SVS 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer Released

So until recently, the only way to get booming bass in your home theater was to put a monolithic black box (preferably two) somewhere in your room. The issue is that they are big, take up a lot of space, and don’t exactly fit in with the decor. But SVS has finally released the long-rumored 3000 in-wall subwoofer! It promises cinematic bass with no floor space required. Too good to be true? Let’s discuss this. 

The Specs of the SVS 3000 In-Wall

So let’s get this out there. I am always skeptical of in-wall subwoofers. Call me a traditionalist, but I don’t think high-output when I think in-wall. The SVS 3000 in-wall subwoofer is a dual 9″ driver that mates to an 800W (2500W peak) discrete amplifier. Impressive specs, but does it deliver?

SVS claims a frequency response of 22Hz to 250Hz (+/- 3dB) with an in-room response of 19Hz. If anything, SVS unstates the performance of their gear. So, I am confident you will get that type of response from this subwoofer. 

The unit size is what you would expect from an in-wall speaker. It is 25″ x 12″ x 3.75″ (HxWxD). The SVS 3000 in-wall will sit between a standard 16″ studded 2×4 wall. Externally, you will see about the same footprint but add 1 1/3″ for the grill. Oh, and the grills attach magnetically! 

With 3 3/4″ depth, you can expect high-excursion cones and SVS delivers. The dual 9″ divers are housed in an aluminum and MDF cabinet for maximum rigidity and strength. The drivers will move plenty of air with 23.4mm of excursion. Add some beefy voice coils, and you can shake your entire wall! 

The SVS 3000 In-wall Amp

Arguably, the heart of any subwoofer is the amplifier. No one has ever accused SVS of underpowering a subwoofer, and the SVS 3000 in-wall doesn’t disappoint in that department. Instead, the amplifier included with the SVS 3000 in-wall is a trickle-down from their Ultra and Pro series. 

The amp is a variant of their tried and tested Sledge amplifiers. The amplifier is a rack-mountable D-class amp and offers 800W (2500W peak) to a single subwoofer or 400W in a dual subwoofer configuration. Remember what I said about SVS understating their measured response? I would suggest that SVS was conservative with the power output. Underpromise and over-deliver is the SVS way. 

Like their Pro and Ultra lines of subwoofers, the SVS smartphone app can control and configure the subwoofers. This feature is helpful with a custom install where the amp is not easily accessible or rack-mounted and out of site. But don’t worry; if smartphones are not your thing, the amp allows you to set levels from the front panel. 

Why In-Wall?

So as I mentioned earlier, traditionally, the only way to get deep and impactful bass was through the traditional large subwoofer enclosure. That works great for those with the floor space to throw a couple of black boxes in our rooms. But for shared areas that are not just a home theater, that may not be feasible or desirable. 

In-wall subwoofers offer the promise of deep bass without losing floor space. The downside is that they require a little bit of skill to install, and moving them is not an option once installed. 

I am a considerable DIYer, so this subwoofer is right up my alley. A handy template lets you install the subwoofer easily into your 2×4 wall. The real difficulty will be fishing the wire back to the amplifier. For those with open walls, the installation will be a snap! But fear not; the SVS 3000 designed the in-wall subwoofer with custom installers in mind. SVS also conveniently has installer dealers listed on their website. So if DIY is not your thing, you have options. 

Our Take 

I am excited about the SVS 3000 in-wall subwoofer. Most in-wall offerings have been underwhelming in terms of performance. But with SVS now offering a more substantial in-wall option, architectural speakers might be more viable. The SVS 3000 provides a small footprint with significant output. 

For those planning their home theater, it’s even more attractive. With bare walls and floor plans, you can also quickly run wires and cables to where they are needed. For example, if SVS had offered the 3000 in-wall subwoofers when I was in the planning stages, they would have been a serious contender! So, it’s a good value at $1999 for a single in-wall and amp and a great deal at $2999 for dual subwoofers and amp!