When it comes to adding deep, room-shaking bass to your home theater, there are two standout subwoofers that often make it to people's shortlists: the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW ($1,799) and the SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999). Let's dive into how these two different approaches to bass can transform your movie and music experience.
Before we compare specific models, it's important to understand what makes a great subwoofer. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio system - typically anything below 80 Hz, which includes everything from the deep rumble of explosions to the fundamental notes of bass guitars.
The main job of a subwoofer is to reproduce these low frequencies accurately and with enough power to create that visceral feeling you get in commercial theaters. This isn't just about being loud - it's about being precise and controlled while maintaining that power.
The Klipsch RP-1600SW is, quite frankly, a beast. At 111 pounds and nearly two feet in each dimension, it demands respect - and space. Released in 2021 as part of Klipsch's Reference Premiere line refresh, it represents their flagship consumer subwoofer design. The massive 16-inch driver (the cone that moves air) is housed in a ported cabinet, which means it uses a carefully tuned opening to enhance low-frequency output.
In contrast, the SVS SB-2000 Pro, released in late 2019, takes a more modest approach physically. At 39 pounds and about 15 inches per side, it's far more apartment-friendly. SVS chose a sealed design, which typically offers tighter, more controlled bass at the expense of maximum output.
The installation differences here are significant. The Klipsch requires careful planning and possibly help moving it. The SVS can be handled by one person and fits in more spaces. Both benefit from careful placement, but the SVS's sealed design makes it more forgiving when placed near walls.
The RP-1600SW uses a traditional but refined approach. Its 16-inch Cerametallic driver (a proprietary material that's extremely rigid but light) is powered by an 800-watt RMS amplifier that can peak at 1,600 watts. The front-firing port uses what Klipsch calls "Aerofoil" technology, which helps reduce port noise - that unwanted whooshing sound you might hear from lesser subwoofers.
In real-world use, this translates to extraordinary output capabilities. It can pressurize even large rooms (think 500+ square feet) with clean, powerful bass down to about 14.5 Hz - well below what humans can hear but definitely what we can feel.
The SB-2000 Pro represents a more technology-focused approach. While its 12-inch driver and 550-watt amplifier might seem modest in comparison, SVS implements sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) that continuously monitors and adjusts the output. This allows the sub to play at its maximum capability while preventing distortion.
One of the SB-2000 Pro's standout features is its smartphone app control. You can adjust everything from volume to crossover frequency (where the subwoofer takes over from your main speakers) to room compensation settings, all from your phone. It even lets you save different presets for movies and music.
In practical use, these subwoofers excel in different scenarios. The Klipsch absolutely dominates in large home theaters, especially with action movies. When a movie has a massive explosion or deep rumble, the RP-1600SW delivers it with authority that few consumer subwoofers can match.
The SVS, while not as powerful in absolute terms, offers exceptional precision. Its sealed design and advanced DSP make it particularly good with music, where accuracy is often more important than maximum output. It still handles movies admirably, especially in medium-sized rooms.
At $1,799, the Klipsch RP-1600SW represents a significant investment. You're paying for maximum output capability and build quality that's meant to last decades. The five-year warranty backs this up.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro at $999 offers compelling value, especially considering its technology features. The app control and DSP capabilities would have been unheard of at this price point just a few years ago.
Consider these key factors:
The Klipsch is the right choice if you:
The SVS is better if you:
Both subwoofers represent the current state of the art in their respective approaches. The Klipsch takes the traditional route to its logical conclusion with exceptional build quality and raw power. The SVS embraces modern technology to extract maximum performance from a more modest physical package.
Since their releases, both have maintained their position in the market well. The Klipsch's traditional design means it hasn't needed updates, while SVS has continued to refine their app and DSP programming through firmware updates.
For my own use in a medium-sized room that serves as both home theater and music listening space, I'd lean toward the SVS SB-2000 Pro. The combination of precise control, excellent musical performance, and manageable size makes it more practical for daily use. However, if I had a dedicated theater room and wanted to recreate that commercial cinema experience, the Klipsch RP-1600SW would be my choice without hesitation.
