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If you‘re planning to buy a sound system or want to add some oomph to the one you already have, you will know how important it is to have a good subwoofer. Today, we will do a SVS PB12-NSD vs PB-2000 comparison to help you decide which subwoofer is the best for your needs.
A rich, deep bass adds to the overall audio experience, especially in bigger rooms where you want to feel immersed in the movie or the music. With the wide plethora of subwoofers available in the market, it will always be a challenge to buy the best subwoofer to fit your needs.
SVS or SV Sound is known to provide quality sound equipment since 1998. SVS products are recognized for their smart and classy design with great music output. They have earned a reputation for producing some of the best subwoofers and speakers you can find today.
So without further ado, let’s compare the two subwoofers, SVS PB12-NSD and SVS PB-2000. We will cover all aspects including the design, performance, and alternatives to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
Looking for a wireless subwoofer? Check out our list of the best wireless subwoofers in 2022!
SVS PB12-NSD vs. PB-2000 Article Update
SVS PB12-NSD vs. PB-2000: An Important Note
The SVS PB12-NSD has now been discontinued. This means they will no longer be manufacturing them, although you may still be able to get hold of one from some retailers. SVS recommends going with the SVS-1000 Pro or the SB-2000 Pro – more on those in the ‘Alternatives’ section later on in this article.
Similarly, the PB-2000 is discontinued. The Pro series is a good option to go for instead, and we’ll talk about those in the ‘Alternatives’ section too.
Specifications and Quick Comparison
Here is a quick overview of the key specifications of the SVS PB12-NSD and SVS PB-2000.
| Model | PB12-NSD | PB-2000 |
| Overall Weight | 66 lbs | 66 lbs |
| Output | 1000 W peak | 1100 W peak |
| Frequency | 18-150Hz | 17-260Hz |
| Dimensions | 20.9″ x 17.3″ x 22″ | 20.9″ x 17.3″ x 23.2″ |
| Driver Size | 12-inch | 12-inch |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Price | Click here for latest price | Click here for latest price |
From a quick look, you may think that there are not many differences between the two subwoofers. One notable difference is that the PB12-NSD is the older version of the subwoofer and has a more retro design than the other.
That said, the NSD amplifier installed in the PB12-NSD still outperforms many subwoofers in the market. The PB-2000 performance is all about performance with great lows and ups for a quality audio experience.
Amplifiers add a lot more control to your subwoofers. Read our guide on the best amplifiers for subwoofers you can buy today.
Core Features
SVS PB12-NSD is a large and bulky subwoofer weighing around 66 lbs but can be easily handled by an average person. The subwoofer comes with a protective bag, a metal grill with its own protective cover, a power cord, and a quick start guide for the users to plug it in with ease.
The SVS PB12-NSD has a black finish and a boxy look. The box itself has a metal finish with well-rounded corners. The matt grill which comes with the box fits the subwoofer perfectly and goes great with the overall tone of the box. The PB12-NSD can blend well in a room with dark interiors to let you get immersed in the audio experience without being disruptive.
The PB12-NSD comes with a 12-inch driver and a vent in the upper right corner via a large 4-inch diameter port. The power and control for the subwoofer come from an amplifier rated at 400 watts with a 4ohms load bearing. The driver in the SVS PB12-NSD is built in an open cast aluminum frame which is attached to a rubber half roll for cushioning. These help in controlling an aluminum cone with a dust cap embossed with SVS.
The back cover of the SVS PB12-NSD is made up of 1-inch MDF and is covered in a textured black vinyl wrap for a nice stylish look. The driver is mounted by screws onto the MDF. The MDF is supported by a 2-inch damping material.
Overall the build quality of the subwoofer is good and the materials used are of high quality. The sufficient damping and support make sure the audio quality is rich and crisp.
The PB-2000, similarly, does not stand out in terms of design and look, and perhaps SVS want it to be that way so that the subwoofer does not cause any distractions. The PB-2000 is also heavy, weighing 65.5 lbs. This subwoofer also comes with a protective cover for the box and as well as the grill.
The PB-2000 has a boxy design with rounded corners to add safety in case of an accident. It is made of MDF and good quality materials in general. The metal grill which comes with the box has a great finish to it and fits perfectly with screws that are provided with the box.
The PB-2000 has a power light on the corner, which lights up when the system is powered on. Some people tend to lose focus with the light in a dark room, but most prefer a light to be there to let them know the subwoofer is on as with its design it blends in perfectly with most rooms.
The 12-inch sub is attached to a lightweight aluminum frame and has a rubber attached to the lining for cushioning. The back panel is fabricated MDF with black textured vinyl for a classy finish. The panel is embedded with all outputs and knobs to operate the subwoofer and adjust the equalizer for the best audio experience.
