver's limit without distortion.

Wired For Sound: HT-Air

Wired for sound used to entail long runs of cable strewn across the floor. With our optional HT-Air™, great sound has become "un-wired." Wire has been replaced by a tiny transmitter and matching receiver that sends an incredibly fast 5.8Ghz wireless signal up to 60 feet with no digital compression. This affordable circuit includes the same LSIC chip that powers our state-of-the-art AirShip II, minus the expensive analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue (DAC) convertors. The HT-Air is perfect for the .1/LFE signals using RCA connectors that are HT/1205 MKII's primary mission.

At 6 dB louder than any previous REL within 50% of its price, the original HT/1205 was a remarkable value.

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
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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

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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What competes at this price?

Totem
KIN Sub 8
799
/
Released
Mark Twain famously said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of fight in the dog." Totem concurs, and nothing exemplifies the quote more than the marvelously compact and enormously powerful KIN SUB 8. Its wonderfully contradictory characteristics are enabled by innovative technology and ingenious engineering. The 8" Reinforced Fiberglass Woofer and oversized, vented magnetic structure initiate profound bass impact. Powered to thunderous perfection by our dynamic 200W digital amplifier, KIN Sub 8 strikes the perfect balance of musicality and brute force. Easy to integrate into any lifestyle and perfectly appropriate for any application, KIN Sub 8 will accentuate the bass excitement of every music, movie, or gaming experience.
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Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Smaller than Klipsch, but almost as heavy
  • Very nice quality connectors allow use of banana plugs, or other connection methods
  • The KIN Sub Mini is very efficient, based on mathematic formulas, so the driver moves more than usual, and never leaves the magnetic field, so there's no bump in the movement, and there's no friction due to magnetism
  • The speakers are neutral
  • Subtle notes are produced at very high frequencies

Product Considerations

  • Initial listening may not be representative, as the speakers may need to be broken in over approximately 100 hours

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Klipsch, KIN sounds neutral, warmer, and drier with a feeling of paper, while Klipsch had more of a plastic tone, and the sound came out of a wooden box

Takeaway: The KIN speakers seem well-built and neutral, and based on a mathematic formula. If you are looking for a neutral sound from a speaker made by a company with a cool story, these could be a good choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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SVS
3000 Micro
899
/
Released
2021
The challenges of designing a mini subwoofer capable of chest-pounding output at the lowest frequencies, while maintaining effective thermal and energy management in a micro-sized enclosure, has always been the holy grail of subwoofer brands. Previous designs were flawed with weak output, distortion, and uncontrolled movement of the cabinet itself. 3000 Micro is like a magic trick— small enough to fit anywhere and capable of delivering breathtaking bass from a shockingly compact 10-inch enclosure.
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SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Compact size makes it easy to integrate into various rooms and setups
  • Delivers deep and clear bass
  • Powerful amplifier for its size
  • The SVS app allows for easy and precise tuning of the subwoofer
  • Dual opposing drivers cancel out mechanical energy, minimizing cabinet vibration
  • No speaker-level connections, limiting setup options for some stereo systems

Product Considerations

  • Can be expensive compared to other subwoofers with similar output, especially if size is not a primary concern
  • Limited output compared to larger subwoofers, potentially not ideal for large rooms or bass enthusiasts
  • Power cord length can be restrictive when finding optimal placement
  • Woofer placement can be tricky, because the opposing drivers might be too close to side walls depending on placement

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • SVS 3000 Micro has better adjustability than Sunfire

Takeaway: The SVS 3000 Micro is a small but capable subwoofer that delivers impressive bass performance for its size, enhanced by a user-friendly app for fine-tuning, and is a great option for those needing a compact solution without sacrificing sound quality. It is small and easy to integrate into a listening room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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SVS
SB-1000 Pro
599
/
Released
2021
Jaw-dropping deep bass extension down to 20Hz and massive output with stunning musicality that will delight both audiophiles and home theater fans. Reference subwoofer performance has never been available near this price from a cabinet of this size. SB-1000 Pro is a breakthrough subwoofer in every way.
Check Amazon
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Tight, responsive, and controlled bass performance across the frequency range
  • Compact size, which is helpful for those with size constraints
  • Superb adjustability and control using the SVS app
  • Powerful 325W RMS amplifier
  • The included app offers fine-tuning options, including equalization for room correction

