Short answer: the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2, and it costs less too. It ranks #4 of 212 medium powered subwoofers at $999, the SB-3000 ranks #15 at $1,199, $200 more, so there is little reason to consider the SVS on output or price.
Audioholics’ CEA-2010 measurements show the HSU pulling ahead at every deep-bass frequency tested. At 20Hz the ULS-15 MK2 hits 102.4dB against the SB-3000’s 96.6dB; at 25Hz it’s 107.7dB versus 101.7dB; at 31.5Hz it’s 113.4dB versus 107.8dB. The gap narrows higher up, both measure within a fraction of a dB from 80Hz through 125Hz, but in the sub-40Hz range where subwoofer output actually matters most for movies and music, the HSU has a clear measured advantage. Its CEA-2010-A average across 40 to 80Hz comes in at 120.3dB against the SB-3000’s 118.7dB.
Cabinet size explains most of the difference. The ULS-15 MK2 uses a 15 inch driver in a 65 lbs (29.5 kg) sealed enclosure, while the SB-3000 uses a smaller 13 inch driver in a lighter 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) enclosure, which its own review notes as a factor limiting its bass extension. The HSU’s pros describe its sealed design as delivering tight, accurate bass with low bloat, and it pairs a 600W amplifier with Q and EQ controls for room integration.
The SB-3000 does answer back with tuning flexibility. Its three-band parametric EQ offers 1Hz precision adjustment and its crossover is adjustable across a wider 30 to 200Hz range with four selectable slopes, against the ULS-15 MK2’s narrower 30 to 90Hz adjustable crossover. Its own review calls it beautifully made with pinpoint control and flawless tonal accuracy.
Buy the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2. It measures louder at every deep-bass frequency Audioholics tested, ranks higher in its class, and costs less, so the SB-3000 has little left to offer unless its smaller footprint or finer-grained EQ tuning matters more to your room than raw output.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 | SVS SB-3000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 93.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 98.0 dB | 90.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.4 dB | 96.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.7 dB | 101.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.4 dB | 107.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.3 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.8 dB | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.2 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.1 dB | 120.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.7 dB | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | 120.7 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.3 dB | 118.7 dB |
| Dimensions | 19”H x 18”W x 19.5”D (482.6 x 457.2 x 495.3 mm) | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) |
| Weight | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±1dB | 18-270Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 2000W peak | 800W RMS / 2500W peak |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-90Hz adjustable | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | 0°-180° |
| Features | Q control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 13” (330mm) driver |
| Inputs | - | RCA (unbalanced), USB |
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