SVS Unleashes Its New 4000 Series of Subwoofers; Nationwide Launch Events Announced

SVS Unleashes Its New 4000 Series of Subwoofers; Nationwide Launch Events Announced​

(SVS)(November 28, 2017) SVS is legendary for its incredibly accurate and hard-hitting subwoofers. Last year’s Ultra Series (read review) made massive waves, wowing owners and reviewers alike, which makes the company’s latest subwoofer series announcement doubly exciting.

Tighten your chin straps, folks! SVS is about to drop another subsonic sledgehammer.

The new 4000 Series is comprised of three models priced from $1,499 to $1,999, loaded with tech and features that Ultra Series owners have come to enjoy. Comprised of a sealed (SB-4000), ported (PB-4000), and cylindrical design (PC-4000), the 4000 Series has a model that’s perfect for nearly any room or application.

The technologies SVS has packed into the 4000 Series are drool worthy, headlined by a 13.5-inch driver loaded with a dual ferrite magnet motor assembly that weighs nearly 40-pounds. Its lightweight composite cone and glass fiber dustcap are mated to a long-throw parabolic surround, capable of moving massive amounts of air for detailed and accurate bass punctuated by fast transients.

The driver is powered by a Sledge STA-1200D amplifier (1,200 Watts RMS, 4,000+ Watts peak) that combines the high current output of discrete MOSFETs with Class D efficiency. All three subs also feature a 50 MHz Analog Devices Audio DSP with 56-bit filtering, which SVS claims is “the most sophisticated DSP engine ever used in a home audio subwoofer.” The DSP also carries useful controls that can tune and optimize output. These controls are accessible through the company’s convenient smartphone app (Apple and Android devices), but can also be manipulated via IR remote and a front panel display. The app's intuitive interface can be used to adjust polarity, room gain, phase alignment, and volume, while also granting access to a parametric equalizer with custom settings for music, movies, and user presets.

Also included on all 4000 Series subs is an Active Power Factor Correction (PFC), which serves multiple roles acting as a line conditioner, surge suppressor, and voltage regulator. SVS says the PFC enables each subwoofer to operate as intended on any household circuit, eliminating the effect of power-related stability issues and creating an intra-sub low noise floor devoid of ground loop hums introduced by outside components.

(SVS)
As you’d expect, each of the three 4000 Series subwoofers are capable of digging deep into the realms of sub and infrasonic frequencies. The PC-4000 can output bass as low as 16 Hz in sealed mode, the ported PC-4000 can hit down to 13 Hz in extended mode, while the sealed SB-4000 can reach 19 Hz. Of course, none of those factory specs take room gain into account. Yes, these are serious subsonic beasts.

SVS has arranged for 4000 Series launch events across the United States, beginning with IQ Home Entertainment, today, in Fairfax, VA (6-8 pm). Attendees can experience the 4000 Series in action (along with other company products), hear SVS president Gary Yacoubian discuss the new series, and register to win prize giveaways that include a $2,000 SVS home theater speaker system comprised of five Prime Satellite speakers, two Prime Elevation speakers, an SB-1000 subwoofer, and a Dolby Atmos enabled receiver!

Other events include Electronics Expo (Wayne, NJ) on December 5th, Starpower (Dallas, TX) on December 7, Primetime Audio Video (Rockford, IL) on December 12, World Wide Stereo (Montgomeryville, PA) on December 14, Bjorn's Audio Video (San Antonio, TX) on January 18, and ListenUP (Denver, CO) on January 23. Simply click on the store name to submit your RSVP for the event.

The entire 4000 Series is scheduled to ship in early December 2017 and AV NIRVANA has requested a sample for review. For more information, visit SVS on the web. Pricing and additional information is detailed below.

