I've been running a Paradigm 2200 sub daily for the past 25 years. I originally paid $900+ tax and at the time it was considered a high-end sub, among the best. It's a beast of a sub and it sounds as good now as it did on day one. Decided I wanted to update my system and a subwoofer was the final thing I needed to get so I went with the SVS PB4000 which cost about $2,300. This turned out to be a huge letdown because my 2200 absolutely destroys the PB4000 and that's with 25 years of daily usage! Looking at my new SVS, I'd say there's no chance in hell this thing will be still working in 25 years. Quality and performance in the audio world has taken a nosedive. You can still get great gear but you're paying twice as much for it now as you were 25 to 35 years ago. I've heard so many great things about these SVS subs and I wonder to myself, have these people ever actually heard a really good sub?
do you mean Paradigm PW 2200 12"? What about the PW 2200 impresses you more than the SVS? :) I guess it's not the power or volume, but maybe the depth and fatness of the bass? I dealt with home theaters and bought old, used Paradigm subwoofers for my clients, most often the legendary PS-1200 has only about 150W RMS and a 12" speaker, but its bass was nicer, fatter/meaty than in newer subwoofers with much higher power in Watts. btw. I think a good successor to PW 2200 would be Paradigm Servo 15
@@montekore374 I also owned the Servo 15 and I just wasn't very impressed with it. It was good, Don't get me wrong but it's a sealed sub and my Martin Logan Dynamo 700, which is only a 10-in sealed sub, seemed to hit harder and more articulate than the servo 15. The servo 15 is more of a musical sub, not great for movies. I find manufacturer specifications, be it with speakers or subwoofers to be very unreliable. You can never really know what to expect until you demo the gear in your home. As far as the PW 2200 It digs down every bit as deep as the SVS, however, the bass is more impactful and packs more of a punch. You can feel it more-they are quite comparable though. The 2200 is in a huge enclosure with huge ports that you could damn near stick your head in!
Thanks for the comparison. Really appreciate it. Man, measurements on a spec sheet don't really tell the whole story. When you see these bad boys with our own eyes sitting somewhat next to each other it really puts things into perspective. That x15 is a massive sub. I knew it was a large sub but man it's massive. Makes the PB3000 look small. I think ultimately I'm leaning towards the x15. I like that it's from a Canadian company designed and actually built in Canada. As I've gotten older I've come to appreciate supporting local. The fact the x15 is even able to keep up with the PB3000 and be a legitimate alternative is fantastic. Cheers and Merry Xmas.
I have the X15 and love it for both movies and music. Hits hard and tight at all volumes. The ARC is worth it hands down. Ya the size is crazy big and again one of the reasons I got it and the sweet deal I got. Just ordered a second one and I no longer feel the need to look for any other subs. The X15 does everything and some.
Merry belated Christmas brother, and Happy New Year. Yeah I was in the same boat as you, I knew it was bigger, but putting them side by side really puts it into perspective. Supporting local is always a good thing, and is a great policy to have.
Heh, I know why the SVS 3000 causes the room to shake more loudly :) Even though your application showed a similar volume level, the SVS amplifier was actually pumping more energy into the loudspeaker :) The microphone does not detect all the nuances of the bass, it measured the audible bass, but the frequencies that cause the furniture to resonate, equipment in the room are not always captured well by a microphone placed in, for example, the listening position. You would notice higher power consumption of the SVS than the X15 if you connected it to even a cheap $15 wattmeter controlled via Wi-Fi (I recommend it) The second thing is that the bass from different subwoofers spreads differently around the room, and SVS shows that the SVS bass accumulated more in the corners of the room (in addition, the bass reflex outlets radiate forward towards the microphone) and if you placed the microphone there, it would appear that the SVS is set much louder than X15 :) The X15, however, distributes the bass more evenly over its entire surface and it would probably be more pleasant to watch movies and music on the sofa with the X15 than with the SVS.
@@SpecOfTech It would be great it you could also review Arendnal subwoofer 2 back to back #Arendal Please send a review subwoofer to Spec of tech Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply, I was taking some time off for the holidays. Merry belated Christmas to you and Happy New Year man! I appreciate all your support and I can’t wait to see what 2023 has to offer all of us haha…cheers.
