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SVS PB16-Ultra Powered subwoofer with app control (Piano Gloss Black)

Item # 946PB16PG

This 175-pound, 1500-watt beast produces low frequencies that will grip and energize a large room.

This 175-pound, 1500-watt beast produces low frequencies that will grip and energize a large room.

Item # 946PB16PG

Ships from distributor

On backorder
C$4,900.00

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About the SVS PB16-Ultra

Steve Kindig

One subwoofer to rule them all

The flagship model in SVS's renowned series of ported-box subwoofers is the awe-inspiring PB16-Ultra. This 175-pound, 1500-watt beast produces low frequencies that will grip and energize a large room. This is bass you'll feel from head to toe. 
SVS PB16-Ultra drive unit

The PB16-Ultra's massive 16" woofer weighs 63.9 lbs!

One subwoofer to rule them all

The flagship model in SVS's renowned series of ported-box subwoofers is the awe-inspiring PB16-Ultra. This 175-pound, 1500-watt beast produces low frequencies that will grip and energize a large room. This is bass you'll feel from head to toe. 

The PB16-Ultra is capable of staggering levels of low-frequency output, and a high degree of subtlety and finesse that will please movie buffs and audiophiles alike. If you're looking for thunderous bass extension down to a mind-boggling 13 Hz, then keep reading.

Three major innovations

The PB16-Ultra features the biggest driver ever used in an SVS subwoofer. This lightweight yet rigid 16" cone is connected to an 8" edge-wound voice coil — the largest we've ever heard of in a consumer subwoofer. Large cones are by nature difficult to control, but that oversized voice coil ensures accurate frequency response and quick transients, for bass that never sounds "slow" or boomy. 

It takes serious electronic muscle to power and control such a massive woofer cone, and the built-in Sledge STA-1500D amplifier is more than up to the task. Unlike many Class D amps, this one's discrete MOSFET outputs can deliver incredible amounts of current, helping it push that 16" woofer to extreme levels of performance. Keeping all this power under control is an advanced Analog Devices digital signal processor. 

The third big innovation puts precise control over the PB16-Ultra at your fingertips. SVS's smartphone app gives you total control from your Apple® or Android® device. It handles all DSP functions and conveniently stores custom presets. For added convenience, 2-way feedback shows updates in real time on both the app and subwoofer display, and built-in Bluetooth® allows adjustments to be made even when the subwoofer is not in sight. You can also control the sub via the intuitive front-panel display, or with the supplied remote.

Brains to match all that brawn

The PB16-Ultra's on-board tools for fine-tuning the sound include three digital parametric EQs with adjustable frequency, cut/boost, and Q values. Room Gain Compensation control gives you a way to help tame pesky room response issues, like the tendency of bass to become overpowering in smaller rooms. And of course you get fully adjustable phase compensation and digital crossover controls.

To make adjustments easier, SVS moved the LED display to the sub's front panel. And they also included stereo line-level RCA plus balanced XLR inputs and outputs for flexible connectivity with a wide range of audio gear, including high-end stereo preamps and A/V preamp/processors.

