When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home theater or music system, choosing the right subwoofer can be overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the flagship SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,000) and the mid-range Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Before we compare these specific models, let's quickly cover what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in your audio - those deep rumbles in movies and the foundational bass notes in music. The main factors that determine performance are:
While bigger isn't always better, it often helps when you're looking for those really deep bass notes that you can feel more than hear.
Released in early 2024, the PB17-Ultra represents SVS's latest advancement in subwoofer technology. It's a massive upgrade from their previous PB16-Ultra, featuring an entirely new 17-inch driver with dual 8-inch voice coils - something rarely seen in home audio. This design helps the subwoofer move more air while maintaining precise control over the driver's movement.
The amplifier is a beast - a 2,800-watt system that uses sophisticated digital processing to maintain clean output even at extreme volumes. For context, that's about as much power as 28 typical home theater receivers combined!
Key improvements over previous models:
The RP-1000SW takes a more traditional approach with its 10-inch driver and 300-watt amplifier. While these specs might seem modest compared to the SVS, they're quite respectable for most home theater applications. Klipsch has focused on efficiency and practical features like:
The SVS clearly wins in terms of pure low-frequency extension, reaching down to 12Hz in extended mode. To put this in perspective, human hearing typically bottoms out around 20Hz - meaning the SVS can produce frequencies you feel more than hear. This is perfect for movie effects like explosions or earthquake scenes.
The Klipsch reaches down to 19Hz, which is still impressive and will handle 99% of music and movie content effectively. Most users won't miss those extra lowest octaves unless they're serious home theater enthusiasts.
Here's where the differences become more practical:
The SVS includes some impressive tech:
Keeps things simpler but effective:
Let's look at specific scenarios to help you decide:
If you're building a serious home theater room, the SVS PB17-Ultra is the clear choice. Its extreme output capabilities and deep bass extension create that "commercial cinema" feel. The advanced room correction features help optimize performance in any space.
For a typical living room where the system does double duty for movies and music, the Klipsch RP-1000SW might be the smarter choice. It's more compact, looks more furniture-like, and still delivers impressive performance without overwhelming the space.
If you live in an apartment or have shared walls, the Klipsch's more moderate output and easier control might help keep peace with the neighbors while still providing satisfying bass when needed.
While the SVS costs four times as much as the Klipsch, it's not fair to say it's a worse value. It's simply aimed at a different market. If you're building a reference-level home theater system, the SVS is actually quite reasonably priced compared to some ultra-high-end subwoofers that can cost $5,000 or more.
The Klipsch, meanwhile, represents excellent value for more typical home theater and music systems. It provides clean, powerful bass that will satisfy most users without breaking the bank.
Consider these factors in order:
Both these subwoofers excel at what they're designed to do. The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the current state of the art in home subwoofer technology, while the Klipsch RP-1000SW offers excellent real-world performance at a more accessible price point.
If you're building a serious home theater system and have the budget, the SVS is worth every penny. Its performance capabilities are simply in another league, and its advanced features help ensure you get the most from that performance.
However, if you're looking for great bass in a more practical package, or if your needs are more modest, the Klipsch will serve you very well while leaving enough in your budget for other system improvements.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and needs while making you smile every time you turn it on. Either of these options can do that - they just take different paths to get there.
SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,000) |
Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally mean deeper bass and higher output capability | |
| 17-inch (exceptional for any room size) | 10-inch (suitable for small/medium rooms) |
| Amplifier Power - More power allows for higher volumes without distortion | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom) | 300W RMS (adequate for typical use) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12-14Hz (reference level extension) | 19Hz (solid but not extreme) |
| Weight - Heavier usually means better build and larger magnets | |
| 164.7 lbs (permanent installation) | 56.7 lbs (manageable placement) |
| Room Size Rating - Crucial for matching sub to your space | |
| Up to 5,000 cu ft (no practical limits) | Up to 2,500 cu ft (typical rooms) |
| DSP Features - More control means better room integration | |
| Advanced app control, room correction, multiple modes | Basic controls for volume, crossover, phase |
| Port Configuration - Affects placement flexibility and bass character | |
| Three 4" ports (adjustable modes) | Single front-firing (easier placement) |
| Voice Coil Design - Affects power handling and control | |
| Dual 8" diameter (unique design, superior control) | Single coil (conventional design) |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years (excellent coverage) | 5 years (excellent coverage) |
| Use Case Sweet Spot - Where each product performs best | |
| Dedicated home theaters, critical listening | Living rooms, mixed-use spaces |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($3,000) is significantly better for dedicated home theaters, offering deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, the Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749) is perfectly capable for casual home theater use in smaller rooms.
The biggest difference is size and power. The SVS has a 17-inch driver with 2,800W of power, while the Klipsch uses a 10-inch driver with 300W. This translates to substantially more output capability and deeper bass from the SVS PB17-Ultra.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW is more suitable for apartment use due to its more manageable output and easier volume control. The SVS might be too powerful for shared-wall living situations.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW works best in rooms up to 2,500 cubic feet, while the SVS PB17-Ultra can handle rooms over 5,000 cubic feet. Measure your room's length x width x height to calculate cubic feet.
For most casual users, no. The SVS PB17-Ultra is designed for enthusiasts and dedicated home theaters. The Klipsch RP-1000SW will satisfy most users' needs for movie and music playback.
While the Klipsch RP-1000SW offers excellent performance per dollar for typical users, the SVS PB17-Ultra provides exceptional value for serious home theater enthusiasts despite its higher price.
Yes, both subwoofers handle music and movies well. The SVS offers more adjustment options to optimize for either, while the Klipsch provides good all-around performance with simpler controls.
The SVS PB17-Ultra works best in medium to large rooms (over 2,500 cubic feet) where its power can be fully utilized. Smaller rooms might be overwhelmed by its capabilities.
Yes, the Klipsch RP-1000SW provides enough power for enjoyable movie watching in small to medium-sized rooms, handling most movie bass effects effectively.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW is simpler to set up with basic controls and lighter weight. The SVS PB17-Ultra offers more advanced setup options but requires more expertise to optimize.
No, both subwoofers are powered (self-amplified) and will work with any modern AV receiver or processor. They just need a subwoofer output connection from your equipment.
Both the SVS PB17-Ultra and Klipsch RP-1000SW are well-built with 5-year warranties. The SVS has more sophisticated components but both are designed for long-term reliability.
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 - hometheaterreview.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - greentoe.com - klipsch.ca - walmart.com - audiolab.com