@felixlaboy1453 it depends on your budget and size constraint. If your budget is tight, you can't go wrong with the PB-3000. If you can stretch your budget a few hundred bucks, I would go with the PSA TV1813M. This subwoofer will spank the PB-3000 in every area. If you can stretch your budget even further, PSA TV2112 would be my choice. That subwoofer will be magnitudes better than the PB-3000. I went from the PB-3000 to the PSA TV21IPAL and boy, they aren't even in the same league. Heck, they aren't even on the same planet.
@felixlaboy1453 yep, PSA= Power Sound Audio. They make some of the best home audio subwoofers money can buy. They have a 60 day return policy and a 5 year warranty.
SVS full win..Love my dual pb3000's ALWAYS GO DUAL. Best to have two smaller subs than a single bigger one. I was going to just buy a single pb16 ultra then heard duals. Massive difference. And what makes the pb3000 more potent is the Voice coil.
They are underestimated it many cases it seems. They are starting to pick up more traction in the mainstream though, which is great. Are you running an Anthem processor as well?
Hey bro great review, when it comes to SW's hopefully one day I'm gonna grow up to be just like you. I guess I better grow up fast since I'm 60 now. That said, I just got the PB 3000 a couple days ago and there is a very noticeable difference from the Klipsch SPL 15 inch subwoofer that I have. Different sound, deeper bass, bass you can feel with out putting a lot of gas to it. The sound blends in well with the rest of the speaker's and can't wait to hear the difference after some break in. I know that a subwoofer like pb 3000 is small compared to what you've had but this is definitely an upgrade for me. Thanks for your knowledge and comparison of this sub and all you do.
lol, I hope you found it helpful. In most cases large subwoofers like I have had, are more than overkill, what you have will do the job very well...cheers.
The bass on the SVS is loud, but it sounds loose and not as well controlled as the Paradigm. The Paradigm has tight well controlled bass and from the demo just sound better. The problem is people have been trained to believe that loud bass is better which is just not right. You can thank Bose for the crappy Bass in most speakers now. The Paradigm is much better.
Great video as always! As a former SVS owner, SB3000, SB4000, they are amazing subs for the money. The SB4000 by itself was earthshaking😁 same can be said for the 3000. I really miss the SVS App, a tweakers play land! The only downside for the Paradigm for me, is it's size. Fit and finish, meh...it does the job. My new PSA S1512's kick ass also. Close to the same price, and measures (thanks Barrett!) flat to 10hz, slightly less output though. For music, the PSA's are better IMO. Less sound power with movies, still real good for my requirements. The comparisons you do are awesome! great content! Best wishes to you and your wonderful family for the Holidays! 🎅🎅🎁
SB4000 is around 2000 now per sub! I've got 4 of them and I can attest to their earthshaking profile! I watched John Wick 3 and the scene where they fight in a glass maze was incredible. When he slammed people into the glass barriers and the glass wobbled my sofa wobbled too! Just amazing subwoofers. It my room I have amazing response 20hz and below due to room gain.
Your system has evolved so much in recent months, it sounds amazing, you've done a great job in your room. Merry Christmas to you and yours brother. Let's chat next week...cheers.
Hey John I’m trying to decide between the PB3000 or the SB4000 because there close in price. My room is 12x22 10 Foot ceiling. I’m looking to do one at the moment and then get second one. Or would you recommend a other brand.
With the recent SVS price increase for Canadians I think things get a little more interesting. Was leaning towards the x15 but now I have pretty much been pushed towards the x15 based on price/performance because of the recent price increase by SVS.
Hey Mike, where are you located? I have a couple of X15's for sale. I would prefer a local sale, I am from Calgary. Reach out if this interests you...cheers.
@@SpecOfTech I'd be interested, but I'm on Van Island. Shipping alone would make it not worth it for either of us. It's expensive having things shipped here with the ferry and other factors. Going this weekend with my Wife to our local dealer looking for a quote. Fingers crossed we can score a good price.