Rigid construction and flexible tuning options

The PB16-Ultra's big bass-reflex cabinet allows its 16" driver to make long excursions for exceptionally deep bass at high output levels. SVS placed the sub's three flared, low-noise ports on the front of the enclosure to minimize back-wall interaction, for greater bass accuracy. If you reach out to SVS directly, they will provide foam plugs for free. These plugs let you custom-tune how deep and loud the sub will play, by blocking the ports. The PB16-Ultra's strong, rigid enclosure helps eliminate cabinet flex and resonance to keep your bass ultra-clean.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • Featured in our article: Best home theatre subwoofers for 2024
  • frequency response: 13-280 Hz (±3 dB)
  • built-in Class D amplifier delivers 1500 watts RMS of continuous power (5000 watts peak dynamic power)
  • Active PFC (Power Factor Correction) ensures the cleanest 1500W output with your home's AC power supply
  • 16" fiberglass resin composite cone with cast aluminum basket for extreme performance and reliability
  • 8" diameter, high-power edge-wound voice coil
  • robust MDF cabinet construction with double-thickness front baffle and reinforced bracing to support the massive drive unit and ensure an acoustically inert environment
  • bass-reflex (ported) cabinet design with three 3-1/2" high-flow flared ports
  • high-resolution 50MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP with 56-bit filtering for ultra-precise audio reproduction
  • continuously variable low-pass crossover (30-200 Hz, with selectable 6dB, 12dB, 18dB, or 24dB/octave filter settings, and a disable/LFE setting)
  • 3 digital parametric EQ filters with adjustable frequency, cut/boost, and Q values
  • Room Gain Compensation lets you compensate for the increase in low frequency sound as room size decreases
  • variable phase control (0-180°)
  • 3 bass response presets (Movie, Music, Custom)
  • convenient front-mounted display with subwoofer controls and 8-digit LED display
  • remote control
  • subwoofer control and bass management smartphone app for Apple® and Android® devices
  • unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR line-level/LFE inputs
  • unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR line outputs
  • 3V-12V trigger input for turning the subwoofer on/off from another component, like an A/V receiver or pre-pro
  • main power on/off switch
  • detachable power cord
  • protective non-resonant steel mesh grille
  • black oak wood veneer finish
  • 21-3/4"W x 25"H x 31"D
  • weight: 174.5 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # PB16 Ultra PG

What's in the box:

  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 5' AC power cord
  • Remote control (3V battery installed)
  • Owner's Manual

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Customer reviews for SVS PB16-Ultra

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5.0 out of 5 stars
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More details on the SVS PB16-Ultra

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Ported
Woofer Size (inches) 16
Woofer Composition Composite fiberglass/resin
Firing Direction Front
Amplifier Output (watts) 1500
Frequency Response 13-280 Hz
Connections
Preamp-Level Inputs Stereo RCA/XLR/LFE
Speaker-Level Inputs No
Speaker-Level Outputs No
Wireless No
Controls
Low-Pass Crossover Freq 30-200 Hz
High-Pass Crossover Freq None
Phase Switch Yes
App Control No
Remote No
Other Info
Height (inches) 25
Width (inches) 21-3/4
Depth (inches) 31
Weight 174.5 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty 5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 5 Years

Product Research

Features

16" High Output Woofer: The SVS PB16-Ultra power subwoofer employs a light and rigid 16" Ultra driver cone which consists of a premium fiberglass resin composite with optimal stiffness to mass ratio to maximize movement of air and sonic energy without ever distorting or losing control. Pushing the driver are four massive, dedicated toroidal ferrite magnets that unleash a staggering 95mm peak to peak Xmech excursion (82mm Xmax) and the highest levels of motor force and palpable SPLs. An 8" edge wound voice coil ensures ultra-low distortion and pinpoint control at the highest drive levels resulting in incredible output and low frequency extension. By nature, larger drivers are more difficult to control, but the unprecedented voice coil design ensures accuracy in frequency response and speed in transients without ever sounding boomy.

STA-1500D Sledge Amplifier: A conservatively rated 1,500 watts continuous / 5,000 watts peak power Sledge STA-1500D amplifier pushes the 16" driver to extreme levels of performance. This discrete MOSFET amplifier delivers astonishing levels of effortless, distortion-free power. This enormous amount of power is harnessed and controlled by an advanced 50MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP with 56-bit filtering to handle the nearly limitless power, only unleashing the perfect amount of low frequency energy at just the right time.

Acoustically Inert MDF Enclosure: The SVS PB16-Ultra powered subwoofer features a rigid MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet with a double thick MDF front baffle and rigid internal bracing to support the massive drive unit and to ensure an acoustically inert environment. The highly reinforced internal design eliminates any chance of coloration or resonance from the cabinet, even when the deepest low frequencies are played at reference sound pressure levels. Screw-in rubber feet and a non-resonant steel mesh grille further resist unwanted distortion or coloration caused by vibration.

