Short answer: the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution, if you are buying new. The SVS SB16-Ultra measures as well as it (#89 vs #102 of 143 subwoofers, 4.1/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution is still sold new at $2,699.
The case for the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution: A flagship sealed 17 inch subwoofer with a very powerful amplifier, app control and automatic room calibration. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared with ranked subwoofers.
What the SVS SB16-Ultra does well: A sealed 16 inch subwoofer with forceful, punchy bass for movies and music, now discontinued but worth buying used. The catch: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority.
Buy the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution if you want one new; the SVS SB16-Ultra is discontinued, so only look for it used.
About the ratings: the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.9 to 4.3, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution | SVS SB16-Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.00 | $2,300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #102 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) Estimated | #89 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Weight | 124 lbs (56.25 kg) | 121.9 lbs (55.3 kg) |
| Dimensions | 20”H x 19.5”W x 21.1”D (507 x 495 x 537 mm) | 20”H x 19.5”W x 20.1”D (508.0 x 495.3 x 510.5 mm) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Drivers | 17” driver, dual 8” voice coils | 16” (406mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 2800W RMS | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz extension (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Color | Piano Gloss Black, Black Oak Veneer | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 86.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 91.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 97.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 103.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 119.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 119.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 119.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 119.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 119.0 dB |
| Warranty | - | 5 |
| Measurement Source | - | Audioholics |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced, LFE/stereo), RCA (LFE/stereo) |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- SVS SB16-Ultra: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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