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When it comes to adding deep bass to your home entertainment system, today's subwoofers offer dramatically different approaches and capabilities. Let's dive into how these two distinct options - the compact $499 Flexus SUB 100 and the heavyweight $1,899 PB-4000 - serve different needs and budgets.
The subwoofer market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers taking different approaches to delivering low frequencies. Traditional powerhouse designs like the PB-4000 focus on raw performance and precision, while newer entries like the Flexus SUB 100 prioritize wireless connectivity and integration with modern sound systems.
Subwoofers serve two primary purposes: reproducing the dedicated Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel in movies and extending the bass response of your main speakers for music. How well they accomplish these tasks depends on several key factors we'll explore.
The fundamental difference between these subwoofers lies in their ability to reproduce deep bass. The PB-4000 can reach down to a room-shaking 15Hz with authority - that's below the threshold of human hearing and into the realm of pure physical sensation. Its larger 13.5-inch driver moves massive amounts of air, creating the kind of pressurization you feel in your chest during explosive movie scenes.
The Flexus SUB 100, while still capable, focuses on the more practical range above 26Hz. This covers most musical bass and many movie effects, but you'll miss the deepest rumbles in action films. Its 10-inch driver is better suited to smaller rooms where extreme output isn't needed or desired.
Power ratings tell an important story here. The SVS's 1,200-watt RMS amplifier provides massive headroom - the ability to handle sudden peaks without distortion. This means explosions and bass drops stay clean even at high volumes. The Klipsch's 80-watt RMS amp is sufficient for normal listening but will reach its limits more quickly.
The size difference between these units isn't just about aesthetics. The PB-4000's massive cabinet (153 pounds!) and triple ports are engineered for maximum bass extension and output. The Flexus takes a modern minimalist approach at just 20.7 pounds, making it far more practical for many living spaces.
The Flexus SUB 100 shines in wireless integration, particularly with Klipsch soundbars. Using their proprietary wireless system, it eliminates cable runs and offers easy placement options. The companion app provides basic controls and EQ settings.
The PB-4000 takes a more traditional but comprehensive approach. Its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections ensure compatibility with high-end receivers and processors. The SVS app offers sophisticated DSP controls including three-band parametric EQ, allowing precise response shaping for your room.
A major advantage of the PB-4000 is its variable port tuning system. By configuring the three ports with included plugs, users can optimize for different scenarios:
The Flexus SUB 100 offers simpler room integration through its app but lacks advanced tuning options.
For dedicated home theaters, the PB-4000 is clearly superior. Its ability to pressurize larger rooms and deliver clean output at reference levels puts it in a different class. The parametric EQ helps tame room modes (frequency peaks and dips caused by room geometry), resulting in smoother response across the listening area.
The Flexus SUB 100 excels in modern living room setups, particularly with soundbars. Its wireless design and compact footprint solve real-world installation challenges. While it won't shake the foundation, it adds meaningful impact to movies and music at normal listening levels.
Both subwoofers handle music well within their design parameters. The PB-4000's precision and headroom make it exceptional for pipe organ, electronic music, and other demanding material. The Flexus delivers satisfying performance for most genres, though it may struggle with the deepest synthesizer notes or pipe organ fundamentals.
The PB-4000, released in 2018, represents a mature design incorporating SVS's advanced driver and amplifier technology. Its Sledge amplifier with Power Factor Correction ensures consistent performance regardless of power line quality - a feature typically found only in professional audio equipment.
The Flexus SUB 100, introduced in 2023, exemplifies modern trends toward wireless integration and app control. Its design benefits from improvements in Class D amplification and digital signal processing, allowing impressive performance from a small package.
Consider these key factors when choosing between the Flexus SUB 100 and PB-4000:
The nearly $1,400 price difference between these subwoofers is significant. The Flexus represents strong value for typical living room setups, while the PB-4000's premium price delivers reference-level performance for serious enthusiasts.
The Flexus SUB 100 and PB-4000 target different segments of the market with distinct approaches. The Flexus offers modern convenience and satisfying performance in a lifestyle-friendly package. The PB-4000 delivers reference-level bass for those seeking ultimate performance.
