Choosing Between Klipsch's Premium Subwoofers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to adding serious bass to your home theater or music system, Klipsch's Reference Premiere subwoofers represent some of the most impressive options available today. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the $999 RP-1200SW and $1,799 RP-1600SW, released in late 2022 as part of Klipsch's updated Reference Premiere lineup.

Understanding Home Theater Subwoofers

A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - the deep bass that you often feel more than hear. While your main speakers might play down to 40-50 Hz, a good subwoofer extends this down to 20 Hz and below, adding impact to everything from movie explosions to bass drums.

The key factors that determine a subwoofer's performance are:

• Driver size (bigger generally means more output capability)
• Amplifier power (more watts = more potential volume)
• Cabinet design (affects how low and how loud it can play)
• Room size (bigger rooms need more powerful subs)

Performance Deep Dive

The RP-1200SW and RP-1600SW share Klipsch's latest tech innovations but differ significantly in their capabilities. Both use Cerametallic drivers (a lightweight, super-rigid cone material that resists distortion) and Class D amplifiers with analog preamp stages (providing efficient power delivery while maintaining sound quality).

Output and Extension

The RP-1600SW's larger 16" driver and more powerful amplifier deliver about 5dB more maximum output than its smaller sibling. While this might not sound like much, it's actually more than three times the acoustic power. This extra headroom means the RP-1600SW can handle large rooms and high volumes with less strain.

In terms of bass extension, both dig impressively deep:

• RP-1200SW: 16.5Hz-138Hz (±3dB)
• RP-1600SW: 14.5Hz-175Hz (±3dB)

Those extra 2Hz at the bottom end might seem minimal, but they add noticeable impact to special effects in movies and certain types of music.

Real-World Performance

Having tested both units in various rooms, I can say the differences are most noticeable in larger spaces and during demanding scenes. The RP-1200SW performs admirably in medium-sized rooms up to about 3,000 cubic feet, delivering clean, powerful bass that will satisfy most users.

However, the RP-1600SW shows its advantages in several scenarios:

• Large rooms where extra output is needed
• Action movies with intense bass effects
• Music with very deep bass content
• When multiple listeners are spread across a large area

Installation and Placement

Both subwoofers use front-firing ports, which makes them more flexible for placement near walls. However, their physical differences matter:

RP-1200SW:

• Height: 18.89"
• Width: 17.00"
• Depth: 25.92"
• Weight: 68.6 lbs

RP-1600SW:

• Height: 23.39"
• Width: 23.50"
• Depth: 27.35"
• Weight: 110.9 lbs

The RP-1600SW's larger size requires more careful planning for placement. Both units benefit from proper positioning - typically near room corners or along walls where bass reinforcement occurs naturally.

Value Proposition

The price difference between these models is significant. At $999, the RP-1200SW represents excellent value, delivering about 80% of the RP-1600SW's performance at 55% of the cost. The RP-1600SW at $1,799 commands a premium but justifies it with reference-level performance.

Since their 2022 release, both models have incorporated several improvements over previous generations:

• Updated driver designs with better motor structures
• More efficient amplifiers
• Improved cabinet bracing
• Enhanced port designs for cleaner output

Real-World Applications

Home Theater Use

For movie watching, both subwoofers excel at different scales:

RP-1200SW:

• Perfect for medium-sized theater rooms
• Handles standard Dolby/DTS bass effects cleanly
• Great for mixed music/movie use

RP-1600SW:

• Excels in dedicated theater rooms
• Handles the most demanding effects without strain
• Provides more tactile sensation during intense scenes

Music Listening

For music, the choice depends more on room size and listening preferences than absolute performance. The RP-1200SW is actually more than adequate for most music reproduction, while the RP-1600SW offers extra headroom that mainly benefits electronic music and pipe organ recordings.

How to Decide

Consider these key factors when choosing:

1. Room Size:
   • Under 2,000 cubic feet: RP-1200SW is plenty
2. 2,000-3,000 cubic feet: Either model works well
3. Over 3,000 cubic feet: RP-1600SW recommended
4. Budget Considerations:
   • If the extra $800 would better serve other aspects of your system (like room treatment or better main speakers), go with the RP-1200SW
5. If seeking the absolute best performance and budget allows, the RP-1600SW won't disappoint
6. Space Requirements:
   • Measure your intended location carefully
7. Remember to account for proper spacing from walls
8. Consider furniture placement and walking paths
9. Primary Use:
   • Mainly music: RP-1200SW likely sufficient
10. Heavy movie use: RP-1600SW advantages more apparent
11. Mixed use: Both perform well, size room accordingly

Final Recommendations

Choose the RP-1200SW if:

• Your room is medium-sized
• Budget is a primary concern
• Space is somewhat limited
• Music is your primary focus

Choose the RP-1600SW if:

• You have a large or dedicated theater room
• Maximum performance is the goal
• Space isn't constrained
• You want the absolute best bass performance

Both subwoofers represent excellent choices in their respective categories. The RP-1200SW offers tremendous value and performance that will satisfy most users, while the RP-1600SW provides that extra level of capability for those who need or want it. Either way, you're getting a well-engineered subwoofer that will provide years of enjoyment.

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW 12" Subwoofer Deals and Prices

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW 16" Subwoofer Deals and Prices