When building a home theater system, choosing the right subwoofer can make or break your bass experience. Today, we're comparing two very different options: the flagship SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) and the mid-range Klipsch SPL-120 ($399). Having tested both, I'll help you understand which might be right for your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's cover what makes a great subwoofer. The goal is to reproduce low frequencies (bass) that regular speakers can't handle, typically below 80 Hz. This includes everything from movie explosions to the lowest notes in music. The key factors are:
The SVS PB17-Ultra and Klipsch SPL-120 represent two different philosophies in subwoofer design. Released in 2022, the SVS marked a significant upgrade from their previous 16-inch model, introducing dual 8-inch voice coils and increased power handling. The Klipsch SPL-120, launched in 2020, aimed to bring better-than-basic bass performance to a wider audience.
The SVS is a monster, weighing 165 pounds with a 17-inch driver that looks like it could power a small concert. Its 2,800-watt amplifier (that's about 2.5 times what a typical microwave uses) provides massive headroom for dynamic bass. The dual voice coils (the parts that move the speaker cone) allow for better control and power handling.
The Klipsch takes a more practical approach with its 12-inch driver and 600-watt amplifier. At 45 pounds, it's much easier to position and move. While it can't match the SVS's raw power, it's still capable of rattling windows when pushed.
In real-world testing, the differences become clear:
The SVS PB17-Ultra maintains composure even at extreme volumes. Its sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processing) prevents distortion and protects the driver. I've tested it with challenging scenes like the opening of "Edge of Tomorrow," and it never showed signs of strain.
The Klipsch SPL-120 performs admirably within its limits but can become stressed during the most demanding passages. However, for normal listening levels in medium-sized rooms, most users won't push these limits.
For dedicated home theaters, the SVS's advantages become clear. Its ability to pressurize larger rooms and reproduce the fullest range of effects creates a more immersive experience. The additional features like room correction and multiple preset modes help optimize performance for different content.
The Klipsch works well in smaller to medium home theaters, especially when budget or space is a concern. It integrates easily with other speakers and provides satisfying impact for most movie content.
Both subwoofers handle music differently:
The SVS includes sophisticated room correction and multiple tune-able modes, allowing precise integration with your main speakers. It's overkill for casual users but invaluable for enthusiasts seeking optimal performance.
The Klipsch offers basic but effective controls (volume, crossover, phase) that most users need. Its simpler approach means easier setup but less fine-tuning ability.
At nearly eight times the price, the SVS PB17-Ultra must offer significant benefits to justify its cost. For serious home theater enthusiasts or those with large rooms, it delivers reference-level performance that cheaper options can't match.
The Klipsch SPL-120 provides impressive value, delivering about 70% of the performance most users need at just 13% of the cost. For many, it hits the sweet spot of performance versus price.
Consider these factors when choosing:
The SVS PB17-Ultra represents the pinnacle of consumer subwoofer technology, offering uncompromised performance for those who demand the best. Its superior engineering and build quality justify the premium price for serious enthusiasts.
The Klipsch SPL-120 delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent choice for most users. While it can't match the SVS's ultimate capabilities, it provides satisfying bass that will enhance any home theater or music system.
Choose based on your specific needs and budget rather than specs alone. For most users, the Klipsch offers better value, while the SVS is for those seeking the absolute best regardless of cost.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | Klipsch SPL-120 ($399) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass with more authority | |
| 17-inch reference-grade driver | 12-inch Cerametallic driver |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W peak (massive headroom) | 600W peak (good for medium rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12-14Hz (-3dB) depending on mode | 24Hz (-3dB) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and affects placement flexibility | |
| 165 lbs (permanent installation recommended) | 45 lbs (easily moveable) |
| Room Size Capability - Crucial for matching to your space | |
| Up to 3,000 sq ft (reference theater level) | Up to 1,500 sq ft (typical living room) |
| DSP Features - Affects setup flexibility and sound optimization | |
| Advanced room correction, multiple presets, smartphone app | Basic controls (volume, crossover, phase) |
| Port Design - Impacts bass performance and placement options | |
| Three 4-inch ports with multiple tuning modes | Single front-firing slot port |
| Construction Quality - Affects longevity and sound quality | |
| Double-thick MDF with extensive bracing | Standard MDF cabinet |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years (transferable) | 3 years |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) is significantly better for home theater use, especially in dedicated theater rooms. Its deeper bass extension (down to 12Hz) and higher power handling create more immersive movie experiences. However, the Klipsch SPL-120 ($399) is suitable for smaller home theaters and mixed-use living rooms.
The primary difference is output capability. The SVS PB17-Ultra has a larger 17-inch driver and 2,800W amplifier, while the Klipsch SPL-120 uses a 12-inch driver with 600W. This translates to significantly more powerful and deeper bass from the SVS.
For serious home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms or those seeking reference-quality bass, the SVS PB17-Ultra justifies its premium price. However, most users in average-sized rooms will find the Klipsch SPL-120 offers better value.
Both perform well with music, but the SVS PB17-Ultra offers superior detail and control. The Klipsch SPL-120 provides good musical performance for most genres but can't match the SVS's precision and depth.
The SVS PB17-Ultra excels in rooms up to 3,000 square feet, while the Klipsch SPL-120 is best suited for rooms under 1,500 square feet.
The Klipsch SPL-120 is easy to set up yourself. The SVS PB17-Ultra, weighing 165 pounds, may require assistance for installation and includes more complex setup options that benefit from professional calibration.
Yes, both work well for gaming. The SVS PB17-Ultra provides more impactful effects and deeper bass, while the Klipsch SPL-120 delivers satisfying gaming performance at a lower price point.
The Klipsch SPL-120 is more appropriate for apartment use due to its smaller size and controlled output. The SVS PB17-Ultra is often too powerful for apartment settings and may cause neighbor complaints.
The SVS PB17-Ultra comes with a 5-year transferable warranty and renowned customer support. The Klipsch SPL-120 offers a standard 3-year warranty.
The SVS PB17-Ultra works with SVS's wireless adapter, while the Klipsch SPL-120 is compatible with Klipsch's WA-2 wireless kit. Both are sold separately.
The SVS PB17-Ultra reproduces movie effects with exceptional power and accuracy, including subsonic effects below 20Hz. The Klipsch SPL-120 handles most movie content well but can't reproduce the deepest effects.
The SVS PB17-Ultra offers more long-term value with its higher performance capabilities and updateable DSP features. The Klipsch SPL-120 provides good current performance but lacks advanced features for future upgrades.
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 - hdgear.highdefdigest.com - crutchfield.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvisor.com - klipsch.com - support.klipsch.com - thewireszone.com - baillios.com - audiomods.datsunzgarage.us - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - digitalcinema.com.au