Remember, whichever you choose, proper placement and setup are crucial for getting the best performance. Take time to experiment with positioning and settings - it's worth the effort to get that perfect bass response that can transform your home entertainment experience.
| Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW ($1,799) | SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally move more air for deeper bass impact | |
| 16-inch Cerametallic (exceptional output capability) | 12-inch Aluminum (balanced performance) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output capability | |
| 800W RMS / 1600W Peak (massive headroom) | 550W RMS / 1500W Peak (plenty for most rooms) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Ported (higher output, needs space behind) | Sealed (tighter bass, more placement options) |
| Low Frequency Extension - How deep the bass can go | |
| 14.5 Hz (subsonic capability) | 19 Hz (still impressive for most content) |
| Weight/Size - Affects installation and placement options | |
| 111 lbs, 23.4" x 23.5" x 27.4" (permanent installation) | 39 lbs, 14.6" x 14.2" x 15.6" (manageable size) |
| Control Interface - Affects setup and adjustment ease | |
| Basic knobs and switches (simple but limited) | Advanced app control with DSP (highly adjustable) |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Matching output to space | |
| Large rooms >400 sq ft (theater-level output) | Medium rooms 200-400 sq ft (ideal balance) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each excels | |
| Home theater/movies (maximum impact) | Music/mixed use (precision and control) |
| Value Proposition - Bang for buck consideration | |
| Premium price for maximum output capability | Better value for typical rooms, plus advanced features |
The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW ($1,799) is superior for dedicated theater rooms due to its higher output capability and deeper bass extension. Its 16-inch driver and 800W RMS amplifier deliver theater-level performance that the SVS SB-2000 Pro ($999) can't match in large spaces.
The Klipsch RP-1600SW costs $1,799, while the SVS SB-2000 Pro is priced at $999, making it $800 less expensive. The price difference reflects the Klipsch's larger size and higher output capabilities.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro typically performs better for music due to its sealed design and sophisticated DSP controls. While the Klipsch RP-1600SW can play music well, the SVS offers tighter, more controlled bass that many prefer for musical accuracy.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro is more apartment-friendly due to its smaller size and sealed design, which provides better control over bass output. The Klipsch RP-1600SW might be too powerful for apartment use and could cause neighbor complaints.
Consider your room size first - the Klipsch RP-1600SW is best for large rooms over 400 square feet, while the SVS SB-2000 Pro suits medium rooms. Also consider your primary use case - movies favor the Klipsch, while mixed-use scenarios favor the SVS.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro offers easier setup with its smartphone app control and DSP features. The Klipsch RP-1600SW uses traditional knobs and switches, which are simpler but less precise for fine-tuning.
The Klipsch RP-1600SW reaches down to 14.5 Hz, while the SVS SB-2000 Pro extends to 19 Hz. Both are capable of reproducing the deepest bass effects in movies, though the Klipsch has a slight advantage in subsonic performance.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro is better suited for smaller rooms due to its more compact size and sealed design. The Klipsch RP-1600SW might be overwhelming in smaller spaces and its size could be problematic for placement.
Not necessarily. While the Klipsch RP-1600SW offers theater-level performance, the SVS SB-2000 Pro provides enough output for most home theaters in medium-sized rooms. The Klipsch is mainly beneficial for larger spaces or when maximum output is desired.
Both offer excellent warranty coverage. The Klipsch RP-1600SW includes a 5-year warranty, while the SVS SB-2000 Pro comes with SVS's comprehensive 5-year warranty plus their customer service support.
Yes, both the Klipsch RP-1600SW and SVS SB-2000 Pro can easily integrate with any home theater system using standard LFE (subwoofer) connections. The SVS offers additional fine-tuning capabilities through its app.
The SVS SB-2000 Pro typically offers better value for most users, providing advanced features and excellent performance at $999. The Klipsch RP-1600SW at $1,799 is a premium option that's worth the investment only if you need its maximum output capabilities.
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: audioholics.com - hifiheaven.net - listenup.com - soundandvision.com - adorama.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - dreamaudio.co.ke - apollohifi.com.au - assets.klipsch.com - themasterswitch.com - audioholics.com - soundandvision.com - spacehifi.com.au - soundstageaccess.com - digitalcinema.com.au - richersounds.com - projectorscreen.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com
