Short answer: the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution, if you are buying new. The Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra ranks higher than it (#19 vs #86 of 143 subwoofers, 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution is still sold new at $2,999.
The Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra is the better-sounding option. A THX Ultra certified 16 inch ported subwoofer with huge output for far less money than most rivals, now worth finding used. The tradeoff: Heavy at 172 lbs (78 kg) and ported design can interact with room acoustics.
Why pick the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution: A giant ported 17 inch subwoofer that digs extremely deep and plays earth shaking movie bass in large rooms. Watch for: At 166.9 lbs (75.7 kg), or 167 lbs (75.8 kg), with recessed feet that leave little clearance, moving or repositioning this cabinet is a two-person job at minimum.
Buy the SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution new; the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A THX Ultra certified 16 inch ported subwoofer with huge output for far less money than most rivals, now worth finding used.
A giant ported 17 inch subwoofer that digs extremely deep and plays earth shaking movie bass in large rooms.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra | SVS PB17-Ultra R-Evolution | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,300 Discontinued | $2,999.00 |
| Ranked | #19 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #86 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 107.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 118.4 dB | 113.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 123.3 dB | 117.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 125.1 dB | 119.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 126.3 dB | 120.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 126.5 dB | 119.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 126.6 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.8 dB | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 127.2 dB | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 127.6 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 126.5 dB | 119.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 25.6”H x 22”W x 28.1”D (650.2 x 558.8 x 713.7 mm) | 20”H x 19.5”W x 21.2”D (508.0 x 495.3 x 538.5 mm) |
| Weight | 171.5 lbs (77.8 kg) | 166.9 lbs (75.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 16” (406mm) driver | 17” driver, dual voice coil |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, XLR out | XLR (balanced, LFE/stereo), RCA (LFE/stereo) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 76.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 90.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | - | 107.0 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 15-320Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | - | 2800W RMS |
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