Pricing, Images, and Select Specifications

SVS SB-4000 Subwoofer: Sealed Cabinet

• Premium Black Ash - $1,499.99, Piano Gloss Black - $1599.99
• Standard non-resonant steel mesh grille
• Frequency Response: 19-310Hz +/-3 dB
• Max Low Frequency Output: 126.8dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m

SVS PB-4000 Subwoofer: Ported Cabinet

• Premium Black Ash - $1,899.99, Piano Gloss Black - $1999.99
• Standard non-resonant steel mesh grille
• Three port tuning modes with individual response curves
• Frequency Response: 16Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (standard mode); 13Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (extended mode); 18Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (sealed mode)
• Max Low Frequency Output: 134.5dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m

SVS PC-4000 Subwoofer: Ported Cylinder Cabinet

• Piano Gloss Black - $1799.99
• Standard piano gloss back top cap
• 16-inch diameter footprint
• Three port tuning modes
• SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System is standard
• Frequency Response: 17Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (standard mode); 15Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (extended mode); 16Hz to 200Hz +/-3dB (sealed mode)
• Max Low Frequency Output: 133.1dB @ 32Hz 1/8 space 1m

 

[tripplej]

Thanks for the news. Wow.. Big news indeed.

 

[Asere]

I like reading stuff like this at least to drool over. The PB 16 Ultra is still the bigger beast spec wise compared to the PB 4000 correct?

 

[Todd Anderson]

@Asere Yes, the Ultra is still the bigger beast.

And you're right, this kind of gear is endlessly fun... and SVS really knows how to pull together the complete package.


Speaking of fun... don't forget to enter the ULS-15 MK2 giveaway! could come in handy!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Here are some additional images:

(PB-4000)

(4000 Series Driver)

(4000 Series Amplifier)

(SB-4000)

(PB-4000)

(PC-4000)

 

[tripplej]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ShpongleDMT]

Awesome as always. I wonder how it's performance will compare to the 16 Ultra series? With these price points for the PB4000 your only 500-600 bucks away from the Ultra.

I hope someday we see a dual sub enclosure from SVS though.

 

[Todd Anderson]

You were hot on the trail Shpongle... :-). At the time, I was actually surprised how accurate the info you read was! Dead on.

Of course, now we can discuss!

 

[Matthew J Poes]

Way cool! I love the integration of an iPhone app. That should make setup a lot easier for most users.

 

[ShpongleDMT]

Lol thanks. I was stationed in Germany for a bit and when the PB16ultra line was coming out it was on the German SVS website before it got revealed here in the states. The same thing happened this time with the 4000 series but they got it taken down before too long

I saw the amp plate on the FCC website where they had registered its labeling that showed it's wattage

 

[Todd Anderson]

The app is great... I use it with the Ultras. It allows super fast access to the EQ filters, etc. Very intuitive interface. Smart on SVS's part to go this route.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Lol thanks. I was stationed in Germany for a bit and when the PB16ultra line was coming out it was on the German SVS website before it got revealed here in the states. The same thing happened this time with the 4000 series but they got it taken down before too long

I saw the amp plate on the FCC website where they had registered its labeling that showed it's wattage

Too funny. Wish I could have jumped in to confirm... But, the latter part of your post makes it fairly obvious that you had plenty of confirmation ;-)

I like the fact that SVS has passed down the look and feel of the Ultra Subs to the 4000s. It's such a confident and robust presentation. Very modern.

Double thumbs up!

 

[ShpongleDMT]

I agree with the app being of great design. It works really well.

Here is the FCC registration page if anyone is interested. https://fccid.io/2AGJ44K/Label/Label-info-3638980

links for the 4000 and 16b ultra series. https://fccid.io/2AGJ4

I'm guessing they have to be registered with the FCC because of the app.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I went to the SVS Launch event in Fairfax VA last night... SUPER impressed with the the new sealed and ported 4000 Series subs.

The main demo showed off the power of the Ported version (all three ports open) strutting its stuff in a huge room. Excellent stuff. The driver was pushed to the extremes and didn't balk.

I took some video from the event and should have something pulled together sometime today.

In the meantime, here are a few photos:

 

[tripplej]

Thanks for sharing. Wow, what a beauty.

 

[Asere]

Thanks for the pics Todd. She is a beauty. Can't wait to see the video.