Overall, both the subwoofers, despite their size, have nice and clean designs to blend in with the room they are kept in and reduce distraction for a better user experience.
Performance
SVS is known for delivering performance and great audio experience with its range of speakers, subwoofers, and other audio systems. The PB12-NSD and PB-2000 certainly live up to that bill.
Both the subwoofers, overall, have great sound and deep, rich bass to give you a good time watching movies or listening to your favorite songs. They perform pretty well in the design department too but if you’re looking for something minimal, there are better options out there.
Setting up the SVS PB12-NSD subwoofer was pretty straightforward. The power cord was plugged into a power source and was connected to the home theatre system by the red and white cords.
I placed the PB12-NSD in a medium-sized room of around 12 x 15 x10 ft to test out the subwoofer. The audio feedback and overall experience I got definitely lived up to the bill.
The sub-woofer was placed next to the home theatre system. The bass could be felt all around the room but was a little less clear due to the audio output of the home theatre system. Next, I placed the subwoofer next to the sofa in the west corner near a wall. The bass was much clearer and rich.
The bass was crisp and clear at all frequencies, from as low as 16Hz to as high as 150Hz. It didn’t have any cabinet or screw rattling sounds at all frequencies, making it safe to say that they had done a great job with cushioning the subwoofer.
The SVS PB-2000 is also an excellent example of a subwoofer providing a clear and rich audio experience. Setting up the subwoofer was also straightforward. I connected it to my home theater system in the same room.
For a fair comparison, I positioned the subwoofer in the same places as I did the PB12-NSD. The sound output was great but the bass was not as crisp as I would like when I placed it next to the seating arrangement in the west corner of the room.
However, the best performance came through when the PB-2000 was placed in the back of the room. That’s when the bass was rich and surrounded the entire room for a great audio experience.
Just like the PB12-NSD, the PB-2000 sounded great on all frequencies, from as low as 16Hz to as high as 220Hz. I didn’t experience any distortion or disturbance. The padding in the box was so well placed that the sounds of knicks and knacks in higher frequencies were not heard at all.
So in terms of performance, the speakers did quite well, though they are quite bulky and don’t have the best finishing. I’ll give a slight edge to the PB-12 NSD as it performed better in both settings than the PB-2000, which is a very close second. Let’s have a look at the benefits of drawbacks of both subwoofers.
SVS PB12-NSD vs PB-2000: Pros and Cons
Let’s start with the pros and cons of the SVS PB12-NSD.
Pros of the PB12-NSD:
- Non-disruptive design that blends into the background room and does not cause any kind of distractions
- The padding and framing of the subwoofer is great which resulted in no kinds of rattling sounds even when played on the highest settings
- Comes with a removable grill and removable back panel for ease of servicing
- Great value for money
Cons of the PB12 NSD:
- Very heavy in weight
- Not ideal for small spaces with its bulky size
- The finishing on the bottom of the subwoofer was not impressive.
- No wireless connectivity
Now let’s look at the pros and cons of the SVS PB-2000.
Pros of the PB-2000
- Great bass response with clear lows and highs
- No rattling sounds when played at highest settings
- Rubber feet for dampening vibrations
- Removable grill and back panel for servicing
Cons of the PB-2000
- The power light on the top corner tends to distract listeners.
- Large size and heavy in weight
- No wireless connectivity
Alternatives
Now that the SVS PB12-NSD and the PB-2000 have been discontinued, you will find it harder to get hold of them. Here’s a rundown of the alternatives you could try instead:
SVS-1000 Pro Series
As an alternative to the PB12-NSD, you can go for the SVS-1000 Pro. It offers bass ‘below the threshold of human hearing,’ with excellent control and good accuracy. There are some excellent improvements all around, especially in terms of being able to fine-tune the sound to your specifications.
You can control the SVS-1000 Pro with the smartphone app, which makes it much easier to tweak your settings precisely.
In terms of looks, it is very similar to the PB12-NSD, with similar dimensions and finish.
Here are a few key specs you need to know about:
- Driver: 12″
- Amplifier: 325 watts RMS (820+ watts peak)
- Frequency Response: 17-260Hz +3dB
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 15 x 20″
Overall, it’s a good alternative to the PB12-NSD, with a bigger amplifier range and easier controls.
Room-shaking low-frequency output well below the threshold of audibility where bass can be felt as well as heard, with pinpoint control and accuracy that obliterates any subwoofer in its class and beyond. Never has this level of subwoofer performance been available anywhere near the price.
SVS SB-2000
The other option is to go for the SVS SB-2000. It has a redesigned 12-inch SVS driver to provide huge low-frequency output with great accuracy. It offers excellent bass with extra-thick MDF, which is good for reducing noise and distortion.