Choose the Flexus if you:
Choose the PB-4000 if you:
Either way, both subwoofers represent excellent choices within their respective categories, bringing different strengths to enhance your listening experience.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS PB-4000 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $499 (good value for basic needs) | $1,899 (premium investment) |
| Driver Size - Affects maximum output and bass depth | |
| 10" paper cone driver | 13.5" composite cone driver with dual ferrite magnets |
| Amplifier Power - Determines clean output capability | |
| 80W RMS/160W Peak (suitable for small-medium rooms) | 1200W RMS/4000W Peak (massive headroom for any space) |
| Frequency Response - Range of reproducible bass | |
| 26-250 Hz (±3dB) (covers most content) | 15-200 Hz (±3dB) (includes subsonic frequencies) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass quality and output | |
| Sealed design, 20.7 lbs (compact and flexible placement) | Ported design with triple 3.5" ports, 153.2 lbs (optimized for maximum output) |
| Connectivity Options - Integration flexibility | |
| Wireless via USB transmitter, single RCA input | Balanced XLR and RCA inputs/outputs |
| Control Features - User adjustment capability | |
| Basic app control, wireless volume adjustment | Advanced DSP, parametric EQ, port tuning, comprehensive app |
| Room Size Capability - Space requirements | |
| Small to medium rooms up to 200 sq ft | Medium to large rooms, 200+ sq ft |
| Physical Dimensions - Installation considerations | |
| 13.3" x 13.3" x 13.9" (highly placement flexible) | 23.4" x 20.5" x 30" (requires significant space) |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| Dual sub wireless pairing, Klipsch soundbar integration | Variable port tuning, PFC power supply, IR remote |
| Warranty - Long-term protection | |
| 2 years limited | 5 years unconditional with 45-day in-home trial |
The $499 Flexus SUB 100 is better suited for small rooms due to its compact size and 80W power rating. The $1,899 PB-4000 would be overkill in spaces under 200 square feet.
The biggest difference is power and output capability. The Flexus SUB 100 offers 80W RMS power for basic home theater needs, while the PB-4000 delivers 1200W RMS for reference-level performance.
The Flexus SUB 100 works wirelessly with Klipsch soundbars but requires a wired connection for other brands. The PB-4000 works with any system using standard RCA or XLR connections.
The PB-4000 provides significantly better movie performance with deeper bass extension (15Hz vs 26Hz) and much more power than the Flexus SUB 100. For serious home theater use, the PB-4000 is superior.
No - the $499 Flexus SUB 100 provides satisfying bass for most users. The PB-4000 is for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance and those with larger rooms.
The Flexus SUB 100 offers simpler setup, especially with Klipsch soundbars, thanks to wireless connectivity. The PB-4000 requires more careful placement and calibration but offers more fine-tuning options.
Both work well for music, but the PB-4000 offers superior musical performance with better precision and deeper extension. The Flexus SUB 100 handles most music genres adequately at moderate volumes.
The Flexus SUB 100 requires minimal space at 13.3" cubic dimensions. The PB-4000 needs significant room at 23.4" x 20.5" x 30" and weighs 153 pounds.
The PB-4000 offers superior coverage with a 5-year unconditional warranty and 45-day trial. The Flexus SUB 100 comes with a standard 2-year limited warranty.
Both support multiple subwoofer setups. The Flexus SUB 100 allows wireless pairing of two units, while the PB-4000 can be used in multiples with standard audio connections.
The Flexus SUB 100 is more apartment-friendly due to its smaller size, lower power, and wireless capability. The PB-4000 may be too powerful for apartment use.
Consider the PB-4000 if you have a large room (over 200 sq ft), want reference-level home theater performance, or desire the deepest possible bass. For typical living rooms, the Flexus SUB 100 provides sufficient power.
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 - svsound.com - dreamediaav.com - avsforum.com - hometheaterreview.com - skybygramophone.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - crutchfield.com - spacehifi.com.au - svsound.com
