For home theater and music enthusiasts, getting great bass often means wrestling with placement and connectivity challenges. Let's explore two very different approaches to solving these problems - the $206 Klipsch WA-3 Wireless Kit and the $2,999 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer.
The subwoofer market has evolved significantly in the past decade. When the WA-3 was introduced in 2019, wireless subwoofer kits were relatively new and often plagued with interference issues. The 2.4GHz technology it uses represented a major improvement in reliability. Meanwhile, the SB17-Ultra, released in 2022, showcases how far subwoofer engineering has come, with its massive 17-inch driver and sophisticated digital processing.
The WA-3 uses automatic channel selection within the 2.4GHz band (the same frequency as WiFi) to maintain a stable connection up to 50 feet. This is particularly impressive given that earlier wireless kits often struggled with interference. The system can handle frequencies down to 15Hz - well below what humans can hear but critical for that "feel" in movie explosions and bass drops.
The SB17-Ultra takes a traditional wired approach but compensates with state-of-the-art amplification. Its dual mono-block design (meaning separate amplifiers for each voice coil) delivers an astounding 2,800 watts RMS and 6,000 watts peak power. This provides headroom (extra power capacity) that ensures clean bass reproduction even during the most demanding scenes.
While the WA-3 focuses on maintaining signal integrity, the SB17-Ultra includes sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) - think of it as a tiny computer optimizing the sound 295 million times per second. This allows it to prevent distortion before it happens and adapt to your room's acoustics through its smartphone app.
The 17-inch driver in the SB17-Ultra represents a significant engineering achievement. Its dual 8-inch voice coils provide exceptional control over the cone's movement, resulting in more precise bass. The massive 55-pound magnet assembly ensures the driver responds instantly to signal changes, whether it's a subtle bass guitar note or a thunderous explosion.
For home theater applications, both products offer unique benefits. The WA-3 allows you to place your existing Klipsch subwoofer wherever it sounds best without running cables across the room. This is particularly valuable in retrofit installations where running new wires would be difficult.
The SB17-Ultra excels in delivering the kind of authoritative bass that transforms movie watching. Its sealed cabinet design (meaning there's no port or passive radiator) provides faster, more accurate bass response - perfect for both dramatic explosions and subtle atmospheric effects. The built-in room correction can help tame problematic room acoustics that often plague home theaters.
For music, the differences become more pronounced. The WA-3 maintains the character of your existing subwoofer while adding placement flexibility. If you're happy with your current Klipsch sub's musical performance, the wireless kit won't degrade it.
The SB17-Ultra, however, represents the pinnacle of musical bass reproduction. Its advanced DSP and powerful amplification allow it to reproduce the most demanding bass passages with ease. Whether it's the depth of an organ in classical music or the punch of a kick drum in rock, the control and accuracy are exceptional.
The WA-3's installation is straightforward: plug the transmitter into your receiver or processor, connect the receiver to your subwoofer's "WA Port," and you're done. The auto-pairing feature eliminates the need for complex configuration.
The SB17-Ultra requires more careful setup but rewards the effort. Its smartphone app provides extensive controls for crossover frequency (determining which sounds go to the subwoofer), phase alignment (ensuring the sub works in harmony with your main speakers), and room correction. While this might seem daunting, the app provides helpful guidance throughout the process.
The value proposition depends entirely on your starting point. If you already own a compatible Klipsch subwoofer, the WA-3 offers an elegant solution to placement challenges at a reasonable price. It's particularly compelling if you need to connect multiple subwoofers wirelessly, as one kit can handle up to three units.
The SB17-Ultra represents a significant investment but delivers reference-level performance that can transform your entire system. Its advanced features, build quality, and five-year warranty help justify the premium price point. Consider it an investment in your audio future.
Start by assessing your current situation:
Consider your space:
Think about your content:
The technology in both products remains current, but they serve different purposes. The WA-3's 2.4GHz wireless technology is proven and reliable. The SB17-Ultra's sophisticated DSP and app control platform can receive updates, potentially adding features over time.
