SVS unveils its 5000 R|Evolution series: Ultra technology at a more accessible price

SVS has just unveiled its new 5000 R|Evolution series of subwoofers. These new models, the SB-5000 R|Evolution (sealed subwoofer) and the PB-5000 R|Evolution (ported subwoofer), incorporate the flagship technologies developed for the high-end 17-Ultra series, but in more compact formats and at more accessible prices. Let’s dive into the technical details and innovations that make these subwoofers benchmarks in their category.

A redesigned concept built around a new 38 cm driver

At the heart of these new subwoofers is an entirely new 15-inch (38 cm) driver specifically designed for the 5000 R|Evolution series. This is not just an evolution of the previous model from the 4000 series (which used a 13.5-inch transducer), but a complete overhaul.

The transducer alone weighs 21 kg, with 17.46 kg dedicated to the Y30 ferrite magnetic motor. This substantial mass, combined with a high-density cast aluminum frame, ensures exemplary stability and rigidity, even during the driver’s maximum excursions.

SVS has developed its first 3-inch flat-wound dual voice coil for this model. This design allows for a more stable transfer of electromagnetic current and better thermal dissipation. The aluminum voice coil wire coated with copper combines the properties of both materials to optimize conductivity and lightness.

The excursion characteristics are impressive, with an Xmax (maximum linear displacement) of 46.32 mm and an Xmech (maximum mechanical excursion) of 77.44 mm. To put it into perspective, the diaphragm can move back and forth nearly 8 cm, enabling significant air displacement without distortion.

The patented parabolic-profile NBR (nitrile-butadiene rubber) surround ensures perfectly piston-like diaphragm movement, while the suspension uses dual Nomex composite spiders to maintain precise alignment. The diaphragm itself consists of a laminated fiberglass dust cap and a vented composite cone substructure, offering an excellent stiffness-to-mass ratio.

A dual mono amplifier and next-generation DSP

To power this demanding transducer, SVS has developed the Sledge STA-2000D Class D amplifier with 2000 watts RMS (with peaks exceeding 5000 watts). Its standout feature is its dual mono architecture: each 1000-watt amplification module powers one of the driver’s two voice coils, doubling the available current while ensuring precise control.

The amplifier uses eight 60-amp, 200-volt MOSFET transistors, providing substantial power reserves. This configuration ensures perfect control of low frequencies, even during the most demanding musical or cinematic passages.

Digital processing is handled by an Analog Devices DSP clocked at 295 MHz, offering 56-bit double-precision filtering. This processor, five times more powerful than those in previous SVS models, optimizes all aspects of sound reproduction, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB.

Special attention has been given to the power supply. The subwoofers feature a line conditioner with active power factor correction (PFC) in two stages, compatible with voltages from 100V to 240V. This system pre-regulates the mains to 390V DC to ensure a constant 160V supply to the amplifiers, regardless of electrical grid fluctuations. This approach also reduces heat production and improves energy efficiency.

Cooling is achieved through an innovative convection plate design, which draws cool air from the bottom of the amplifier plate and circulates it around the internal components and heat sinks, eliminating the need for bulky external heat sinks.

SB-5000 vs PB-5000: two complementary approaches

While sharing the same electronic components and driver, the two models in the 5000 R|Evolution series differ in their cabinet design, offering distinct sound characteristics tailored to various uses.

The SB-5000 R|Evolution features a sealed design (without ports), prioritizing bass precision and definition. More compact with dimensions of 465 × 453 × 495 mm and a weight of 46.3 kg, it offers a frequency response of 17 Hz to 280 Hz (±3 dB). This design favors more precise and articulate reproduction, particularly suited for music listening or smaller spaces.

The PB-5000 R|Evolution, with its triple 3.5-inch ported design, delivers deeper bass extension. Larger (595 × 520 × 727 mm) and heavier (69.8 kg), it can reach as low as 13 Hz in extended mode. This configuration creates a more pronounced physical impact, ideal for action movie special effects or large rooms requiring higher acoustic pressure.

An interesting feature of the PB-5000 is its modularity: its three ports can be configured in different ways to adjust the frequency response according to your preferences:

• Standard mode (all ports open): 15 Hz to 180 Hz (±3 dB)
• Extended mode (2 ports open): 13 Hz to 180 Hz (±3 dB)
• Sealed mode (all ports closed): 16 Hz to 270 Hz (±3 dB)

A comprehensive and intuitive control app

One of SVS’s strengths lies in the software ecosystem that accompanies its products. The 5000 R|Evolution series subwoofers are fully controllable via the SVS app, available for free on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire.

This app provides precise control over numerous parameters:

• Volume adjustment
• Low-pass filter tuning
• Phase and polarity control
• Six-band parametric equalizer
• Room gain compensation
• Port configuration (PB-5000 only)
• Power management settings

The interface also offers three memory slots to save custom presets. You can create different configurations tailored to your needs: one mode optimized for music, another for movies, and perhaps a “night” mode with reduced volume to avoid disturbing others.

A particularly innovative feature, announced as “coming soon,” is automatic room correction (Auto Room Correction). This technology will use your smartphone’s built-in microphone or a dedicated accessory microphone to analyze your room’s acoustics and automatically calculate optimal equalization filters. The goal is to adapt the subwoofer’s performance to your specific listening environment, compensating for room resonances and modes that can degrade sound quality.

The application also offers bidirectional feedback that displays real-time adjustments both on your mobile device screen and on the OLED interface of the subwoofer itself. An integrated tutorial guides less experienced users in the optimal setup of their system.

Finishes, Connectivity, and Accessories

The 5000 R|Evolution series subwoofers are available in two finishes:

• Black Oak: an elegant and understated wood veneer finish
• Piano Gloss Black: a more luxurious and glossy finish

The connectivity is comprehensive, with unbalanced RCA inputs (10 kΩ input impedance) and balanced XLR inputs (14 kΩ input impedance), compatible with both consumer and professional audio sources up to 4 Vrms. A 3.5 mm IR input facilitates integration with home automation control systems, while a USB port powers the SVS SoundPath wireless audio adapter (sold separately).

Both models are equipped with an extra-thick, non-resonant ABS protective grille with a fabric mesh covering, designed to protect the speaker without affecting acoustic performance. Screw-in iso-elastomer feet reduce vibration transmission to the floor and improve stability.

These new SVS 5000 R|Evolution subwoofers represent a significant evolution in the American manufacturer’s lineup, bringing technologies previously reserved for the most exclusive models to a more accessible price point, without compromising performance or build quality. They perfectly illustrate SVS’s philosophy: democratizing audio excellence without sacrificing quality.