How tight would you say it is? I'm debating on getting a sub for my center channel and was debating on the paradigm 12 or REL S812. It's a big difference in price and the only two high end options with hi level inputs. I know how REL performs but haven't heard the Paradigm line yet.
@Jamie Smith It is for theater, for the center channel to enhance the dialogue. And of course any other low frequency sounds. I am going to be using Martin Logan Icon 3xw for my LCR and while sending the LR to the subwoofer is fine I keep hearing how the center channel with a dedicated sub is night and day difference. So I want one good 12 inch sub, maybe the 10 would be good enough but I might as well buy for future amd just get a 12 inch.
Now review the NEW Paradigm X13 sub coming out later this week. I already have it pre-ordered thru my local dealer. Purchased sight unseen. Crossing my fingers it's the endgame subwoofer for me!
I wonder how much better the PSA TV1512 is. I've seen in-room REW measurements flat to 12-13hz with huge mid-bass slam. It's also smaller than the PB3000.
I have no doubt the TV1512 would extend much lowers and flatter...but I doubt the peak SPL would beat these 2 subwoofers. You typically sacrifice peak SPL when you try to extend to the lower octaves.
I haven't done much listening in sealed mode no. I am considering doing a sealed versus ported mode comparison though, is that something you would be interested in?
@@SpecOfTech I think for the most part the specs are online, but it might make good content for you. I’m more curious than anything as I always look at svs but never pull the trigger and end up going to paradigm subs primarily due to PBK/ARC.
Another great review B! In the US it would be hard not to choose the PB3000s over the X15 on price alone, now knowing their comparison. I have dual SB3000 and when I purchased them I wanted a sub great for mainly music, occasional movies and not a space hog. Now that I have more space … 4 PB3000 in a dedicated movie room looks appealing. Here’s my question to you being a former PB16 owner… would you go dual PB16 ($5600) or quad PB3000 ($6000)? (Personally and in my space of 20x20x7) thanks B
Get PB4000 for your room it’s going to be more than enough … Have the dual SB subs in the front and dual PB in the back . Your room will rock and also it will help to get soundstage
Sorry for the late reply, I took some time off for the holidays. Happy New Year brother! With having 4 PB3000’s you should get a lot of output around the whole room, with a smoother response. So if having a smooth response across more than 2 seats is important for your theater, go with 4 3000’s. If you are the main user of the theater and you only need a good response across 1 or 2 seats, get the PB16’s for more peak output and the cash savings.
They may be a better comparison output wise, but they are far more expensive. I guess it would depend on what your terms are for a comparison. The PB4000 is about $1500 more than the X15.
Would love to see you try a JL home subwoofer like a Dominon or Esub, they are more expensive but they do bass so well in a small package it's very impressive.
@Keeping Up With The Jones' If you think SVS are baby subwoofers look up the JL dominion or esub dimensions it's like half the size lol the D108 is a quarter of the size
SUBBED! Great video and review btw! Just got into HT about a year ago, im binge watching YT audiophile vids, joined the avs forum, etc. HT is so addicting! Im looking to upgrade my subs. Im also looking at external amps to add 4 atmos in ceiling speakers! The OSD nero amps seem to be the best bang for your buck!
I did approach Rythmik a couple times about their products, I guess they feel I am not a big enough channel to work with. That’s ok, one day they will be asking me to review their products.
@@SpecOfTech that's unfortunate, I wish you good fortune with your goal. I don't think they give out or loan subs for review. At least I haven't seen anyone say that from all the videos on RU-vid and forums I have been doing research on.
It doesn't look like you tested the speakers in the same location. That could account for your rattles and your fireplace noise. If that is something that you are using to determine your results.
It’s really hard to beat the pb3000 for what you get price is a little steep but you get the app connectivity wireless capability sealed and ported design low hz output warranty and customer service
Hello thank you. I was interested in the X15 but I ended up purchasing an svs SB-3000. My question for you is would the PB 3000 sound exactly the same as my sealed SB-3000 when the ports are all sealed?
That’s a good question. It should perform very similar, but not quite exact, given the fact the cabinet is a different size. The sound signature should be identical since it is the same driver and amplifier.
