When it comes to adding powerful, room-filling bass to your home theater or music system, choosing the right subwoofer makes all the difference. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the premium $2,499 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and the budget-friendly $284 Klipsch Reference R-120SW.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a great subwoofer. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in music and movies - everything from the deep rumble of explosions to the subtle thrum of a bass guitar. A good subwoofer should reproduce these sounds clearly without distortion or "boominess."
The main job of a subwoofer is handling frequencies below what your main speakers can reproduce effectively, typically anything under 80Hz. This is where you feel the sound as much as hear it.
The SVS SB17-Ultra and Klipsch R-120SW represent opposite ends of the subwoofer spectrum, both in price and capability. Released in early 2024, the SVS brings cutting-edge technology and premium features. The Klipsch, while a few years older, delivers solid performance at an entry-level price point.
The SVS is significantly larger, featuring a massive 17-inch driver (the cone that produces sound) compared to the Klipsch's 12-inch unit. This size difference, combined with the SVS's 2800-watt amplifier versus the Klipsch's 200 watts, means the SVS can move more air and produce deeper, louder bass with less effort.
The SVS includes sophisticated room correction (which automatically adjusts the sound to your space), smartphone app control, and dual amplifiers. The Klipsch keeps things simpler with basic controls for volume, crossover (determining which frequencies it handles), and phase (helping it blend with your main speakers).
Having tested both units, the difference in capability is clear but needs context. The SVS can reproduce frequencies down to 15Hz - these are sounds you feel more than hear, like the deepest rumble in movie special effects. The Klipsch reaches down to 29Hz, which still covers most musical bass and many movie effects, just not the most extreme low end.
For music, the SVS shows its premium nature with incredibly precise bass. Whether it's the pluck of an upright bass or the punch of an electronic beat, every note is distinct and controlled. The Klipsch performs admirably for its price, delivering enjoyable bass that works well for casual listening, though it can't match the SVS's precision and depth.
This is where the differences become most apparent. The SVS can create spine-tingling impact in action scenes while maintaining absolute control - no distortion or unwanted buzzing, even at reference levels (very loud). The Klipsch handles movie duties well in smaller rooms but can't create the same physical impact or reach the lowest frequencies that make modern action movies so immersive.
Room size dramatically affects subwoofer performance. The SVS SB17-Ultra has enough power to pressurize large spaces (think great rooms and dedicated home theaters), while the Klipsch R-120SW is better suited to small and medium-sized rooms.
Both units benefit from proper placement. The SVS's room correction helps optimize performance regardless of position, while the Klipsch requires more careful placement to sound its best. I've found corner placement often works well with the Klipsch, while the SVS performs admirably almost anywhere thanks to its sophisticated processing.
The price difference between these units is substantial, but so is the performance gap. The SVS represents a significant investment but delivers reference-quality performance that will satisfy even demanding enthusiasts. It's also future-proof, with features like app control and firmware updates.
The Klipsch provides impressive value, delivering satisfying bass that will significantly improve any basic home theater setup. It's an excellent choice for someone starting their audio journey or looking to add basic bass reinforcement without a major investment.
The SVS, being newer, incorporates several recent advances:
The Klipsch uses more traditional technology but implements it well:
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and Klipsch Reference R-120SW serve different markets and users. The SVS represents the pinnacle of subwoofer technology, delivering reference-quality performance for discerning users. The Klipsch offers solid performance at an accessible price point, making it an excellent choice for those entering the world of quality audio.
My personal take? If budget allows and you have the space, the SVS is worth the investment for its superior performance and features. However, don't feel like you're settling with the Klipsch - it's a capable performer that will significantly improve most home audio systems, especially in smaller rooms.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and needs. Both of these options excel in their respective categories, just at very different price points and performance levels.
| $2,499 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution | $284 Klipsch Reference R-120SW |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension - Determines how low the subwoofer can play, critical for movie effects and organ music | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (reference level depth) | 29Hz-120Hz (good for most content) |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power allows for cleaner bass at high volumes | |
| 2,800W RMS (massive headroom) | 200W RMS (sufficient for medium rooms) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass | |
| 17-inch (exceptional output capability) | 12-inch (good for typical use) |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize bass response for your specific room | |
| Yes, with smartphone app control | No, manual adjustment only |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (more output near tuning frequency) |
| Weight - Consider for installation and placement | |
| 124 lbs (permanent installation) | 31 lbs (easily moveable) |
| Dimensions - Important for room planning | |
| 20" x 19.5" x 21.2" (substantial space needed) | 16.5" x 14" x 19.2" (more placement options) |
| Frequency Control - Ability to integrate with main speakers | |
| Variable 20-120Hz, app-controlled | Variable 40-120Hz, manual knob |
| Primary Value Proposition - Who it's best for | |
| Reference-grade performance for dedicated theaters and critical listening | Solid entry-level performance for small/medium rooms and casual use |
The $2,499 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is significantly better for home theater use, offering deeper bass extension to 15Hz and more power for explosive movie effects. However, the $284 Klipsch R-120SW is still capable for basic home theater in smaller rooms.
The SVS SB17-Ultra delivers 2,800 watts RMS, while the Klipsch R-120SW provides 200 watts RMS. For reference, most home theaters only need 200-500 watts for good performance.
The Klipsch R-120SW is more apartment-friendly due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and more manageable output that won't disturb neighbors as easily. The SVS might be too powerful for apartment use.
Yes, both subwoofers feature standard LFE (Low Frequency Effects) inputs that work with any modern home theater receiver or processor.
The SVS SB17-Ultra can easily handle large rooms over 500 square feet, while the Klipsch R-120SW is best suited for rooms under 300 square feet.
The Klipsch requires basic setup with manual controls. The SVS includes app-based room correction and setup tools, making it easier to optimize despite its more advanced capabilities.
The SVS SB17-Ultra offers superior music performance with tighter, more accurate bass, though the Klipsch R-120SW performs adequately for casual music listening.
Both are well-built, but the SVS includes a 5-year warranty and more robust components. The Klipsch comes with a 2-year warranty and should last several years with normal use.
While possible with additional equipment, both subwoofers are designed to work best with proper home theater systems including a receiver and speakers.
The Klipsch R-120SW has a smaller footprint at 16.5" x 14" x 19.2", compared to the SVS's larger 20" x 19.5" x 21.2" dimensions.
The SVS SB17-Ultra's higher price is justified for serious home theater enthusiasts and larger rooms. The Klipsch R-120SW provides excellent value for casual users and smaller spaces.
Yes, both systems support multiple subwoofers, though the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers more sophisticated integration features than the Klipsch R-120SW when using multiple units.
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 - perfectacoustic.co.uk - klipsch.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - easyhometheater.net - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - audiolab.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com
