If you are looking for the perfect subwoofer for your sound system, SVS vs Klipsch Subwoofer can be the answer to your problem. These two brands are currently two of the most esteemed brands with the best subwoofers in the market.
The SVS subwoofers stand alone as the reference standard for bass. The SVS subwoofers can effortlessly produce the lowest of frequencies at the highest output levels and maintain pinpoint accuracy and speed in transients at the same time, and blend seamlessly with all speakers. On the other hand, the Klipsch Subwoofers are designed to deliver a really impressive bass for the music and movies. Deep and clean bass response is produced by these subwoofers.
Both SVS and Klipsch have different kinds of subwoofers that will go well with different kinds of bookshelf speakers, tower speakers, soundbars, etc. Each kind of subwoofer provides each kind of feature. So you have to consider your room size and spaces before buying a subwoofer from either of these two brands. Now let’s get to SVS vs Klipsch Subwoofer
Different SVS vs Klipsch Subwoofer- Best for What and Why- At a glance
It was said earlier that there are many different kinds of subwoofers of both SVS and Klipsch currently available in the market. There are 8-inch subwoofers, 1o inch subwoofers, 12 and 13-inch subwoofers, 16-inch subs, and some 18-inch subwoofers too. You should choose the size of your subwoofer based on your room’s size and space. Also how much sound you need and want.
Choosing the perfect size can help your cause very much. Apart from the size, there are also several kinds of subs based on features. There are dual subs, Bluetooth subs, etc. In this part let’s look at different kinds of subwoofers from each brand and compare them in tables. It will help you to know more about the subwoofers and choose one from them easily.
8 inch/10-inch Subwoofer
There are several 8 inch and 10-inch subwoofers manufactured by SVS and Klipsch. SVS PB-1000 and SVS SB-1000 are among the popular subs of SVS that fall under this criterion. Again, Klipsch SPL-100 and Klipsch R-100SW are the popular 8/10-inch subwoofers of Klipsch. Below we will compare these subwoofers and see what they offer in a table.
There are some special benefits of 8 and 10-inch subwoofers, that you can’t get properly from others. Let’s look at some of the benefits before jumping to the table.
- They have improved higher frequency performance
- They provide smoother sound without distortion
- Have versatile installation options
SVS PB 1000
- >Premium black ash finish.
- >Front-firing 10” driver.
- >Front-firing 3.5″ high-flow port with inner/outer port flares.
- >Cloth grille with pin/cup retention system
- >Rigid and strong cabinet construction.
- >Detachable power cord.
- >Cabinet Dimensions: 18.9″ (H) x 15″ (W) x 19.4″ (D) (without grille)
- >Overall Dimensions: 18.9″ (H) x 15″ (W) x 20″ (D) (with grille).
- >Weight (unboxed): 46 pounds.
Klipsch R-100SW
- 10″ Front-Firing Spun-Copper IMG Woofer
- All-Digital Amplifier with 300 Watts Peak Power
- Volume, Low Pass Crossover, and Phase Control
- Line Level/LFE RCA Inputs for Maximum Receiver Compatibility
- Dimensions: 14.5″ x 12.5″ x 16.4″
- Black Textured Wood Grain Vinyl
Klipsch SPL-100
- 10″ Spun Copper Cerametallic™ Woofers
- Bass-Reflex via Exclusive Front-Firing Internal-Flare Port
- Class D Amplifier with 200W RMS / 450W Peak
- Premium Scratch-Resistant Finish
- Shock-absorbing rubber feet, steel grille posts, and a woven cloth grille for a premium look and feel
- Dimensions: 16.5” x 14” x 17.3”
12-inch Subwoofers
The most popular kind of subwoofers is the 12-inch subwoofers, as most users tend to buy the 12 inch ones. Both Klipsch and SVS have their own share of 12 inch subwoofers that can provide you a lot of services. So now it’s time to compare between the 12 inch subwoofers of both these brands and get to know their features.
Before going to the table let’s look at the reasons you can go for 12 inch subwoofers, in other words, what do 12-inch subwoofers offer in general.
