Looking to add serious bass to your home audio system? Let's dive into two popular but very different subwoofer options: the premium SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the mid-range Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($715). Both released in 2024, these subwoofers represent different approaches to delivering deep, powerful bass for music and movies.
Before we compare specific models, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in your audio - think deep movie explosions, thundering bass drums, or that chest-thumping electronic music bass drop. But it's not just about being loud - accuracy, speed, and control matter just as much.
The key things that influence a subwoofer's performance are:
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest flagship technology. Its massive 17-inch driver (that's huge for a home subwoofer) uses dual 8-inch voice coils - think of these as the engine that moves the speaker cone. This design helps control the driver's movement more precisely, especially during intense bass scenes.
The 2,800-watt amplifier isn't just about raw power - it uses sophisticated digital processing to ensure clean, controlled bass at any volume. The three-port design lets you tune the subwoofer for different scenarios:
The Klipsch RP-1200SW takes a more straightforward approach. Its 12-inch driver uses Klipsch's Cerametallic material - a lightweight but rigid cone that helps prevent distortion. The 400-watt RMS amplifier (800-watt peak) is plenty powerful for most rooms, though not in the same league as the SVS.
One clever feature is the front-firing slot port with internal flare technology. This reduces the "chuffing" sound (port noise) that some ported subwoofers make during intense bass scenes.
For movie watching, both subwoofers excel but in different ways:
The SVS PB17 absolutely dominates with movies. When a spacecraft rumbles across the screen or an explosion rocks the scene, you'll feel it in your chest. The extensive tuning options let you optimize for your room and preferences. I've found it can pressurize even large rooms (500+ square feet) without breaking a sweat.
The Klipsch performs admirably in medium-sized rooms (up to about 400 square feet). While it can't match the SVS's ultimate output or depth, it delivers clean, punchy bass that enhances the movie experience. Action scenes have impact, and dialog scenes benefit from subtle low-frequency enhancement.
For music, the differences become more nuanced:
The SVS shows its versatility here. Whether you're playing acoustic jazz, pipe organ music, or electronic dance music, it maintains composure and accuracy. The multiple tuning options let you optimize for different genres - I particularly like sealed mode for acoustic music.
The Klipsch excels with music in its own right. Its slightly higher tuning and faster driver response make it particularly good with rock, pop, and jazz. While it can't reach the lowest octaves like the SVS, many users won't miss those ultra-low frequencies in most music.
Setup can be as simple or complex as you want:
The main challenges are its size and weight - at 165 pounds, you'll want help moving it.
Setup is more straightforward:
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution at $2,499 represents a significant investment. It's for:
The Klipsch RP-1200SW at $715 offers excellent value for:
Consider these factors:
Both subwoofers excel in their respective categories. The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the pinnacle of home subwoofer technology, while the Klipsch RP-1200SW offers impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
For most users, the Klipsch will provide more than enough performance to enhance their home audio experience significantly. However, if you're a serious enthusiast with the budget and space for the SVS, its superior capabilities and flexibility make it a worthy flagship investment.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and needs while bringing you joy when watching movies or listening to music. Both of these options can deliver that experience - they just do it at different scales and price points.
SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($715) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally move more air for deeper bass impact | |
| 17" driver with dual 8" voice coils | 12" Cerametallic driver |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power allows for more headroom and cleaner bass at high volumes | |
| 2,800W class D with discrete components | 400W RMS / 800W Peak class D |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12-220Hz ±3dB (extended mode) | 16.5-138Hz ±3dB |
| Cabinet Size (H x W x D) - Consider your room space and placement options | |
| 25.0" x 21.7" x 29.3" (very large) | 18.9" x 17.0" x 25.9" (moderate) |
| Weight - Important for installation planning and floor loading | |
| 165 lbs (requires team lifting) | 69 lbs (manageable by one/two people) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize performance for your specific space | |
| Advanced smartphone app with auto-EQ | Basic controls only |
| Port Configuration - Affects tuning flexibility and placement options | |
| Three 4" ports with variable tuning options | Single front-firing slot port |
| Maximum Output - Determines how loud it can play cleanly | |
| 128+ dB (reference level for large rooms) | 121 dB (suitable for medium rooms) |
| Recommended Room Size - Critical for achieving desired performance | |
| Large rooms (>400 sq ft) | Medium rooms (<400 sq ft) |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years | 5 years |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) is superior for dedicated home theaters, especially in larger rooms. Its 2,800W amplifier and 17" driver deliver reference-level bass for movies. The Klipsch RP-1200SW ($715) works well in medium-sized home theaters but can't match the SVS's ultimate output and depth.
The primary difference is output capability and price. The SVS PB17 offers significantly more power (2,800W vs 400W RMS) and a larger driver (17" vs 12"), resulting in deeper bass and higher output. However, it costs more than three times as much as the Klipsch.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW is ideal for medium rooms up to 400 square feet. It provides excellent performance at a reasonable price point. The SVS PB17-Ultra would be overkill for such spaces.
If you're serious about home theater performance, yes. The SVS PB17's advanced room correction via smartphone app helps optimize bass response for your specific room. The Klipsch's basic controls are sufficient for casual users but don't offer the same level of optimization.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW is simpler to set up with basic controls and lighter weight (69 lbs). The SVS PB17 offers more setup options but is more complex and much heavier (165 lbs), requiring multiple people for installation.
Both perform well with music, but differently. The SVS PB17 offers multiple tuning modes optimized for different music types. The Klipsch RP-1200SW is particularly good with rock and pop music, though it can't reach the lowest frequencies like the SVS.
The SVS PB17 can reach over 128dB, while the Klipsch tops out at 121dB. For context, most home theaters rarely need more than 115dB of output, making both capable performers.
Both the SVS PB17-Ultra and Klipsch RP-1200SW come with 5-year warranties, showing strong manufacturer confidence in both products.
Not necessarily. While the SVS's 17-inch driver provides exceptional performance, the Klipsch's 12-inch driver is sufficient for most home applications. Consider room size and desired output levels when choosing.
The Klipsch's front-firing port design offers more placement flexibility near walls. The SVS's three-port design requires more space but offers tuning options for different placements.
Yes, both the SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and Klipsch RP-1200SW work with any modern AV receiver via standard subwoofer connections.
If you have a large room, demanding requirements, and the budget, the SVS PB17's superior performance justifies its higher price. For typical home theaters in medium-sized rooms, the Klipsch offers excellent value and performance at its price point.
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: svsound.com - skybygramophone.com - abt.com - youtube.com - audioholics.com - listenup.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - worldwidestereo.com - bhphotovideo.com - musicdirect.com - 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