Like the SVS-1000 Pro, it can be controlled with a smartphone, making it easy to play around with. It comes with 3 custom presets for music, movies, and more, so you can quickly switch between them when you need to.
Again, it looks very similar to the other models in the SVS range, with a similar build style and finish.Â
Here are the key specs:
- Driver: 12″
- Amplifier: 550 watts RMS (1500 peak power)
- Frequency Response: 16-290Hz +3dB
- Dimensions: 17 x 24 x 21″
Jaw-dropping deep bass extension and massive output with stunning musicality that will delight both audiophiles and home theater fans. Reference subwoofer performance has never been available at this price range.
Audioengine S8
Another great alternative is the Audioengine S8. I am sure you all have heard about Audioengine and its audio devices. One of the most prominent features of the Audioengine is its connectivity.
The Audioengine S8 is a small sub weighing just 30 lbs and can easily be connected to your music devices. It also comes with an extra option to turn it into a wireless subwoofer.
The subwoofer comes with an 8-inch driver for a clear and tight bass while watching movies or listening to music.
It lives up to standard when it comes to performance. It has a great range of frequencies from as low as 27Hz to as high as 170Hz. When pumped to its full capacity, it shows very little distortion which is a big plus. That said, it is not cheap and there are plenty of other subwoofers in the market which offer more or less the same bass quality with a much lower price.
The S8 has an 8″ custom woofer and is small enough to place in a corner or hide behind furniture. The S8 delivers great bass performance and it’s low, tight, and smooth bass will blend well with the other speakers in your system.
Klipsch R-12SW
The Klipsch R-12SW is another great subwoofer by the company that’s known for its signature copper spun front. The R-12SW features a 12-inch copper spun driver with a 400W output. Impressive highs and lows ranging from 27Hz to 120Hz, this subwoofer is all about performance at all frequencies.
Its flexible control settings let the user adjust the bass according to their needs. The subwoofer offers ease in connectivity with LFE and line-level inputs. With an all-digital next-generation amplifier, the R-12SW is able to operate on low power and give a great bass output.
For its bass output, the R-12SW is revered for its richness. It offers great depth, clarity, and low distortion in a compact body. For its size, it definitely can be a great alternative for people looking to have a great bass experience in a small space.
The R-12SW features a 12-inch copper-spun IMG driver that provides a remarkably low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion.
Looking for speakers on a budget? Here are the best floor-standing speakers under $500!
SVS SB12-NSD (Discontinued)
If you have a small area or a room where you need a subwoofer with a limited area, the SVS SB12-NSD is a great option to consider.
The SVS SB12-NSD features a 12-inch driver with a 400-watt NSD amplifier to offer a great audio experience. It sounds similar to the PB12-NSD but is much more compact. It comes with a size of just 14-cubic inches and a weight of 35 lbs, so it doesn’t take a lot of room space. It has a stylish finish with a great curved metallic grill attached to the front.
The SB12-NSD gives out a very focused bass and a clear sound in a small area, thanks to its enclosed vents which allow it to release focused bass to the surroundings. However, it does not support high-frequency inputs, so I won’t use it in a bigger space. But it does perform better than many of the subwoofers in its price range.
Overall, the SB12-NSD subwoofer is good value for money. It is cheaper than the PB12, and compact too. If you are looking to add something to your room for better sound quality just for yourself, I think you will be glad you got the SB12.
FAQs
Question: Can the PB12-NSD and PB2000 be powered by a 220V power source?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. The subwoofers can be powered only with a 110V power source, but they can be connected to a converter for powering them up.
Question: Do the subwoofers come with connecting cables?
Answer: The subwoofers only come with a power cord. All the other cables have to be purchased separately, but they are quite inexpensive
Question: Can I place the subwoofers in a large room?
Answer: Yes, you can connect them with a home theater system in a large room. It’s all about the placement, but I feel the PB12-NSD does well in most settings in rooms.
Conclusion – Which SVS Subwoofer Is Better?
This was a very tough one for me as both the subwoofers performed exceptionally well in this comparison. Both the SVS PB12-NSD and SVS PB-2000 are great subwoofers in their price range for medium to large rooms.
But for me, the SVS PB12-NSD takes the crown for two primary reasons. The main reason is that it delivers clear and rich bass when placed virtually anywhere in the room. The second reason is that it is more immersive than the PB-2000 so it doesn’t cause any distractions.
The PB-2000, however, is by no means worse than the PB12-NSD and some people may prefer it. The price difference between the two is not a lot but will matter to people who are on a budget and need a good quality subwoofer for their space.
In the end, it comes down to your personal use and preferences. SVS, time and again, makes some of the best subwoofers in the market and for your money’s worth, both are excellent options to consider.