 

[Asere]

@Asere Yes, the Ultra is still the bigger beast.

And you're right, this kind of gear is endlessly fun... and SVS really knows how to pull together the complete package.


Speaking of fun... don't forget to enter the ULS-15 MK2 giveaway! could come in handy!

Thanks Todd. Can I still enter if I don't have Showcase Cinema? I have a tv over the fireplace with the mains below.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Definitely! Anyone can enter... the Showcase Cinema gives you an extra entry. So, instead of one entry, you get two (if that was confusing in the entry, please tell me so I can correct it )

But... Asere... Showcase Cinema is meant for any kind of system. Dedicated, living room, you name it!

 

[Asere]

Definitely! Anyone can enter... the Showcase Cinema gives you an extra entry. So, instead of one entry, you get two (if that was confusing in the entry, please tell me so I can correct it )

But... Asere... Showcase Cinema is meant for any kind of system. Dedicated, living room, you name it!

Thanks Todd. You are correct on the thread entry. What I should have asked was can I get the extra entry using a family room for a Showcase vs can I enter,but you already cleared that up.
I will take pics here soon and upload them

 

[tesseract]

The Power Factor Correction sounds like a great way to address the bugbear of powered subs... hum.

 

[Todd Anderson]

SVS President Gary Yacoubian talked for roughly 40 min at this week's 4000 Series Launch. If you're curious to hear what he has to say, you can watch it!

 

[JimShaw]

Todd

Great review.

I have been looking at the new PB-4000.

But from my novice/no-knowledge of subs, it doesn't look like it would give me that much more than my PB 13-Ultra. Am I correct in thinking that?

1200 watts vs the Ultra's 1000 (I don't play loud)
Down to 13hz vs the Ultra's16

 

[Todd Anderson]

Thanks Jim!

Tough call in your circumstance. The new 4000 has some advantages: onboard EQ, more powerful DSP... different amp... new driver.

The big question is: have you ever balked at your Ultra’s performance? Any moments where it didn’t sound just right?

My best guess is that you’re looking at incremental differences in performance. Different? Yes... but night and day from what you already have? Likely not (at least from what your ears are going to tell you while watching movies). You might hear a slight difference in musicality. Might. ;-). Tough to say.

If you feel like you’re lacking... then the 16 Ultra might make more sense.

 

[JimShaw]

Thanks Jim!

Tough call in your circumstance. The new 4000 has some advantages: onboard EQ, more powerful DSP... different amp... new driver.

The big question is: have you ever balked at your Ultra’s performance? Any moments where it didn’t sound just right?

My best guess is that you’re looking at incremental differences in performance. Different? Yes... but night and day from what you already have? Likely not (at least from what your ears are going to tell you while watching movies). You might hear a slight difference in musicality. Might. ;-). Tough to say.

If you feel like you’re lacking... then the 16 Ultra might make more sense.

Really have not felt any lacking. My 13-Ultra really has been a great performer.

Musically, I seem to listen to SACD's and most of them are 5.0. So, no benefit.

I mostly listen to HD and UHD movies and it works great there.

It seems like there might not be enough benefit to warrant the $1900 cost.

You know how it is when one gets the bug to upgrade. They grab at any excuse to get the newest and greatest. That's me right now.


.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Really have not felt any lacking. My 13-Ultra really has been a great performer.

Musically, I seem to listen to SACD's and most of them are 5.0. So, no benefit.

I mostly listen to HD and UHD movies and it works great there.

It seems like there might not be enough benefit to warrant the $1900 cost.

You know how it is when one gets the bug to upgrade. They grab at any excuse to get the newest and greatest. That's me right now.


.

Hmm. Sounds like it would be more of a lateral move. But, if you're looking for extra control and access to three EQ bands, the 4000 might be fun to play with. But, for you, Jim, your next wow factor would probably going up to the next driver size OR doubling up and running duals... the latter of which might have the biggest impact of all if you're currently generally satisfied. I would imagine the PB-4000 and 13 Ultra could be paired to run fairly well together.