- 12-inch subwoofers are of perfect size according to audiophiles
- They are not too big, not too small either. So they are really balanced and comfortable to use
- These subwoofers have a perfect combination of sound, frequency, and size
SVS SB-3000
- >Premium Black Ash and Piano Gloss Black finish options
- >Protective non-resonant steel mesh grille
- >Front-firing 13 inch high-excursion SVS driver
- >Rear-mounted amplifier with Intelligent Control Interface(ICI)
- >Screw-in rubber feet
- >Robust Medium
- >Density Fiberboard (MDF) cabinet construction
- >Dimensions (w/ grille): 15.6” (397mm) H X 15.2” (385mm) W X 17.8” (451mm) D
- Dimensions (without grille): 15.6” (397mm) H X 15.2” (385mm) W X 15.7” (399mm) D
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Klipsch R-12SW
- Powerful 12″ copper-spun front-firing woofer
- All-digital amplifier delivers 400 watts of dynamic power
- Equally impressive with music and movies
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 14″ W x 18.5″ D
- Brushed black polymer veneer cabinet
SVS SB-2000 Pro
- >Premium Black Ash and Piano Gloss Black finish options
- >Protective non-resonant extra-thick ABS fabric mesh grille
- >Front-firing 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver
- >Rear-mounted amplifier with Intelligent Control Interface (ICI)
- Iso-elastomer feet
- >Robust Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) cabinet construction
- >Dimensions (w/ grille): 14.6” (372mm) H X 14.2” (360mm) W X 15.6” (395mm) D
- >Dimensions (without grille): 14.6” (372mm) H X 14.2” (360mm) W X 14.6” (371mm) D
Klipsch SPL-120
- 12″ Spun Copper Cerametallic™ Woofers
- Bass-Reflex via Exclusive Front-Firing Internal Flare Port
- Class D Amplifier with 300W RMS / 600W Peak
- Premium Scratch-Resistant Finish
- Shock-absorbing rubber feet, steel grille posts, and a woven cloth grille for a premium look and feel
- Dimensions: 17.75” x 14.7” x 19.9”
SBS PC-2000 Pro
- Piano Gloss Black finish option
- Down-firing 12-inch high-excursion SVS driver
- Rear-firing 4-inch port
- Rear-mounted amplifier with Intelligent Control Interface (ICI)
- Robust Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) cabinet construction
- Dimensions: 34.3” (872mm) H X 16.6” (422mm) Diameter
Klipsch R-120SW
- 12″ Front-Firing Spun-Copper IMG Woofer
- All-Digital Amplifier with 400 Watts Peak Power
- Volume, Low Pass Crossover, and Phase Control
- Line Level/LFE RCA Inputs for Maximum Receiver Compatibility
- Dimensions: 16.5″ x 14″ x 19.2″
- Black Textured Wood Grain Vinyl
16-inch subwoofers
Another important category is 16-inch subwoofers. SVS PB16 Ultra is one of SVS’s popular 16-inch subwoofers, whereas Klipsch SPL-150 is the same for Klipsch. Let’s see their comparison.
As 16-inch subwoofers are much bigger in size, they need a big space. And as a result, they are not really a popular choice. However, they have some great usage too. The benefits of 16-inch subwoofers are-
- They can generate a lot of power as they have a much bigger driver size
- As they can generate a huge amount of power, the sound is really strong with the 16-inch subwoofers
- The Bass sound can get really boomy with these subwoofers
SVS PB16 Ultra
- >Black Oak and Piano Gloss Black finish options
- >Protective non-resonant steel mesh grille
- >Front-firing 16″ driver
- >Rear-mounted amplifier
- >Screw-in rubber feet
- Triple 3.5-inch ports
- >Robust Medium Density >Fiberboard(MDF) cabinet construction
- >Cabinet Dimensions: 25″ (H) x 21.7″ (W) x 28.3″ (D) (without grille)
- >Cabinet Dimensions (with grille): 25” (H) X 21.7” (W) X 30.9” (D)
Klipsch SPL-150
- Bass-Reflex via Exclusive Front-Firing Internal Flare Port for placement flexibility
- High-Efficiency Class D Amplifier with 400W RMS/ 800W Peak
- Compatible with Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Kit
- Premium Scratch-Resistant Finish in Ebony
- Shock-absorbing rubber feet, steel grille posts, and a woven cloth grille for a premium look and feel
- Dimensions: 21.75” x 18.75” x 24”
18-inch subwoofer
Before we get to see what both the SVS and Klipsch brands have to offer as 18-inch subwoofers, we need to know what 18-inch subwoofers can help us with. Well, 18-inch subwoofers have almost the same kind of benefits and usage as the 16-inch subwoofers as they are also really large subwoofers. Their benefits are-
- They enhance a perfect sound system
- 18-inch subwoofers provide thumping, loud, and deep bass music
- They are heavy-duty, durable, portable, and easy to assemble too
Now let’s see what both these brands have to offer.
