When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home theater or music system, choosing the right subwoofer makes all the difference. Today we're comparing two popular options: the premium $739 SVS PB-2000 Pro and the more budget-friendly $284 Klipsch R-120SW.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a subwoofer important. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio - everything from the deep rumble of movie explosions to the fundamental notes of bass guitars and kick drums. A good subwoofer doesn't just make things louder; it adds a physical dimension to your listening experience that you can actually feel.
The SVS PB-2000 Pro comes equipped with a 550-watt RMS amplifier (which means it can sustain that power output continuously) and can peak at over 1,500 watts. This is paired with their Sledge STA-550D digital amplifier, which uses sophisticated processing to maintain clean bass even at high volumes.
In comparison, the Klipsch R-120SW offers 200 watts RMS and 400 watts peak power. While this might seem significantly less, it's still plenty for most home theaters and listening rooms. Think of it like having a sports car with 400 horsepower versus one with 200 - both are powerful, but one definitely has more headroom for extreme situations.
One of the biggest differences between these units is how deep they can go. The SVS reaches down to 16Hz, which is actually below what humans can hear (20Hz) but can definitely feel. The Klipsch bottoms out around 29Hz. This might not seem like a huge difference on paper, but those extra low frequencies make a big difference when watching movies with intense sound design or listening to pipe organ music.
Both subwoofers use 12-inch drivers, but their implementation differs significantly. The SVS features a high-excursion driver (meaning it can move further in and out) optimized for their specific cabinet design. The Klipsch uses their signature copper-spun IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) woofer, which provides excellent rigidity while keeping weight down.
In a home theater setting, both subwoofers perform admirably, but they shine in different ways. The SVS PB-2000 Pro excels at reproducing those ultra-low frequency effects that make action movies so immersive. When a spaceship rumbles past or an explosion rocks the scene, you'll feel it in your chest.
The Klipsch R-120SW handles movie duty well too, particularly in medium-sized rooms. While it might not shake the foundations quite like the SVS, it delivers clean, punchy bass that works great for most content. Think of it as the difference between a theatrical experience and a really good home theater experience.
For music, the distinction becomes even more interesting. The SVS offers more nuanced control over bass notes, with better definition between different frequencies. This makes it excellent for complex musical passages where you want to hear every note of a bass guitar line clearly.
The Klipsch provides solid musical performance with good punch and rhythm, particularly for rock, pop, and electronic music. It might not capture every subtle detail of an acoustic bass, but it delivers engaging performance that will satisfy most listeners.
Room size plays a crucial role in subwoofer selection. For rooms under 200 square feet, both subwoofers provide more than enough output. The Klipsch R-120SW represents an excellent value here, as you're unlikely to need the extra power of the SVS.
For medium-sized rooms (200-400 square feet), both work well, though the SVS starts to show its advantages. In larger spaces, the SVS PB-2000 Pro is clearly the better choice, as its additional power and deeper bass extension become more noticeable.
The SVS includes their excellent smartphone app for control and adjustment, letting you fine-tune settings from your listening position. This includes adjustable crossover points (determining which frequencies go to the subwoofer), phase control (helping the subwoofer blend with your main speakers), and room correction features.
The Klipsch takes a more traditional approach with physical controls on the unit itself. While this means less complexity, it also offers fewer options for optimization.
When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference. The SVS costs about 2.6 times more than the Klipsch, but it offers:
However, the Klipsch delivers impressive performance for its price point and will satisfy many users' needs, especially in smaller rooms or less demanding applications.
Choose the SVS PB-2000 Pro if:
Choose the Klipsch R-120SW if:
Both of these subwoofers represent current technology in their respective price brackets. The SVS, released more recently, incorporates their latest DSP and amplifier technology. The Klipsch, while using a more traditional design, remains competitive through proven engineering and value-oriented performance.
