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When it comes to adding powerful bass to your home audio system, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 ($239) and SVS PB-1000 Pro ($659) represent two distinct approaches to low-frequency reproduction. Let's dive deep into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Today's powered subwoofers have evolved significantly from the boomy boxes of the past. They now incorporate sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP), efficient Class D amplifiers, and carefully engineered cabinets to deliver clean, controlled bass. Whether you're looking to feel the rumble of explosions in movies or experience the depth of musical bass lines, choosing the right subwoofer makes a huge difference in your listening experience.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 represents a modern approach to soundbar-oriented subwoofers. Released in 2023, it's designed specifically to integrate with Klipsch's latest soundbar systems, featuring wireless connectivity and compact dimensions. The sealed cabinet design (meaning it doesn't use a port to enhance bass output) focuses on tight, musical bass rather than maximum output.
In contrast, the SVS PB-1000 Pro, launched in 2021, follows the traditional audiophile subwoofer philosophy. Its larger cabinet houses a more powerful amplifier and bigger driver, using a ported design to achieve deeper bass extension. While it requires a wired connection, it offers more versatility and raw performance.
The PB-1000 Pro demonstrates its technical superiority with bass that reaches down to 17Hz - that's well below what humans can hear but definitely what we can feel. This capability makes a real difference in home theater applications, where ultra-low frequency effects add impact to explosion scenes and create that "pressure in the room" sensation that movie enthusiasts love.
The Flexus SUB 100's 26Hz lower limit is still respectable, especially considering its size and price point. For most music and regular TV watching, this is entirely adequate - very few musical instruments produce frequencies below this point. The difference becomes noticeable primarily during heavy action scenes in movies or when playing pipe organ music.
Raw power numbers tell part of the story: the PB-1000 Pro's 325W RMS amplifier significantly outguns the Flexus SUB 100's 80W RMS. However, these numbers don't tell the whole story - efficiency and cabinet design play huge roles in how that power translates to actual room-filling bass.
The PB-1000 Pro's larger 12-inch driver and ported design allow it to move more air, creating higher maximum output levels with less strain. This becomes particularly important in larger rooms or when watching action movies at reference levels (industry-standard volume levels used in movie mixing).
One of the Flexus SUB 100's standout features is its wireless connectivity. Using Klipsch's proprietary wireless system, it pairs easily with compatible soundbars. This solves one of the biggest practical challenges in subwoofer placement - running a cable to your ideal location.
The PB-1000 Pro requires a wired connection, but compensates with more sophisticated room correction and adjustment capabilities through its smartphone app. This app allows you to fine-tune the subwoofer's response to your room's acoustics, something the Flexus SUB 100 can't match.
For smaller rooms (under 200 square feet), either subwoofer will provide satisfying bass. The Flexus SUB 100's compact size makes it particularly attractive for apartments or small living rooms where space is at a premium.
In larger spaces, the PB-1000 Pro's additional power and output capability become more important. Its ability to pressurize larger volumes of air means it can maintain consistent bass levels throughout bigger rooms.
The PB-1000 Pro showcases several technical advances, including:
The Flexus SUB 100 brings its own innovations:
At $239, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 represents excellent value for those primarily using a soundbar system. Its wireless capability alone saves the cost and hassle of professional cable installation in many cases.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro at $659 requires a bigger investment but delivers performance that competes with much more expensive subwoofers. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts or music lovers, its superior performance and adjustability justify the additional cost.
Consider these factors when making your choice:
The Flexus SUB 100 makes the most sense if you:
Choose the PB-1000 Pro if you:
Both subwoofers represent solid choices in their respective categories. The Flexus SUB 100 excels at providing good bass performance in a convenient, wireless package, while the PB-1000 Pro delivers reference-level performance for more demanding applications.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS PB-1000 Pro |
|---|---|
| Price - Total cost including wireless capability | |
| $239 (wireless included) | $659 (wired only) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass | |
| 10" paper cone | 12" composite fiber cone |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output and headroom | |
| 80W RMS / 160W Peak | 325W RMS / 820W Peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26-250 Hz (±3dB) | 17-260 Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and output | |
| Sealed (tighter bass, less output) | Ported (deeper bass, higher output) |
| Dimensions - Important for room placement | |
| 13.2" x 13.3" x 13.9" (compact) | 18.9" x 15" x 20" (larger footprint) |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet construction robustness | |
| 20.7 lbs | 42.5 lbs |
| Connectivity Options - Affects setup flexibility | |
| Wireless + Mono RCA | Dual RCA inputs/outputs, speaker level inputs |
| Control Features - Important for fine-tuning | |
| Basic controls via soundbar remote | Advanced app control with parametric EQ |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for performance match | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200+ sq ft) |
| Special Features - Added functionality | |
| Wireless pairing, dual sub capability | App control, custom presets, room correction |
| Warranty - Long-term value protection | |
| 2 years | 5 years |
The SVS PB-1000 Pro is significantly better for home theater use due to its deeper bass extension (17Hz vs 26Hz) and more powerful amplifier (325W vs 80W). The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is adequate for casual viewing but won't deliver the same impact for movie effects.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 costs $239, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro is priced at $659. The price difference reflects the SVS's superior performance capabilities and more advanced features.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and sufficient power. The SVS PB-1000 Pro would be overkill in a small space, though it still performs excellently.
If you're using a Klipsch soundbar or want flexible placement without running cables, the wireless Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is ideal. The SVS PB-1000 Pro requires a wired connection but offers superior performance.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro reaches significantly lower (17Hz) compared to the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 (26Hz), making it better for experiencing the deepest bass in movies and music.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers simpler setup with wireless connectivity and basic controls. The SVS PB-1000 Pro requires more setup but provides advanced app-based controls for better fine-tuning.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro works with any audio system using standard connections. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 works best with Klipsch soundbars but can connect to other systems via its RCA input.
Both perform well for music, but the SVS PB-1000 Pro offers superior accuracy and detail. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 provides good musical performance for casual listening.
For most rooms, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100's 80W RMS is sufficient. Larger rooms or home theaters benefit from the SVS PB-1000 Pro's 325W RMS power output.
The SVS PB-1000 Pro comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers a 2-year warranty.
Both models support dual subwoofer setups. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 pairs wirelessly with a second unit, while the SVS PB-1000 Pro requires wired connections.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is better suited for apartments due to its smaller size and more modest output. The SVS PB-1000 Pro might be too powerful for apartment living.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - listenup.com - bestbuy.com - forum.planetofthevapes.co.uk - cnet.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - av-connection.com - greentoe.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - hifichicken.com - avgadgets.com - skybygramophone.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - summithifiusa.com - svsound.ca