Klipsch KPT 1802-HLS
- An industry-first horn-loaded vented cabinet design
- Has an 18” driver, resulting in class-leading acoustic output combined with commanding sub
- 20Hz bass response previously unattainable from even a 21” driver configuration system
- High-efficiency with very low distortion perfectly complements today’s digital sound formats 130dB continuous output capability
Dual Subs
Some usage and benefits of dual subwoofers are-
- Provides optimal sound quality at more listening positions
- Effortless bass with greater headroom
- Provides stereo bass for dedicated 2-Channel systems
- They are harder to localize
So, it’s time to compare between the dual subwoofers of Klipsch and SVS.
SVS Dual SB-1000
- >Premium black ash, piano gloss black, and piano gloss white finish options
- >Front-firing 12″ driver
- >Rigid and strong cabinet construction
- >Cloth grille with pin/cup retention system
- >Detachable power cord
- >Cabinet Dimensions: 13.5″ (H) x 13″ (W) x 14″(D) (without grille)
- >Overall Dimensions: 13.5″ (H) x 13″ (W) x 14.6″(D) (with grille)
- >Weight (unboxed): 27 pounds
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Klipsch Synergy Sub-12 Subwoofer
- 12-inch, down-firing driver
- 300 watts continuous, 650 watts dynamic power
- Steep-slope (24dB/octave) low-pass crossover is continuously adjustable from 40 to 120Hz
- Phase control facilitates acoustical integration
- “Auto power” feature
- Blue/red dual color LED display indicates standby mode
Bluetooth Subwoofers
Bluetooth subwoofers provide you with the option of connecting your subwoofer wirelessly with other devices that support Bluetooth. Let’s see what both these brands have to offer regarding this aspect.
Klipsch R-10SWi
- 10″ Front-Firing, Spun Copper IMG Woofer
- 2.4GHz Wireless Hi-Fi Pre-Paired Transmitter
- All-Digital Amplifier
- Low Pass Crossover and Phase Control
- Strong, Flexible, Removable Grille Duals as a wired subwoofer with a subwoofer cable
Feature Difference: Different Model Comparisons and Tables
Earlier we have compared some of the SVS and Klipsch subwoofers side by side based on their driver size and different features. And now we are going to compare some more subwoofers in a more descriptive way. In the descriptions their audio performance and features will be compared and related tables will be provided too. Some side-by-side descriptive comparisons of different SVS and Klipsch subwoofers are given below.
SVS SB-2000 vs. Klipsch R-115SW
The SVS SB- 2000 is one of the popular 12-inch subwoofers manufactured by the company, whereas the Klipsch R- 115SW is a 15-inch subwoofer of Klipsch that produces amazing bass music. Both the subwoofers have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, the Klipsch one is ahead of the SVS one in build quality and design, as it looks really great and it has great durability. It also has reliable ports. Again, the SVS SB- 2000 has the advantage of having high nominal and output power as its nominal power is 500 W. It is way higher compared to the 400 Watt nominal output of the Klipsch R- 115SW. The maximal output of the SB- 2000 is also higher than the R- 115SW as the SVS one has an output of 1100 Watt which is a lot compared to the 800 Watt maximal output of the Klipsch one.
Now let’s look at a table where we can see the side-by-side comparison between their features.
Features & Performance
The performance characteristics of the Klipsch R-115SW vs SVS SB-2000 comparison show us that the R- 115SW has a better crossover frequency range of 40-160 Hz, and the crossover frequency range of SB- 2000 is 50 to 160 Hz. However, the SVS SB-2000 has a better frequency response of 19-220 Hz, whereas the R-115SW response range is 18 to 125 Hz.
The Klipsch R- 115SW features an “all-digital” amplifier that combines accuracy and high efficiency. This model can be connected using the wireless protocol, but it is necessary to use the WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit while doing it.
The SVS SB-2000 has a high-performance DSP integrated that makes the output sound clearer and also helps to achieve seamless blending. The installed sonic engine helps to preserve audio purity at high volume.
