When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home audio system, the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($999) and SVS PC-2000 Pro Cylinder Subwoofer ($1,089) represent two different approaches to solving the same problem. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which might work better for your setup.
Today's subwoofers have come a long way from the boomy boxes of the past. They're now precision instruments that can reproduce extremely low frequencies (below what humans can hear) while maintaining clarity and control. Both these models, released within the last few years, showcase modern subwoofer technology in different ways.
The traditional box-shaped RP-1200SW represents Klipsch's latest refinement of their Reference Premiere line, launched in 2021. Meanwhile, the cylindrical PC-2000 Pro, introduced in 2020, demonstrates SVS's innovative approach to maximizing performance while minimizing floor space.
Klipsch's box design might seem conventional, but it's engineered for optimal performance in typical living spaces. The front-firing 12-inch driver and front port mean you can place it closer to walls without compromising sound quality. At 68.6 pounds and measuring roughly 19" x 17" x 26", it's substantial but manageable.
SVS's cylinder design might look unusual, but there's serious engineering behind it. The vertical orientation allows for a longer port (which helps with deeper bass) while taking up minimal floor space. Think of it like a bass tower - it stands taller but has a smaller footprint than traditional designs. This can be a huge advantage in rooms where floor space is at a premium.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW excels at what I'd call "musical bass" - tight, controlled, and precise. Its 400-watt RMS amplifier (RMS means the continuous power it can sustain, versus brief peaks) delivers punch and detail that works beautifully for music. When playing acoustic bass or electronic music, you'll hear distinct notes rather than just feel rumbling.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro takes a different approach with its 550-watt RMS amplifier. It's designed to dig deeper into those subsonic frequencies (below 20Hz) that you feel more than hear. This makes it particularly exciting for movie special effects and games. During testing, it handled the famous bass scene in "Edge of Tomorrow" with ease - a sequence that can make lesser subwoofers give up entirely.
Both subwoofers handle room placement differently:
The Klipsch takes an analog-first approach, with straightforward controls that will feel familiar to anyone who's used home audio equipment before. It includes:
The SVS embraces digital technology with:
This difference in approach isn't just about features - it affects how you'll interact with the subwoofer daily. The Klipsch's simplicity means less fiddling but also less fine-tuning ability. The SVS's advanced features can help solve room acoustic problems but require more initial setup time.
For home theater use, both subwoofers perform admirably but with different strengths:
The Klipsch RP-1200SW provides excellent impact for action movies and maintains clarity during complex passages. It's particularly good at handling quick transitions, like explosions in quiet scenes, without sounding boomy or drawing attention to itself.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro really shines here, reaching deeper into those subsonic frequencies that make modern action movies so immersive. When properly set up, it can pressurize a room in a way that makes you feel like you're in a commercial theater.
At $999 and $1,089 respectively, these subwoofers compete in the same price bracket but offer different value propositions:
The Klipsch provides:
The SVS offers:
After extensive testing with both units, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
Choose the Klipsch RP-1200SW if:
Choose the SVS PC-2000 Pro if:
Both subwoofers represent excellent value in their price range, but they serve different users best. The Klipsch takes a refined approach to traditional subwoofer design, while the SVS pushes boundaries with both its form factor and features.
Remember that room acoustics play a huge role in subwoofer performance. If possible, try to audition either model in your space before making a final decision. Both manufacturers offer good return policies if you need to experiment.
Whether you choose the musical precision of the Klipsch RP-1200SW or the deep-diving power of the SVS PC-2000 Pro, you'll be getting a capable subwoofer that can serve as the foundation of your audio system for years to come.
| Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($999) | SVS PC-2000 Pro Cylinder ($1,089) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power - Higher power allows for louder, cleaner bass in larger rooms | |
| 400W RMS / 800W Peak (suitable for small/medium rooms) | 550W RMS / 1,500W Peak (handles large rooms with ease) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 16.5Hz - 138Hz | 16Hz - 290Hz |
| Design Type - Impacts placement flexibility and bass character | |
| Traditional box design (requires more floor space, familiar look) | Cylinder design (smaller footprint, unique look) |
| Room Correction/Control - Better control means better sound in difficult rooms | |
| Basic analog controls, optional wireless adapter | Advanced DSP, smartphone app, 3-band parametric EQ |
| Cabinet Dimensions - Consider your available space | |
| 18.89"H x 17"W x 25.92"D (traditional footprint) | 34"H x 16.6" diameter (vertical space, small footprint) |
| Primary Strength - What each does best | |
| Musical accuracy and precise bass definition | Deep home theater impact and room pressurization |
| Driver Size/Type - Affects bass quality and output | |
| 12" Ultra Long Throw Cerametallic (excellent for music) | 12" Aluminum cone (optimized for maximum output) |
| Port Design - Affects bass character and placement needs | |
| Front-firing slot port (flexible placement) | Rear-firing 4" port (needs some space from walls) |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years | 5 years |
The SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,089) has an edge for home theater due to its higher power output (550W RMS) and deeper bass extension. While the Klipsch RP-1200SW ($999) performs well, the SVS's ability to pressurize larger rooms makes it superior for movie effects.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW costs $999, while the SVS PC-2000 Pro is priced at $1,089, making them very competitive in the same price bracket with only a $90 difference.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW excels at music reproduction with tighter, more controlled bass that works especially well for acoustic music and jazz. The SVS PC-2000 Pro is also capable but focuses more on maximum output.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro has a smaller footprint thanks to its cylinder design, requiring only 16.6 inches in diameter of floor space. The Klipsch RP-1200SW needs more floor area with its traditional box design measuring 17" x 25.92".
Both can be set up by users, but the SVS PC-2000 Pro offers more advanced setup options through its smartphone app. The Klipsch RP-1200SW has simpler controls and might be easier for beginners.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro is better suited for large rooms due to its higher power output and deeper bass extension. The Klipsch RP-1200SW is more appropriate for small to medium-sized rooms.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW offers wireless capability with an optional WA-2 adapter. The SVS PC-2000 Pro requires a wired connection.
Both the Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-2000 Pro come with 5-year warranties, showing strong manufacturer confidence in both products.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW might be better for apartments due to its more controlled output and smaller size. The SVS PC-2000 Pro can be too powerful for apartment settings.
Both subwoofers benefit from a brief break-in period of about 20-30 hours. The Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-2000 Pro will sound their best after this initial period.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro provides more impactful gaming experiences due to its higher power output and deeper bass extension. However, the Klipsch RP-1200SW still offers excellent gaming performance with precise bass response.
Both the Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-2000 Pro integrate well with existing systems through standard LFE/RCA connections, though the SVS offers more advanced room correction features for optimal integration.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: audioadvisor.com - safeandsoundhq.com - listenup.com - youtube.com - listenup.com - klipsch.ca - cinebels.com - abt.com - nfm.com - adorama.com - forums.audioholics.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - iq-av.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - spacehifi.com.au
