When it comes to adding powerful bass to your home theater setup, there's a lot to consider. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different subwoofers: the premium SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) and the budget-friendly Klipsch Reference R-120SW ($284). Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best for.
Before we compare specific models, it's helpful to understand what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep rumbles, explosions, and bass notes that you feel as much as hear. These frequencies typically range from around 20Hz (incredibly deep bass) to about 120Hz (upper bass).
The challenge for any subwoofer is to produce these low frequencies without distortion, even at high volumes. This requires careful engineering of both the speaker (called a driver) and the amplifier that powers it. Better subwoofers can play louder, go deeper, and maintain clarity where cheaper ones might sound muddy or distorted.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro and Klipsch R-120SW represent two different philosophies in subwoofer design.
The SVS, released in 2019, takes an innovative approach with its cylindrical design. This isn't just for looks - the cylinder shape allows for better use of space while maintaining the internal volume needed for deep bass. It's packed with modern technology, including a smartphone app for control and room correction features that help the subwoofer sound its best in any space.
The Klipsch, part of their Reference line, takes a more traditional approach with a rectangular cabinet and straightforward controls. While it doesn't have the advanced features of the SVS, it delivers solid performance at a much lower price point.
The SVS can reach down to 16Hz - that's in the realm of frequencies you feel more than hear. For context, most movies rarely go below 20Hz, but when they do (think of the massive waves in "Interstellar" or the helicopter scenes in "Apocalypse Now"), the SVS can reproduce these ultra-low frequencies with authority.
The Klipsch bottoms out around 29Hz, which is still respectable and enough for most music and many movie effects. However, you'll miss some of those ultra-deep cinematic moments that the SVS can deliver.
Power-wise, the SVS's 550-watt RMS amplifier (RMS means the continuous power it can deliver, not just short bursts) provides significantly more output than the Klipsch's 200-watt unit. This translates to better handling of sudden dynamic peaks and more headroom for loud passages.
In actual use, both subwoofers can fill a typical living room with bass, but they excel in different scenarios:
The SVS PC-2000 Pro shines in:
The Klipsch R-120SW performs well in:
The price difference between these units is substantial - you could buy three Klipsch subs for the price of one SVS. But value isn't just about initial cost.
The SVS justifies its premium price with:
The Klipsch offers excellent value through:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
The SVS PC-2000 Pro is the clear performance winner, offering deeper bass, more power, and better overall sound quality. It's the choice for serious home theater enthusiasts who want the best possible performance and don't mind paying for it.
The Klipsch R-120SW represents excellent value, delivering good performance at a much lower price point. It's perfect for those who want to enhance their system's bass response without breaking the bank.
Both subwoofers have their place, and either can be a great choice depending on your specific needs and budget. The key is matching the subwoofer to your room size, usage patterns, and performance expectations.
SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) |
Klipsch Reference R-120SW ($284) |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response - Determines how deep the bass can go, critical for movie effects | |
| 16-290 Hz (±3 dB) - exceptional depth | 29-120 Hz (±3 dB) - good for most content |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power means cleaner bass at high volumes | |
| 550W RMS/1,500W Peak - massive headroom | 200W RMS/400W Peak - adequate for medium rooms |
| DSP/Room Correction - Helps the subwoofer sound best in your specific room | |
| Advanced with smartphone app control | Basic controls only |
| Driver Size - Larger isn't always better, but affects maximum output | |
| 12" aluminum cone with advanced motor | 12" spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Cabinet Design - Affects placement flexibility and room integration | |
| Cylinder design (13.5" diameter x 33.1" height) | Traditional box (14" x 16.5" x 19.2") |
| Port Design - Affects bass character and placement needs | |
| Rear-firing 4" port with flares - needs some space from wall | Rear-firing port - needs some space from wall |
| Room Size Suitability - Bigger rooms need more powerful subs | |
| Excellent for rooms up to 3,000 cu.ft | Best for rooms up to 2,000 cu.ft |
| Features - Convenience and adjustability matter for optimal sound | |
| Parametric EQ, presets, app control, isolation feet | Basic volume, crossover, and phase controls |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5-year warranty | 2-year warranty |
The SVS PC-2000 Pro ($1,099) is significantly better for home theater use due to its deeper bass extension (16Hz vs 29Hz) and more powerful amplifier. However, the Klipsch R-120SW ($284) is adequate for smaller home theaters on a budget.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro costs $1,099, while the Klipsch R-120SW is priced at $284. The price difference reflects the SVS's advanced features and superior performance capabilities.
The Klipsch R-120SW is more suitable for small rooms (under 200 sq ft) and offers better value. The SVS PC-2000 Pro would be overkill in such spaces.
Yes, both subwoofers feature standard LFE (Low Frequency Effects) inputs that work with virtually any modern AV receiver or processor.
No, but the smartphone app provides easier access to advanced features. The SVS PC-2000 Pro can be controlled via its rear panel, while the Klipsch R-120SW uses traditional knobs.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro offers superior musical performance with better accuracy and control. The Klipsch R-120SW performs adequately for casual music listening but lacks the same precision.
Both use standard household power (120V in US). The SVS draws more power at maximum output (550W RMS vs 200W RMS for the Klipsch), but normal usage is much lower.
The SVS PC-2000 Pro comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch R-120SW offers 2 years of coverage.
Yes, both work well for gaming. The SVS PC-2000 Pro provides more impactful effects and deeper bass, while the Klipsch R-120SW delivers good performance for most gaming needs.
Both have rear-firing ports and need some space from walls. The SVS's cylinder design can be more flexible for corner placement, while the Klipsch requires traditional rectangular cabinet positioning.
The Klipsch R-120SW is simpler to set up with basic controls. The SVS PC-2000 Pro offers more setup options but requires more knowledge to optimize fully.
Yes, both models can be used in pairs for better room coverage. However, buying two Klipsch units ($568) would still cost less than one SVS ($1,099), though with different performance characteristics.
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: avsforum.com - svsound.com - audioholics.com - svsound.com - svsound.com - crutchfield.com - iq-av.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - spacehifi.com.au - perfectacoustic.co.uk - klipsch.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - easyhometheater.net - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - audiolab.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com