3 Bass Ports: The cabinet utilizes a bass reflex (ported) design with three front-firing 3.5" high-flow ports with inner/outer port flares for smooth bass and extremely high output. If the sub's bass sound is too "boomy" in your application and you prefer a tighter bass response, you can choose to block one, two, or all three ports with foam port blockers. (The foam port blockers are available at no charge directly from SVS.)

Control Types: The SVS PB16-Ultra Subwoofer can be controlled from the new SVS Mobile App, an included IR Remote Control, or via the front-panel for unprecedented flexibility when optimizing performance for room layout, speakers, system set-up and more.

  • Subwoofer App Control: The SVS subwoofer app for Apple iOS 8.0+ & Android OS 4.3+ controls all DSP functions and conveniently stores custom presets. The app lets you fine tune the powered subwoofer from your smartphone or tablet via a wireless Bluetooth connection. With a few simple adjustments, you can eliminate boomy spots, set crossover frequencies and make other adjustments to get the deepest, tightest, most accurate and room-energizing bass experience possible from The SVS PB16-Ultra powered subwoofer. For added convenience, two-way feedback shows updates in real-time on both the app and subwoofer interface. The SVS subwoofer app is the only way to access all of the advanced control features available on the PB16-Ultra and it is the most convenient option for controlling every feature.
  • IR Remote: The included IR remote can be used to adjust nearly every one of the advanced subwoofer control settings with two-way feedback on the front panel display.
  • Front-Panel: The front panel features an intuitive user interface with simplified controls that can be used to adjust the majority of the advanced subwoofer control settings.

Control Functions: The following control functions are available.

  • Volume: The Volume Control (-60 to 0dB in 1dB/step) affects how loud the powered subwoofer plays. It should be adjusted to match the output level of your loudspeakers.
  • Low Pass Filter: The Low Pass Filter sets the frequency and slope for the low frequencies that will be played by the powered subwoofer. Frequency choices include 30-200Hz in 1kHz increments Four Slope choices are available; 6 dB, 12 dB, 18 dB, and 24 dB per octave. You can disable the Low Pass Filter, if your AV receiver features an LFE output and built-in bass management for the subwoofer.
  • Phase Adjustment: Solves sound wave cancellation issues at specific frequencies and perfectly aligns the arrival of output from speakers and subwoofers to your listening position. Normally set to 0° if the subwoofer is near the main speakers. Adjusting Phase (0°-180° in 1 degree steps) shifts timing of the subwoofer output to align with the main speakers or additional subwoofers.
  • Polarity: In some cases, reversing polarity solves dips or humps at the crossover frequency between a subwoofer and speaker and can be used to fix bass nulls or overly boomy spots in the listening area. Reversing the electrical polarity of the subwoofer amplifier makes it so the woofer moves in when speaker drivers move out and is normally set to positive.
  • Parametric EQ: Powerful tool for removing peaks and dips in your listening area, and for creating custom subwoofer output based on personal listening preferences. Allows you to set the desired center frequency (20, 22, 25, 28, 30-200Hz in 1Hz steps) of the filter, increase or decrease the SPL dB (-12 to +6dB in 1dB steps) of the filter, or adjust the bandwidth (0.2-10.0 in 0.1 steps) of the filter.
  • Room Gain Compensation: The Room Gain Compensation function allows the subwoofer to be set to compensate for the increase in low frequency sound based upon the size of the room, if it is felt there is too much bass. Small rooms will have a greater increase in low frequency sound than larger rooms. There is no need to use this control unless it is felt there is too much low frequency energy being generated in the listening environment. The RGC Frequency can be set to 25, 31, or 40Hz. The RGC Slope can be set to 6dB or 12dB.
  • Port Tuning: Port blocking allows custom tuning of your PB16-Ultra Subwoofer based on listening preference by exchanging max output for low frequency depth and quickness. Use the foam port plugs (available at no charge directly from SVS) and match port blocking with the selected tuning. Choose between 3 Port Tuning Modes - Standard (all ports open for maximum output), Extended (one port plugged for deeper extension), and Sealed (all ports plugged for best transient response).
  • Custom Presets: Allows up to three pre-saved settings for movie, music and custom. This enables easy switching to optimize your PB16-Ultras output and settings based on your specific listening preferences with different kinds of content.

