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When it comes to adding deep bass to your audio system, the gap between entry-level and premium subwoofers can be dramatic. Let's compare the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 at $239 and the SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution at $2,949 - two subwoofers that represent opposite ends of the market.
Today's powered subwoofers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio system, typically anything below 80Hz where your main speakers start to roll off. These low frequencies give music its foundation and make movie effects feel physically impactful. The technology has evolved significantly, with even budget models now offering features like wireless connectivity and app control that were premium features just a few years ago.
The key factors that separate budget from premium subwoofers include:
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 represents the new wave of wireless-first subwoofers designed for modern living spaces. Released as part of Klipsch's collaboration with Onkyo, it prioritizes easy setup and integration with soundbars. Its compact size and wireless capability make it ideal for apartments and smaller rooms where convenience matters more than ultimate performance.
In contrast, the SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is SVS's flagship subwoofer, representing the pinnacle of their engineering capabilities. It's built for dedicated home theaters and high-end music systems where performance is the primary consideration. The "R|Evolution" designation marks significant upgrades over the previous PB16-Ultra, including a new driver design and more powerful amplifier.
The Flexus SUB 100's rated frequency response of 26-250Hz is respectable for its size and price. This means it can handle most movie effects and music bass lines effectively, though it won't reproduce the deepest organ notes or the most extreme movie effects.
The PB17-Ultra operates in a different league entirely, reaching down to 12Hz in extended mode. This ultra-low frequency capability means it can reproduce literally every bass note in recorded music and every special effect in movies. When you're watching a movie with deep bass effects, like the famous pod emergence scene in War of the Worlds, you'll feel frequencies that the Flexus simply cannot reproduce.
The Flexus's 103.7dB maximum output is enough to fill a small room with satisfying bass. However, the PB17-Ultra, with its massive 17-inch driver and 2,800-watt amplifier, can easily exceed 120dB in most rooms. This 20dB+ advantage represents an enormous difference in capability - remember that every 10dB increase represents a doubling of perceived loudness.
The Flexus uses a basic sealed design with a 10-inch paper cone woofer. While this provides good sound for casual listening, it can't match the precision of the PB17's sophisticated driver design with dual 8-inch voice coils and advanced DSP processing.
The PB17's 56-bit digital filtering and room correction capabilities allow it to adapt to different spaces and listening preferences with remarkable precision. This level of control means it can handle both delicate jazz bass lines and explosive movie effects with equal skill.
The Flexus shines in simplicity - plug it in, pair it wirelessly with your soundbar, and you're done. Its 20.7-pound weight means one person can easily move it around to find the optimal position.
The PB17 requires more planning. At 164.7 pounds, it's a two-person job to move, and its massive size demands dedicated space. However, its sophisticated room correction and multiple operating modes (sealed, one port, or two ports open) provide flexibility in tuning the sound to your space.
The Flexus is designed primarily for use with Klipsch soundbars, though it does include a standard RCA input for other systems. This makes it somewhat limited in terms of system expansion.
The PB17 offers professional-grade balanced XLR connections alongside standard RCA inputs, making it compatible with everything from basic receivers to high-end processors. Its line-level outputs also allow daisy-chaining multiple subwoofers for even more impressive bass response.
The Flexus SUB 100 delivers impressive value for small to medium rooms. It's particularly well-suited for:
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents a significant investment but delivers reference-grade performance for:
Consider your specific needs:
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and constraints. The Flexus represents excellent value for basic home theater and music listening in smaller spaces. The PB17 is for those seeking the ultimate in bass performance and are willing to accommodate its size and cost.
Remember that both subwoofers will enhance your listening experience - they just do so at very different levels of capability and cost. Choose based on your space, budget, and performance needs rather than specs alone.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $239 (entry-level) | $2,949 (premium) |
| Driver Size - Affects maximum output and bass depth | |
| 10" paper cone woofer | 17" driver with dual 8" voice coils |
| Amplifier Power - Determines headroom and dynamic capability | |
| 80W RMS / 160W Peak | 2,800W total system power |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26Hz-250Hz (±3dB) | 12Hz-220Hz (±3dB) in extended mode |
| Maximum Output - Higher numbers mean louder clean bass | |
| 103.7 dB | >120 dB (significantly more powerful) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects sound quality and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed, compact MDF enclosure | Triple-ported design with extensive bracing |
| Dimensions - Consider room placement requirements | |
| 13.2" x 13.3" x 13.9" (compact) | 25.0" x 21.7" x 29.3" (substantial) |
| Weight - Impacts movability and installation | |
| 20.7 lbs (single-person setup) | 164.7 lbs (requires two people) |
| Connectivity - Determines system compatibility | |
| Wireless + Mono RCA input | Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA |
| Control Options - Affects setup and adjustment ease | |
| Basic app control, BLE remote | Advanced DSP, smartphone app, display panel |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| Wireless pairing with soundbar, dual sub capability | Multiple operating modes, room correction, advanced cooling |
| Warranty - Manufacturer confidence indicator | |
| 2 years | 5 years |
| Best Use Case - Primary application scenario | |
| Small-medium rooms, basic home theater | Large spaces, premium home theater, critical listening |
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is significantly better suited for apartment use due to its compact size, wireless connectivity, and controlled output. The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution would be overkill and potentially problematic in an apartment setting.
The main difference is performance capability and price point. The Flexus SUB 100 is an entry-level $239 wireless subwoofer, while the PB17-Ultra is a $2,949 reference-grade subwoofer designed for ultimate performance.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 works best with Klipsch soundbars but has RCA inputs for other systems. The SVS PB17-Ultra works with any system and offers both RCA and XLR connections for maximum compatibility.
The SVS PB17-Ultra plays significantly deeper bass, reaching down to 12Hz compared to the Flexus SUB 100's 26Hz limit. This difference is particularly noticeable during movie special effects.
For most casual users, the Flexus SUB 100 provides sufficient performance. The PB17-Ultra's premium price is justified only for dedicated home theater rooms, large spaces, or critical listening applications.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers simple wireless setup that takes minutes. The SVS PB17-Ultra requires more careful placement and setup but provides advanced room correction features.
Yes, both can handle music and movies, but the PB17-Ultra offers significantly better performance for both. The Flexus SUB 100 is adequate for casual listening in smaller spaces.
The Flexus SUB 100 works best with Klipsch soundbars but can connect to standard receivers. The PB17-Ultra works with any receiver or processor with a subwoofer output.
The SVS PB17-Ultra is superior for home theater use, offering much deeper bass and higher output. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is suitable for basic home theater in smaller rooms.
The Flexus SUB 100 has built-in wireless capability designed for Klipsch soundbars. The PB17-Ultra requires a wired connection but offers higher-quality audio transmission.
The Flexus SUB 100 is compact at about 13 inches cube. The PB17-Ultra requires significant space at 25"x22"x29" and should be given room to breathe.
The PB17-Ultra offers more long-term value with its superior build quality, advanced features, and higher performance ceiling. The Flexus SUB 100 is more suitable as a starter subwoofer or for simpler systems.
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 - skybygramophone.com - abt.com - youtube.com - audioholics.com - listenup.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - worldwidestereo.com - bhphotovideo.com - musicdirect.com
