I've never heard the SB-3000 so I can't help you with a comparison. As for the article, there is just no comparison between my 600v2 and 800v4. It's not just about the extra driver. The v4 performs far better as a system. One thing you may want to dig into with the 3000 is mid-bass. Does it put out? Ian added a "boost" mode on the DSP subs. Using my humble equipment here, I figured that mode gives a 6dB or so boost between 55Hz and 85Hz. I really like that for music. For movies, I set it to "flat".
Maybe talk with Ian. See what he can do. He's helped you in the past.
If you have a spare hour, you can read my review:
https://www.axiomaudio.com/reviews/index/list/product/64/ Did you find any information about the mid-baa underperforming? The only thing that I have found is
this post stating "Apparently, the new driver not only produces more low-bass SPL, it produces relatively more mid-bass SPL than the 12" driver on the 2000 did. Given those performance results, I think that the new PB3000 represents a significant step-up from the PB12-Plus which it replaced."
I love everything about Axiom. I just want to get the best bang for my buck.