Balanced & Unbalanced Connectivity: There are two types of input & output connectors on the PB16-Ultra powered sub; Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. There are Left/Right input and output channels for both types of connectors.

  • Inputs: For a single mono input connection to a home theater receiver with an LFE output, use the powered sub's right input. For stereo receivers without an LFE input, use both the L/R inputs.
  • Outputs: The output connectors are typically used to either daisy-chain additional subwoofers with single or dual unfiltered outputs, or as the input to a power amplifier for the Left and Right main channels after using the High Pass Filter and Delay functions with two channel analog preamps.

Auto/Standby & On Switch: If this switch is set to "Auto/Standby", it will automatically turn-on the powered subwoofer in the presence of an audio signal. If no signal is present for a period of several minutes, the powered subwoofer will enter "Standby" mode, where power consumption will be less than 0.5 watts. If this switch is set to "On", the amplifier will remain on continuously and will not enter "Standby" mode.

Trigger Input: The powered sub's 3.5mm Trigger Input (3V-12V) will automatically turn the subwoofer on/off when a signal is sent to it from another component in the system (typically the pre/pro or AV receiver). The other component in the system must be equipped with a trigger output feature and requires a TS 1/8" mono-minijack cable (sold separately).

Placement Options: If possible, place the subwoofer near the front stage, for best blending with the front and center loudspeaker channels.

  • Corner Placement: Corner placement will accommodate most rooms and will reduce the chances for encountering a null (an acoustic cancellation in the bass response) at the listening position. If your AV receiver equalizes the subwoofer channel during auto-set-up, corner placement will often provide the best overall performance.
  • Other Placement Options: If corner placement sound excessively boomy, then try moving the subwoofer to other available locations along the front stage, listening for the best balance of output and a smooth accurate response. Always redo the auto-set-up of your AV receiver after moving the subwoofer to a different location to ensure the acoustic distance and calibration level are set correctly.
  • Dual Subs: To maximize the bass output and impact of your home theater, two PB16-Ultra(s) can be paired; one on either side of your room.