Now let’s look at some general pros and cons of both subwoofers.
Pros of SVS SB-2000
- It is easy to install, set up, and use and it comes with a very detailed manual.
- The sophisticated DSP module makes the output sound natural and tight.
- It blends perfectly with other speakers but it can take some time to adjust the settings to blend in properly.
Cons
- It is stated by some customers that they can hear some loud noises when the subwoofer comes out of the standby mode
Pros Klipsch R- 115-SW
- The output bass sound is tight and clean, which makes it a good option for music and movies.
- It can be connected with a wireless kit, so you don’t have to deal with wires.
Cons
- It is quite heavy and large in size.
- Some customers state that it is not loud enough regarding their preferences.
Winner
Both these subwoofers perform really well if you make sound and other stuff into account. As you can see from the above discussion, they both have their own advantages. But if we have to pick a winner among the two, the SVS SB- 2000 takes the game as it puts on a better sound performance overall. It has better frequency response and sound output which makes it a better pick. But you can also pick Klipsch R- 115 SW if it suits your preferences.
SVS SB- 1000 vs. Klipsch R- 112SW
If we want to compare the Klipsch R-112SW and SVS SB-1000 in terms of sound, we have to locate them in the best way first. As the location is really important at times in order to get good sound output from your subwoofer. The Klipsch R-112SW needs much time and effort to install.It is better to place the subwoofer closer to the center of the wall. The SVS SB- 1000 is more “loyal” as it sounds far better in the corner.
The SVS SB-1000 provides sufficient output to feel the bass for listening to music. But the bass will not feel much expressive and powerful when you will be watching movies. If you want to use the subwoofer for watching the video, it’s good to arrange a mini-theater in the room, 2.1 for Blu- ray movies, for example.
On the other hand, the Klipsch R- 112SW produces great sub notes with hits that are perfect for watching movies.
Both these subwoofers are 12-inch models, that’s why they fit in small and medium spaces. Nevertheless, both their sound is flawless in terms of crispness and distortions, with the speakers, of course.
Well, let’s look at the side-by-side comparison table between these two subwoofers and see what they have in common and what the differences between their features are.
Features & Performance
The SVS SB-1000 has a digital amp with a peaking capacity of 720 W, which is higher than many other subs of this price range have. Klipsch R-112SW can offer only 600 W that allows getting high performance at a rather low volume level.
SVS SB-1000 is remarkable for the slight phase adjustment of the subwoofer when setting it up. There is a wide range of crossover settings of it but 90 Hz is the optimal level to get accurate sound. On the other hand, the Klipsch R-112SW requires correct phase settings to enable it to keep up with the main speakers.
Pros of SVS SB-1000
- The SVS SB- 1000 seems to be a reliable device due to its high-quality parts.
- It has a double magnetic system, 12-inch front-firing driver, which is enhanced via a soft rubbish suspension with increased net slips.
Cons
- Small cabinet resonances occur at high volume levels.
Pros of Klipsch R-112SW
- The output sound is not too boomy.
- No need to adjust it constantly while changing the type of audio.
Cons
- The subwoofer looks like brushed aluminum. However, Klipsch speakers mostly have a wooden texture. So, such misbalance in the acoustic system’s design can be annoying
Winner
The winner between these two mentioned subwoofers is the SVS SB-1000. For its high-quality parts and driver, it produces a great quality sound. Even though the Klipsch subwoofer has a nice sound output, it falls short in some aspects like the frequency response and other stuff. As a result, the SVS SB-1000 wins over the Klipsch R-112SW subwoofer.
SVS PB-1000 vs. Klipsch R-120SW
Actually, both of these subwoofers have much in common. But your preferences may outweigh some of the aspects. When looking for a great subwoofer, the sound is on top of my preferences. Both the SVS PB-1000 and Klipsch R-120 SW provide good sound quality. However, the SVS one has a smaller driver of 10 inches, whereas the Klipsch one has a 12-inch driver.
Now let’s look at the side-by-side comparison between the features of the SVS PB-1000 and the Klipsch R- 120 SW for your convenience.