Within the next couple of months. I am still waiting on 1 final speaker from SF, and I wanted to have the full 7 channel system before I started the full reviews. Of course there was unexpected delays, or my reviews would have been rolling out sooner.
I don't know why this man kept going on about output between 16 and 30 Hz, when there's little or no content in the music in that area, even when playing EDM. I would hazard a guess that there's several times more content between 50 Hz and 80 Hz in the music that most people play. It's also not worth talking about, when both subs had produced dips in the same places, in a non anechoic environment. I had the experienced the same comparing my tower speakers and my sub. Though I had a dip at the same place (53 Hz) that's hard to get rid of, I also have a rise below 40 hz using a smaller 12 inch sub. I was able to follow what was after 9:30, however.
Because subwoofers are not only for music, movies have LOTS of content between 15 and 30 HZ. Nulls and peaks in your bass response are due to your room.
So out of the box with no port plugging you didnt give a direct opinion on which one is better. No port plugging just as is? So for movies you say the pb3000 gives a slight more impact but the Paradigm is tighter for music but the paradigm does give you movie Impact also but just slightly less than the pb. So if it's a very small difference in impact for movies but music the paradigm is obviously tighter than wouldn't you say the paradigm wins and that the small difference in movie tactile.response is worth the music tightness?
I will be releasing a video that covers the sealed vs ported in detail. It’s coming out this Saturday, hopefully it will answer this question in detail…cheers.
Sorry for the late reply. I will be reviewing all the Sonus Faber speakers, including the CII. I was waiting on 1 final speaker from them, I wanted the full system before doing full reviews. I should receive that final speaker this month, so the review should start rolling out soon. Happy New Year brother!
Actually, it's the Paradigm that is capable of higher SPL in the bass frequencies that would be related to "hitting hard". Both great subs, and more similar than they are different really.
I Would Like To Ask, Knowing What You Know Now, Would Start Your Home Theater 🎥, With Svs Speakers, Klipsch, Or Arendal Or Who?????? Trying To Find Out What Speakers 🔊 Are Simply Great??? (I Do Own Some Klipsch 8060FA A Center Chanel Of 504 C Two Klipsch Outta The 4 Height Speakers And Old Klipsch Surround Sound Speakers 2 Svs Height Speakers 🔊 And A Svs PB 1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer
Honestly, I have been asking myself that exact question lately. I want my next speaker purchase to be a long term stay in my system. Right now, I have my short list made up and it goes like this; Legacy Audio, Paradigm Founder and Arendal. I am leaning hard towards Legacy and Paradigm right now. That being said, I want looks and great sound, it is possible to have amazing sound and not have the looks to go along with it, like JTR for example.
@@SpecOfTech I Was Hoping There Are Some In Between The JRT'$ Lol!!!! Those Are Very EXPENSIVE A PIECE @ THAT! So I Guess Svs Or Klipsch, Are Like Entry Or Mid Level 🤔 Speakers 🔊 VS The One's You've Mentioned?????
The 800W amplifier from the sb3000, pb3000, micro sb3000 subwoofers often hum and squeak. Of course, you won't hear this in any review. Svs knows what he's selling and doesn't do anything about it. Customers often do not brag about these features because they bought two or more subwoofers in a "great promotion". This is what great SVS policy looks like.
@@holdencommodore2200 Me and many others. After reporting the fault, the svs technician said that it is normal. After a fight at the headquarters, they sent me a second amplifier. I know cases where they replace the subwoofer (3000 micro) and the next one has the same problem.
@@MrPreet23 The cable does not matter The subwoofer hums in standby mode even when it is disconnected from the receiver. Well known problem. The subwoofer plays fine
@James Andersen ARC will tell you if the subs are too hot when you run the spftware. ARC will also level match them at the MLP for you. But I like to run mine 5-8db hotter, after ARC sets the levels.
I actually prefer some rattles in my room, to me it adds to the realism. If there is an explosion happening nearby, your room would rattle lol. I know that most don’t like it, but I don’t mind rattling. That being said, when watching movies it doesn’t rattle anything like when I am doing loud demos. The rattle is quite bad when doing demos for these videos, but in everyday listening there is only SOME rattle during intense LFE scenes.