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Customer Q&A

5 questions already asked

Q
Can this be put in the back of a car?
david  Jan 22, 2024
1 answer
A
The SVS PB16-Ultra is designed for in-home use and uses 120-volt AC power, David. You can mount the Rockford Fosgate Power T2S2-16 in the first link below in a custom-made box designed for vehicle use, using the Rockford Fosgate T2500-1bdCP amp in the second link below for power! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575T2S162/Rockford-Fosgate-Power-T2S2-16.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_57525001CP/Rockford-Fosgate-T2500-1bdCP.html
bo  Jan 22, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Is this a stand alone speaker or should it be paired with other speakers?
joej!  Apr 08, 2020
8 answers
A
This is a subwoofer only. Not a full range speaker. Needs to be paired with other speakers for full range sound.
phillip  Apr 08, 2020
A
this speaker only delivers the low spectrum of music and needs to be paired with 2 or 3 way speakers. but for delivering the low end this one is all you need for one sound system unless you have a very large room. my studio is 850sqft and this puppy is plenty. i shake the walls all the time sounds like a thunderstorm moving through!!!!!!!
david  Apr 08, 2020
A
A subwoofer, which this is, is always added to an existing full range system system. They are for bass reinforcement only.
john h  Apr 08, 2020
A
It's a subwoofer so it's only going to play the lower octaves. Without other speakers you essentially will just have an earthquake simulator.
matthew  Apr 08, 2020
A
I think it works best as a subwoofer with other speakers. That how I have mine set up. It really works great that way. Good luck
jerry  Apr 08, 2020
A
You can use it as a stand alone or pair it with another sub. I paired my SB-16 with a PB-16. I spend most of my time listening to music and about 40% of my time watching movies. When you asked is this a stand alone or paired with other speakers, are you referring to other subs or with your primary speakers? Pairing the SB-16 with the PB-16, I love how the depth and accuracy continuously leave me saying WOW, and if you are wondering if this sub will pair well with your primary speakers check the Crutchfield site and enter your primary speakers and the site will reveal the sub to pair with your primary speakers.I have been buying and up-grading my stereo systems since 1977 and I'm still learning. Crutchfield has some of the best advisors, so please use their experience and knowledge as much as possible. Charles Dickinson
charles  Apr 08, 2020
A
I believe it will be enough,,,, with a center and two small bookshelfs..... enough money has been spent if u ask me....
joseph matthew  Apr 08, 2020
A
Its a sub, meant for low frequency audio. So unless you want pure bass, yes, I would pair this with some good quality full range speakers.
craig  Apr 08, 2020
Q
Looking at the SVS SB16. I have a very large open concept living area. Around 11000 cubic feet. Will this SVS sub work with that size area for mostly movies?
steven  Jan 09, 2020
3 answers
A
I think this is better answered by an audio professional, but I think YES. Supporting info and other things to consider.... For perspective, I'm running dual PB16s (ported version) in a 3,000 sq ft area with 14 ft sidewalls and a 24 foot ceiling peak. You are asking about a single unported SB16 in what appears to be a 1,100 sq foot area. I chose the PB over the SB (my initial choice) for its tunability using the port plugs.Note the size and weight of the PB is greater than the SB in case you chose the ported version. Also, the AV receiver plays a big part in the room acoustical balance. Make sure you follow the AV receiver instructions to accomplish this. Also, I had a single pair of Polk RTi-A9 speakers and ended up buying a second pair to avoid drowning out the mid-range with oversized subs. The 1500 watt plate amp on the PB and SB will prevent burnout of speaker coils when playing movies, a problem I regularly encountered with lower powered subwoofers. Note that 1500 watts = 13 amp. I added two dedicated 15 amp circuits, one for each sub.
jacques  Jan 11, 2020
A
It will work and more. Don't cheat yourself, treat yourself. I promise you will not be sorry. Besides, you can get it at a better price than I paid for it. Run don't walk!!! Enter
reginald  Jan 10, 2020
A
Big room but I'd be surprised if it wasn't enough to be honest. Mine is in a room about 1/4 your size with Definitive Technology BP-9080X towers and it's violent even with the gain on the subwoofer turned down. I don't think theres a single subwoofer anywhere near this price range to match the sound quality and SPL of the SVS. Almost every review you'll read they end up lowing the gain to around -10 or -12 because it's just too much. So yeah, I think you'll be fine.
matthew  Jan 09, 2020
Q
about instalment pay?
mahesh  Jun 25, 2019
1 answer
A
You can use our installment plan to pay 3 equal payments of $833.33 for that SVS subwoofer. The caveats are you need to use a credit card (not a debit card), we do a soft credit check, and there is a $10 surcharge. If all those are OK we can help you place an order - you can connect with one of our friendly product advisors here: https://bit.ly/2QNxGQB
casey  Jul 03, 2019 (Staff)
Q
So I am looking at the scratch and dent option. Do we have details on how the condition is?
terry  Aug 08, 2017
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. These open-box items have minor cosmetic damage.They may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents. The manufacturer's warranty applies as well as Crutchfield's 60 day satisfaction guarantee.
kenneth  Aug 09, 2017 (Staff)
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