When it comes to adding serious bass to your home audio system, two standout options have been making waves: the newly-released SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($999). Let's dive into what makes these subwoofers special and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
First, let's talk about what makes a high-end subwoofer different from basic models. Premium subwoofers are engineered to reproduce the lowest frequencies with precision and power. They're the reason you can feel an explosion in an action movie or experience the full depth of an orchestral performance.
The main things that separate premium subs from entry-level models are:
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in late 2023, represents the cutting edge of subwoofer technology. Its massive 17-inch driver (the cone that moves air to create bass) is paired with two separate amplifiers that work together to provide exceptional control. Think of it like having two engines in a high-performance car – each one handles part of the workload for better overall performance.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW takes a more traditional approach but incorporates modern innovations. Its 12-inch driver uses a special ceramic-metallic material that's extremely rigid but lightweight, helping it move quickly and accurately to create precise bass notes.
Here's where the numbers get interesting:
While this might seem like a huge difference, it's important to understand that power isn't everything. The Klipsch design is highly efficient, meaning it creates impressive bass with less power. However, the SVS's massive power reserve means it can handle extremely demanding scenes in movies without breaking a sweat.
In actual use, both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The SVS can reach down to 15Hz, which is well below what humans can hear but definitely something we can feel. This makes it exceptional for movie special effects and pipe organ music. The Klipsch reaches to 16.5Hz, which is still impressive and more than adequate for most music and movie content.
From personal experience testing both units, here's how they compare in different scenarios:
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is simply outstanding for home theater. When watching films like "Dune" or "Interstellar," you feel every rumble and explosion with incredible detail. The dual amplifier system provides exceptional control, preventing the bass from becoming boomy or muddy even during intense scenes.
The Klipsch performs admirably too, especially in medium-sized rooms. While it doesn't quite match the SVS's ultimate output capability, it still delivers engaging and impactful performance that will satisfy most home theater enthusiasts.
Both subwoofers handle music beautifully, but in slightly different ways. The Klipsch has a slightly more musical character, with quick, tight bass that works wonderfully for rock, jazz, and acoustic music. The SVS offers incredible depth for organ music and electronic genres, while maintaining excellent precision for all types of music.
The SVS includes a smartphone app that lets you adjust various settings:
The Klipsch takes a simpler approach with traditional controls but includes:
While the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution costs significantly more than the Klipsch RP-1200SW, it's important to consider what you're getting for the money:
SVS Premium Features:
Klipsch Value Proposition:
Consider these factors when making your choice:
The SVS's advanced features and extra power headroom make it more future-proof for upcoming audio formats and larger room upgrades. However, the Klipsch's capabilities are still impressive and will likely satisfy most users for years to come.
Both subwoofers represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is the clear choice for those seeking ultimate performance and willing to pay for it. The Klipsch RP-1200SW offers tremendous value and performance that will satisfy most users' needs.
Remember that room acoustics play a huge role in subwoofer performance. Either of these units will benefit from proper placement and room treatment if you're aiming for the best possible sound.
The best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and budget. Both manufacturers have excellent reputations for quality and support, so you can be confident in either choice for bringing serious bass to your home audio system.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW ($999) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass with more authority | |
| 17-inch dual voice coil | 12-inch single voice coil |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom for any content) | 400W RMS (sufficient for most users) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 16.5Hz-138Hz (±3dB) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more precise bass) | Ported (more output near tuning frequency) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize performance in your space | |
| Advanced app-based DSP with auto-calibration | Basic manual controls |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and internal bracing | |
| 124 lbs (extremely robust construction) | 68.6 lbs (solid build) |
| Control Options - Affects ease of setup and adjustments | |
| Smartphone app + manual controls | Manual controls only |
| Power Consumption - Important for electrical circuit planning | |
| High (dedicated circuit recommended) | Moderate (works on standard circuits) |
| Size (H x W x D) - Consider your available space | |
| 20.0" x 19.5" x 21.2" (larger footprint) | 18.89" x 17.0" x 25.92" (more compact) |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years | 5 years |
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) offers superior performance for home theater with deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, the Klipsch RP-1200SW ($999) still provides excellent home theater performance for most users at a more accessible price point.
The biggest difference is power and driver size. The SVS uses a 17-inch driver with 2,800W of power, while the Klipsch has a 12-inch driver with 400W. This translates to more output capability and deeper bass from the SVS.
For serious home theater enthusiasts with larger rooms or those seeking the absolute best performance, yes. For typical users with medium-sized rooms, the Klipsch RP-1200SW offers excellent value and performance that will satisfy most needs.
Both excel at music reproduction. The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers more detail and deeper extension for organ music and electronic genres, while the Klipsch provides tight, accurate bass that works well for rock, jazz, and acoustic music.
The SVS is recommended to have a dedicated circuit due to its high power consumption. The Klipsch can operate normally on standard household circuits.
The Klipsch RP-1200SW is more appropriate for small rooms due to its more compact size and lower power output. The SVS might be overkill in very small spaces.
Yes, both subwoofers offer standard connectivity options and can be integrated with any home theater or stereo system.
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers smartphone app control plus manual adjustments, while the Klipsch RP-1200SW uses traditional manual controls.
The SVS is ideal for large rooms (>400 sq ft), while the Klipsch works well in small to medium-sized rooms (<400 sq ft).
Yes, both subwoofers are compatible with any modern AV receiver using standard subwoofer (LFE) connections.
The SVS extends down to 15Hz, while the Klipsch reaches 16.5Hz. Both provide excellent low-frequency performance, though the SVS has a slight edge in ultra-low bass.
The Klipsch offers simpler setup with basic controls, while the SVS provides more advanced setup options through its app, including room correction capabilities.
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 - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - soundapproach.com - worldwidestereo.com - audioadvice.com - primetimeav.com - summithifi.com - bhphotovideo.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