Features and Performance
As said earlier, these two subwoofers have a lot in common. They have the same vented enclosure type and same kind of driver placement, even though their driver sizes are different. They have different port placements as the SVS PB-1000 has the port places at the front panel, whereas the ports of the Klipsch- R- 120 SW are places at the backside. The SVS subwoofer has more audio amplifier output than the Klipsch subwoofer. The nominal to maximal output power is also more as the SVS PB- 1000 has the nominal to the maximal output power of 300-720 watt. The rate is 200-400 watts in the case of the Klipsch- 120SW.
Pros of SVS PB-1000
I know most of the audiophiles will say not to mix speaker brands. But once I got the levels balanced, then everything worked together in perfect harmony and I could not even remotely tell that there are two different brands of subs in the room.
- SVS provides fantastic customer service. They look good and come well packaged.
- The SVS PB- 1000 subwoofer can easily compete with 12-inch subwoofers despite being a 10 inch one. Also, it has tight and punchy sound output, fitting in very well with my system.
Cons
- The SVS PB-1000 has a nice sound but it’s a bit underwhelmed by its lack of intensity.
Pros of Klipsch R-120 SW
- The copper pins for the grille and the accents all over the subwoofer look excellent.
- It is well packaged and easy to set up.
Cons
- Maybe a little bigger than your expectation due to the incorrect vision of the subwoofer fitting in your room.
Winner
I would recommend everyone to stop at the Klipsch R-120SW model as even at low settings, it will vibrate your walls. The sound is really clear and free of hissing compared to the SVS PB-1000. Though the SVS PB- 1000 has a better power output and a better frequency response too, here in the case of the Klipsch R- 120 SW you’ll have a tight and precise bass. If you want a reasonably priced subwoofer to usher you into the reality of high fidelity sound, the Klipsch one is it.
Different Subwoofers You can choose from Other Alternative Brands
Martin Logan Dynamo 1600X 1800-Watt Subwoofer
Martin Logan products don’t really need any introduction as this audio product’s brand can be found in high-end cars and expensive homes all over the world, and for good reason. The Dynamo 1600X subwoofer continues that legacy with a massive 1,600-watt amplifier section powering a 15-inch polypropylene driver. Audiophiles have a special liking for it. It has a suite of controls but to really tune it up for your space, there’s a dedicated “Anthem Room Correction” app for getting it just right. Also, it can be configured as front-firing or downward-firing by simply changing the innovative feet.
Dayton Audio SUB-1500 150-watt Subwoofer
There are so many subwoofers currently available in the market that will cost you thousands of dollars, and many of them are worth it. But if you just need to punch up the low end on an audio system you already have, the Dayton Audio SUB 1500 is where the performance and price meet. With 150 watts of power, it is more designed to accentuate bass response than bring the house down. This subwoofer also features adjustability for output, phase, and crossover. It will accept both RCA line-level input and speaker wires for easy integration into your setup. It really provides value for money. And read those reviews: This sub gets the job done for music and home theater. If you need a larger home theater setup, get two of them!
https://youtu.be/UoglEIHO94Y
Monoprice Monolith M15-S 1,000-Watt Subwoofer
Monoprice might be a new name in the audio world for some people, but their reputation is on the rise. While Monoprice makes a wide range of electronics, their Monolith line of audio gear is consistently getting rated very highly by the audiophiles. The Monolith M15-S subwoofer features a long-excursion 15- inch driver in a bass-reflex case for the maximum output. The 1,000-watt amplifier ensures tight control over response while delivering a crushing power. Inputs include two RCA line-level jacks along with XLR connections for pro-level equipment. There’s also a ton of adjustability to get the sound really dialed in with your room and system. It’s also THX-certified and brings a friend when it gets delivered as it is heavy and weighs 133 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Well, from all the above discussions and different kinds of comparisons between different models of SVS and Klipsch subwoofers, you can see that both these brands provide a lot of services in terms of sound and features. You can’t completely rule out one brand and choose another, as both these brands manufacture quite a great number of good quality subwoofers. And they both have their own share of outstanding subwoofers.
So it actually depends on your preference of models and features. You must deeply look into different models and proceed to choose one based on your preferences. As different models have differences in provided sound quality and other services. However, if we are to choose one brand at the end between these two, I will go for SVS. As from the above discussion you can see SVS provides a bit more strength in the sound and also provides better sets of features usually than Klipsch. So, SVS has a bit of edge over Klipsch regarding subwoofers.
Author’s Pick: SVS Subwoofer
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