If you're in the market for a good in-wall subwoofer, something that you can hide in the wall but still trust to put out monster levels of rumble and thunder for your home theater setup, SVS has a solution. I was excited to come across the SVS 3000 In-wall Subwoofer for review, as this is my first chance to hear an SVS in-wall powered setup.
SVS, a renowned name in the world of home audio, has a rich history rooted in a passion for delivering unparalleled theater sound and bass. With an MSRP of $2000, the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer with amp is not the cheapest on the market, but still a performance packed value. Lets jump into the review!
In this review, we will go over the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer’s design, install and test this subwoofer’s performance. The in-wall subwoofer is a fun, but labor intense upgrade for anyone that doesn't want a subwoofer out in the open, with exceptional bass that integrates into your home theater wall space.
A critical role a high-quality subwoofer plays is creating an immersive low end bass experience, something that you not only hear but also feel. Not only did it meet the bass requirements needed for my home theater setup, but it also gave me flexibility in some advanced control features, making it the perfect addition to my audio setup. Although the installation is more involved as a custom installation, since you'll be cutting drywall and running wires if you don't already have them in place, all I can say is it's worth it!
Unboxing the SVS 3000 In-wall Single Subwoofer with Amp System is a pretty standard experience, but it was well packaged. From the moment the package is opened, the anticipation builds as each component is revealed. The sleek and discreet design of the subwoofer, along with its sturdy build and customizable grill, immediately impressed me and gave me ideas of seamless integration into our test theater.
Accompanying the subwoofer is the compact yet powerful Sledge STA-800D2C amplifier, which was just as heavy when trying to get it out of the box.
All necessary accessories were neatly packaged and thoughtfully included. From mounting hardware to cables and a user manual, every component is meticulously designed to ensure a smooth and hassle-free installation process. With everything at hand, the stage is set to unleash this beast and hear the full potential of the SVS 3000 for an immersive audio experience.
The overall design of the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer is sleek, modern, and meticulously crafted to match a well designed listening room. The subwoofer features a dual-9" sealed cabinet, constructed from ultra-rigid aluminum and MDF materials, ensuring durability and optimal performance.
Its compact form factor is designed to fit standard 2x4 construction walls, allowing for easy integration without having cut a stud or requiring additional backspace. The paintable magnetically attached removable grill adds another level of being able to blend it into your room, enabling users to match the subwoofer's appearance to their room decor.
In terms of build quality, the SVS 3000 feels heavy and solid. The materials used are high quality, and the construction feels like a tank. The subwoofer's sealed cabinet design ensures minimal vibrations and resonance, contributing to punchy and more accurate bass output.
While the overall design and manufacturing quality of the SVS 3000 are excellent, there are some minor flaws worth noting. Some users may find the in-wall installation process pretty challenging, particularly when retrofitting wiring in existing walls. So bare in mind that, if you need help with the installation, you could always contact an A/V professional to install the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer for you and run the wires. However if you already have the correct thick gauge wires in place, it will be much simpler.
The SVS 3000 In-wall Subwoofer catches my ear not just because of its impressive design, but also because of its robust digital signal processing (DSP) features. The DSP provide users with fine tuning that matches your room acoustics and current speaker setup. By allowing me to adjust settings such as low pass filter, phase, polarity, room gain, and three parametric equalizers, this subwoofer can be finely tuned to match both room acoustics and individual preferences with ease. I was able to tune in this subwoofer into our demo room without much fuss.
Moreover, the subwoofer features a Bluetooth BLE smartphone control app, which is compatible with iOS, Android, and Amazon devices. This allows for custom tuning and user presets tailored to most room and system configurations.
The Sledge STA-800D2C Amplifier boasts loads of clean power for the 3000, with a delivery of 800 watts RMS and a peak power of 2,500 watts! This in-wall sub can really rumble in the lows. Combining the high-current output of discrete MOSFETs with the efficiency of Class D and the processing capabilities of Analog Devices 50MHz DSP, the 3000 is built with sound quality in mind.
The subwoofer's front panel upgraded Intelligent Control Interface (ICI) user interface features an 8-character blue-LED display for a rich visual experience and easy push-button controls. Additionally, features such as Auto/On and 3-12V AC/DC trigger contribute to maximum installation convenience, while the included 2U rack-mount kit facilitates easy rack installation for professional setups.
The available connections include RCA inputs, dual subwoofer outputs (800 watts for a single sub or 400 watts X2 for dual subs), a 3.5mm trigger, and a USB port for connecting a SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter, which is sold separate.
In the realm of in-wall subwoofers, the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer and the Revel B28W offer distinct features and performance characteristics. Current list price is $1320 + $1100 for the driver unit. The Revel B28W comes as a note worthy contender with a similar in-wall subwoofer. You will have to note that Revel’s SA1000 amplifier that is suggested to power the sub is sold separately, but as a package it is more expensive than the SVS.
The SVS 3000 impresses with its dual 9-inch high-excursion drivers and an 800-watt RMS amplifier, delivering deep, impactful bass with precision and clarity. In contrast, the Revel B28W is optimized for use with Revel's SA1000 subwoofer amplifier, offering a total output power of 700W RMS @ 4-ohm when connected to a second B28W subwoofer.
While both subwoofers boast high-performance woofers and versatile installation options, the SVS 3000 stands out as the better choice for those seeking uncompromising bass performance and advanced customization options.
One key difference between the SVS 3000 and the Revel B28W lies in their output capabilities. While the SVS 3000 comes equipped with a built-in 800-watt RMS amplifier, providing ample power for demanding audio tracks, the Revel B28W relies on external amplification, specifically the Revel SA1000 subwoofer amplifier. While this setup offers flexibility and scalability for users who may want to expand their system with additional B28W subwoofers, it also adds complexity and additional cost compared to the all-in-one solution offered by the SVS 3000.
Furthermore, the SVS 3000 distinguishes itself with its customizable DSP settings and smartphone app control, allowing users to fine-tune parameters such as low pass filter, phase, polarity, room gain, and parametric equalizers to suit different room acoustics and preferences. In contrast, the Revel B28W offers a more straightforward installation process and placement options, but lacks the advanced customization options of the SVS 3000.
Overall, for those prioritizing raw power, precise control, and simplicity of setup, the SVS 3000 In-wall subwoofer emerges as the superior choice, delivering an unparalleled bass experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles.
The SVS 3000 In-wall Single Subwoofer with Amp System emerges as a compelling choice for home theater enthusiasts seeking top-tier low end performance with a custom in-wall solution. It's well designed and executed for monster bass in a single stud bay with dual drivers. SVS knocked the 3000 out of the park with this one, but just be aware that an in-wall sub isn't everyone's cup of tea, especially if you need to run wires in the wall and cut drywall. But if you're brave enough, grab a beer and be ready to have your socks knocked off! We definitely recommend it!
