Short answer: the SVS PB16-Ultra on measured sound quality, the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra on price. The SVS PB16-Ultra ranks #46 of 97 subwoofers at $2900. The Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra ranks #47 at $1700, $1200 cheaper.
What the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.0 dB at 20 Hz and 121.1 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 13” (330mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room. Watch for: The 604.5H x 515.6W x 739.1D mm cabinet and 69.5 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.
What the SVS PB16-Ultra offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 116.8 dB at 20 Hz and 121.2 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 16” (406mm) driver with ported design has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room. Watch for: The 635.0H x 551.2W x 718.8D mm cabinet and 79.2 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the SVS PB16-Ultra when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra | SVS PB16-Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 | $2,900 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #47 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #46 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 94.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 109.1 dB | 103.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 115.0 dB | 116.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 118.0 dB | 119.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.5 dB | 122.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 120.3 dB | 123.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.7 dB | 122.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.4 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 122.1 dB | 118.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 122.7 dB | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 123.8 dB | 115.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.1 dB | 121.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 23.8"H x 20.3"W x 29.1"D (604.5 x 515.6 x 739.1 mm) | 25"H x 21.7"W x 28.3"D (635.0 x 551.2 x 718.8 mm) |
| Weight | 153.2 lbs / 69.5 kg | 174.6 lbs / 79.2 kg |
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 13" (330mm) driver | 16" (406mm) driver with ported design |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra: $1,700 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.0 dB at 20 Hz and 121.1 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 13” (330mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.
Cons: The 604.5H x 515.6W x 739.1D mm cabinet and 69.5 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.
Notes: Product # 41496
Full Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.1 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 23.8"H x 20.3"W x 29.1"D (604.5 x 515.6 x 739.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 13" (330mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 94.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 109.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 115.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 118.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 120.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 122.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 123.8 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 153.2 lbs / 69.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SVS PB16-Ultra: $2,900 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 116.8 dB at 20 Hz and 121.2 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 16” (406mm) driver with ported design has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.
Cons: The 635.0H x 551.2W x 718.8D mm cabinet and 79.2 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential. Discontinued.
Full SVS PB16-Ultra review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 25"H x 21.7"W x 28.3"D (635.0 x 551.2 x 718.8 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 16" (406mm) driver with ported design |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 103.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 116.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 119.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 122.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 123.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 118.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 174.6 lbs / 79.2 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons