Short answer: the SVS SB-3000. It ranks #15 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $1,149. The Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S ranks #55, rated 3.8/5, at $1,000, $149 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The SB-3000 is the more powerful sealed sub. Its 13-inch driver on 800W averaged 118.7dB from 40 to 80Hz in Audioholics’ CEA-2010 tests, with tight, accurate bass and a 3-band parametric EQ in its app. Being sealed, it gives up deep output: 96.6dB at 20Hz, so a large room may want two.
The Arendal 1961 1S is a smaller sealed 12-inch. Its 550W amplifier delivers clean punch above 110dB with extension below 20Hz, and its low group delay keeps bass from sounding sluggish. It is beautifully built and adjustable for both music and movies, but it has less output headroom than the SB-3000.
Buy the SVS SB-3000. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $149 you would save on the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
A sealed 12 inch subwoofer with clean punch, very deep extension and flexible controls for music and movies.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB-3000 | Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $1,000 |
| Ranked | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #55 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | 93.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | 102.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 102.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 107.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 115.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 117.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | 118.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | 117.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 115.5 dB |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 16.3”H x 12.4”W x 16.3”D (414.8 x 315.0 x 414.8 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 44.1 lbs (20.0 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 10/5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black, white |
| Country | United States | Norway |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 19-200Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 550W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | - |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | - |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger | - |
| Drivers | 13” (330mm) driver | 12.2” (310mm) driver |
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