Remember that either subwoofer will significantly improve your audio system compared to running without one. The choice between them largely depends on your specific needs, room size, and budget considerations.
| $739 SVS PB-2000 Pro | $284 Klipsch Reference R-120SW |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power - Determines how loud and clean the bass can get, especially in larger rooms | |
| 550W RMS/1500W Peak (excellent for large rooms) | 200W RMS/400W Peak (good for small/medium rooms) |
| Frequency Response - How deep the bass goes, lower numbers mean more cinematic rumble | |
| 16Hz-290Hz (feel every explosion) | 29Hz-120Hz (misses the deepest effects) |
| Room Size Support - Crucial for matching subwoofer to your space | |
| Up to 500 sq ft (ideal for dedicated theaters) | Up to 300 sq ft (perfect for living rooms) |
| Control Options - More control means better integration with your system | |
| Smartphone app with DSP and presets | Basic knobs for volume and crossover |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass quality and room placement | |
| Dual port design with heavy bracing (deeper, cleaner bass) | Single rear port design (good bass, more placement sensitive) |
| Driver Size/Type - Impacts bass quality and output capability | |
| 12" high-excursion SVS custom driver (premium components) | 12" copper-spun IMG woofer (good value design) |
| Additional Features - Can make setup and daily use easier | |
| Room correction, parametric EQ, custom presets | Basic phase control and auto power on/off |
| Size (H/W/D) - Consider your available space | |
| 20.9" x 17.3" x 23.6" (larger footprint) | 16.5" x 14" x 19.2" (more compact) |
| Weight - Impacts stability and indicates build quality | |
| 65 lbs (substantial build quality) | 31 lbs (good for the price point) |
The $739 SVS PB-2000 Pro is superior for home theater use due to its deeper bass extension (16Hz vs 29Hz) and higher power output, providing more impactful movie effects. However, the $284 Klipsch R-120SW is still capable for basic home theater needs in smaller rooms.
The SVS PB-2000 Pro offers 550W RMS/1500W peak power, while the Klipsch R-120SW provides 200W RMS/400W peak power. The SVS has significantly more power for larger rooms and higher output levels.
For rooms under 200 square feet, the Klipsch R-120SW provides excellent value and sufficient power. The SVS PB-2000 Pro would be overkill in such a space.
Yes, both the SVS PB-2000 Pro and Klipsch R-120SW feature standard LFE/RCA inputs that work with virtually any modern AV receiver.
The SVS PB-2000 Pro extends down to 16Hz, while the Klipsch R-120SW reaches 29Hz. This difference is noticeable during intense movie scenes with deep bass effects.
The Klipsch R-120SW is simpler to set up with basic controls, while the SVS PB-2000 Pro offers more advanced setup options through its app, which may take more time to optimize but provides better results.
Both perform well with music, but the SVS PB-2000 Pro offers better definition and control. The Klipsch R-120SW provides punchy bass adequate for most music listening.
The Klipsch R-120SW is more suitable for apartments due to its smaller size and lower output, making it less likely to disturb neighbors compared to the more powerful SVS PB-2000 Pro.
Only the SVS PB-2000 Pro offers smartphone control. The Klipsch R-120SW uses traditional physical controls and doesn't require a smartphone.
Both subwoofers work well for gaming, but the SVS PB-2000 Pro provides more immersive effects due to its deeper bass extension and higher power output compared to the Klipsch R-120SW.
The Klipsch R-120SW offers better value for basic home theater needs, while the SVS PB-2000 Pro justifies its higher price through superior performance and features for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
Both are well-built products from reputable manufacturers. The SVS PB-2000 Pro features higher-end components and a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch R-120SW comes with a 2-year warranty. Both should last many years with proper care.
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: avnirvana.com - dreamediaav.com - audioholics.com - spacehifi.com.au - hometheaterreview.com - audiosciencereview.com - content.abt.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - klipsch.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - easyhometheater.net - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - audiolab.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com