These products represent different solutions to distinct problems. The WA-3 elegantly solves subwoofer placement challenges for Klipsch owners, while the SB17-Ultra delivers reference-level performance for the most demanding applications. Your choice should align with your specific needs, existing equipment, and long-term audio goals.
Understanding these differences helps ensure you invest in the solution that best matches your requirements, whether that's adding wireless convenience to your current setup or taking your bass reproduction to the next level.
| Klipsch WA-3 Wireless Kit | SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution |
|---|---|
| Price Point - Total Investment Required | |
| $206.10 (additional to existing sub) | $2,999 (complete solution) |
| Primary Function - Core Purpose | |
| Adds wireless capability to existing Klipsch subs | Premium reference subwoofer with advanced features |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and range | |
| 15-150 Hz (maintains original sub specs) | 15-320 Hz (+/-3dB) with precise control |
| Power Handling - Impacts maximum output and headroom | |
| N/A (uses existing sub's amp) | 2,800W RMS, 6,000W Peak |
| Connectivity Options - Installation flexibility | |
| Wireless 2.4GHz, 50ft range | XLR/RCA inputs/outputs, IR, trigger input |
| Signal Processing - Sound quality optimization | |
| Basic signal transmission | 295MHz DSP with 56-bit filtering |
| Control Interface - Ease of adjustment | |
| Auto-pairing, no user controls | Smartphone app with extensive customization |
| Multi-Sub Support - Room coverage options | |
| Controls up to 3 compatible subs | Single unit (can be paired with additional units) |
| Installation Complexity - Setup requirements | |
| Plug-and-play wireless connection | Requires careful placement and calibration |
| Room Correction - Acoustic optimization | |
| None (relies on sub's capabilities) | Built-in auto room correction via app |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| Automatic channel selection, wireless range extender | Dual mono-block amps, mobile app control, advanced DSP |
| Warranty - Long-term protection | |
| 1 year limited | 5 years comprehensive |
| Best Use Case - Ideal application | |
| Existing Klipsch sub owners needing wireless placement | High-end home theater and critical music listening |
The $2,999 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution delivers superior home theater performance with its powerful 17-inch driver and advanced processing. The $206 Klipsch WA-3 simply adds wireless capability to existing subs.
The WA-3 costs $206, while the SB17-Ultra is $2,999. However, they serve different purposes - the WA-3 is an add-on device while the SB17-Ultra is a complete subwoofer.
No, the WA-3 only works with compatible Klipsch subwoofers that have a "WA Port." The SB17-Ultra is a standalone subwoofer that works with any system.
The WA-3 offers simpler plug-and-play installation. The SB17-Ultra requires more setup time but includes room correction and extensive adjustment options.
Both products can reach 15Hz, but the SB17-Ultra maintains better control and accuracy at these low frequencies thanks to its sophisticated amplification and processing.
The SB17-Ultra excels at music reproduction with superior accuracy and control. The WA-3 maintains the musical qualities of your existing Klipsch subwoofer.
The WA-3 doesn't require any smartphone control. The SB17-Ultra includes an app for advanced features but can be used without it.
The WA-3 includes a 1-year limited warranty, while the SB17-Ultra comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty.
The WA-3 can control up to three compatible Klipsch subwoofers. Multiple SB17-Ultra units can be used together but require separate connections.
The WA-3 with an existing sub might be more practical for small spaces. The SB17-Ultra may be oversized for very small rooms.
The WA-3 is designed for DIY installation. The SB17-Ultra can be self-installed but might benefit from professional setup for optimal performance.
The SB17-Ultra offers more longevity with its advanced features and updatable DSP platform. The WA-3 provides basic wireless functionality that won't change over time.
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: klipsch.com - allthissound.com - snapav.com - audioholics.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - homeavdirect.co.uk - audiojunction.com.au - klipsch.com - svsound.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - soundapproach.com - worldwidestereo.com - audioadvice.com - primetimeav.com - summithifi.com - bhphotovideo.com