Product Considerations

  • At the highest drive level, it can incur a fair amount of distortion
  • The PB-1000 Pro had more headroom at higher frequencies than the SB-1000 Pro, which may have been deliberately reduced to provide a cleaner sound for music
  • The feet for the subwoofer are short and may not be ideal for thick carpets

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The SB-1000Pro is a whole package upgrade compared to the Velodyne DLS-4000, with more bass down low and more impactful sound
  • The PB-1000 Pro goes deeper in frequency response and is much bigger
  • The SB-1000Pro provided more solid and richer sound with more robust bass compared to the Paradigm Premier 700F floorstanding speakers
  • SB-1000 Pro has richness and punch that the Sonos Sub cannot match
  • The SB-1000 Pro has such good control and has no weakness at reasonable listening levels compared to the Boston Acoustics VR500

Takeaway: The SVS SB-1000 Pro is a compact subwoofer that offers impressive bass performance and extensive control options. With its user-friendly app and powerful amplifier, it is an excellent choice for enhancing both music and home theater experiences.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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SVS
PB-1000 Pro
799
/
Released
2021
The original SVS PB-1000 rocked the subwoofer world with unparalleled performance at its price and beyond. Now, the PB-1000 Pro raises the bar even higher with greater low frequency output, deeper bass extension down to a guttural 17Hz, performance-enhancing dual port cabinet design, and a massive upgrade to the user experience.
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SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The PB-1000 Pro can push low frequencies to reference levels without distortion
  • The PB-1000 Pro has an updated control panel and app that allows the user to adjust many parameters to get their preferred sound
  • The ported design allows for a much thicker and fuller bottom end
  • The PB-1000 Pro is able to deliver chest-rumbling subsonic frequencies

Product Considerations

  • The PB-1000 Pro may lack the punch of smaller subwoofers due to the larger driver requiring more power to move at the same speed
  • The size of the PB-1000 Pro may be an issue for some
  • The vinyl finish may not be appealing to everyone

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Klipsch 8-inch Subwoofer: The PB-1000 Pro's bass has more body and is more rounded and refined, while the Klipsch has more punch and speed

Takeaway: The PB-1000 Pro is a subwoofer that offers great value and is designed to provide deep and clean bass. It has the ability to recreate powerful effects in action movies and blends well into many systems.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Klipsch
RP-1200SW
999
/
Released
2023
The new high-performance Klipsch subwoofers worthy of the Reference Premiere moniker are built with our groundbreaking acoustic technology and are, pound for pound, some of the best subwoofers Klipsch has ever created.
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Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good, clean bass sound
  • Nice aesthetic design and materials
  • Vast improvement over previous Klipsch subwoofers
  • Digs deep, reaching down to 16.5 hertz
  • Rounded corners help maintain rigidity

Product Considerations

  • Port chuffing can be noticeable at high volumes around 20 hertz
  • May lack power for some users, and some felt it could benefit from more RMS power
  • The power indicator is on the front, which some may not prefer
  • Deep, which can create placement issues

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SVS PB-1000 Pro: The RP-1200SW provides a larger cabinet, a bit more power, and fuller sound in the lower frequencies
  • Vs RSL 12s: The RSL 12s has an even larger sense of scale, but the RP-1200SW offers a more classical vented design with more rumble
  • Vs SVS PB 2000 Pro: The SVS PB 2000 Pro has more output
  • Vs SPL-120: The RP-1200SW has much less port chuffing

Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-1200SW is a good sounding subwoofer that is a big step up from older Klipsch subs. It is a worthwhile consideration if one is already in the Klipsch ecosystem or is looking for a solid home theater subwoofer.

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Our take on the brand

Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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