After the positive impression that SVS's PB16-Ultra left with us in our review late last year, it wasn't long afterward when we inquired about the possibility of reviewing its sealed counterpart, the SB16-Ultra.

Excellent deep bass performance for sealed design of its size; Extremely low distortion; Very nice finish and cabinet; Highly adjustable frequency response; Heavily protected against over-driving; Very good customer service; Easily controlled via remote or smartphone app

Very heavy; Upper bass performance not significantly improved over SB13-Ultra

The SB16-Ultra is the latest subwoofer from SVS and the company has gone all-out to produce what they feel is the best sealed-box sub possible.

Superb bass performance; Very low distortion; Great smartphone remote app; Flexible setup and control; Well made and attractive design

Bass not quite as deep as some ported models; No auto EQ; It's very heavy

Bass is a vital part of the home cinema package. Hefty, heaving, humongous low-frequencies are guaranteed to add scale and impact to a surround sound experience, in a way that crystalline high frequencies or robust dialogue just don't. For some AV enthusiasts, their subwoofer is their favourite toy.

While many AV components, like TVs and Blu-ray players, keep getting smaller, subwoofers keep getting bigger. A decade ago a 12" subwoofer was considered large but in the world of 15" and even dual 18" drivers those now seem quaint in comparison.

Impeccable build quality; fantastic integration with speakers for musical bass; more than enough power to fill a normal sized room

Integrated EQ should be automated

I've always wondered why SVS, long one of the top names in subwoofers, didn't offer a sub with a driver bigger than 13 inches. Sure, smaller cones have a rep for delivering a more tuneful sound, but many judge a sub solely on the size of its woofer.

Never spend more than $2,000 on a subwoofer, and never spend it on anything other than the SVS SB16-Ultra. This is the finest subwoofer you can buy.

Gorgeous design; Incredibly deep; powerful bass; Smooth and articulate; Does the work of two subs; First-class control app

Could be large for some rooms

I've had a home theater going on 20 years now, and one thing has remained constant through those years: upgrades. It got so bad at one point that my wife had me enter into a contract with her in 2004 that my latest subwoofer upgrade would be my last for the next 10 years.

Powerful; deep bass response; Infrared remote and Bluetooth app control; User adjustable EQ presets

Extremely heavy; Large size can make optimal placement challenging

The best sounding sub I have, but most expensive, it needs breaking time, takes up alot of floor space. Best looking :) when I first got it home it didnt work I called svs very helpful, we diagnosed the amp was bad, the Crutchfield experts got me one the next day I installed works great ever since,...

Very stylish; sounds great love the app; on screen is usuable

It's big if that's a con,very pricey; possible grill issue

I have had many subs and am always looking for a better one, until now, game over! SVS SB-16 Ultra breaths new life into an old system and puts a smile on your face listening to your favorite recordings and hearing what you never knew was there.

I wanted best sub woofer for use with a traditional 2 channel Hi-Fi set up. I did quite a bit of reserch and for me this is the one unless you shop in audiophile boutiques. If you get chance to go to Richer in Leeds then contact Stephen to see if you can get a listen.