When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, choosing the right subwoofer makes all the difference. Today we're comparing two impressive options: the flagship SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) and the mid-tier Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749). Let's explore what makes each unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Before diving into specifics, let's cover what makes a great subwoofer. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in your audio system - typically anything below 80 Hz, where you feel the sound as much as hear it. A quality subwoofer adds depth to music and creates that chest-thumping impact in movie explosions and action scenes.
The most important factors are:
The SVS SB17-Ultra represents the absolute pinnacle of home subwoofer technology. Released in 2023, it showcases several groundbreaking features like dual voice coils and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP). The massive 17-inch driver and 2800-watt amplifier deliver bass down to 15 Hz - well below what humans can hear but definitely what we can feel.
In contrast, the Klipsch RP-1000SW, introduced in 2021, takes a more traditional approach with its 10-inch Cerametallic driver and 300-watt amplifier. While it doesn't reach quite as deep (19 Hz), it still delivers impressive performance that will satisfy most listeners, especially in medium-sized rooms.
Having tested both units, the difference in performance is noticeable but needs context. The SVS creates the kind of bass you'd experience in a commercial theater - you feel every explosion and musical note with incredible detail. It's almost excessive for regular living rooms, but perfect for dedicated home theaters.
The Klipsch provides excellent punch and musicality that will impress most listeners. While it won't shake your entire house like the SVS, it delivers clean, accurate bass that enhances both movies and music significantly.
The SB17-Ultra introduces several technological advances:
The RP-1000SW features:
The SVS weighs 124 pounds and requires significant space. It's designed for rooms where performance matters more than aesthetics. The Klipsch, at 57 pounds, offers more placement flexibility and better suits living spaces where the subwoofer can't be the room's focal point.
The SVS app makes fine-tuning easier but offers many settings that might overwhelm casual users. The Klipsch provides basic controls that most people can handle confidently. Both units include phase control and crossover adjustment for matching with main speakers.
Comparing these subwoofers purely on price misses the point. The SVS SB17-Ultra costs more than three times as much as the Klipsch RP-1000SW, but delivers performance that satisfies the most demanding audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
The Klipsch represents excellent value, offering about 80% of reference-level performance at 30% of the cost. For most users, it hits the sweet spot of price versus performance.
Both manufacturers have excellent reputations for build quality and support. SVS offers a 5-year warranty, while Klipsch provides 3 years. Both units should provide many years of reliable service.
The SVS SB17-Ultra and Klipsch RP-1000SW represent different approaches to great bass reproduction. The SVS pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home audio, while the Klipsch delivers impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
For most people, the Klipsch will provide more than enough bass performance to transform their audio experience. But if you're building a serious home theater or demanding the absolute best, the SVS delivers unmatched capabilities that justify its premium price.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening preferences. Both of these options excel in their respective categories - it's just a matter of matching them to your specific needs.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers can move more air for deeper bass | |
| 17-inch glass fiber composite | 10-inch Cerametallic |
| Amplifier Power - Higher power allows for cleaner bass at high volumes | |
| 2800W RMS / 6000W Peak | 300W RMS / 600W Peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 19Hz-131Hz (±3dB) |
| Weight - Heavier usually means better cabinet construction and stability | |
| 124 lbs | 56.7 lbs |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize bass for your specific space | |
| Advanced DSP with smartphone app control | Basic crossover and phase controls |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities that may matter for your setup | |
| Dual voice coils, balanced XLR inputs, DSP app | Optional wireless adapter, front-firing port |
| Size (HxWxD) - Consider your available space | |
| 20.0" x 19.5" x 21.2" | 15" x 16.7" x 25" |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years | 3 years |
| Best For - Typical use case based on features and performance | |
| Dedicated home theaters, serious audiophiles | Mixed-use rooms, medium-sized spaces |
The SVS SB17-Ultra ($2,499) is significantly better for home theater use, offering deeper bass extension and more power for movie effects. However, the Klipsch RP-1000SW ($749) still delivers excellent performance for most home theaters at a more affordable price.
The main difference is power and capability. The SVS SB17-Ultra offers 2800W RMS power with a 17-inch driver, while the Klipsch RP-1000SW provides 300W RMS with a 10-inch driver. This translates to more powerful, deeper bass from the SVS.
For dedicated home theater enthusiasts or audiophiles, yes. The SVS SB17-Ultra offers reference-level performance that justifies its premium price. However, most users will be very satisfied with the Klipsch RP-1000SW, which offers excellent value.
Both perform well with music, but the SVS SB17-Ultra offers superior detail and depth. The Klipsch RP-1000SW is particularly good with punchy bass music but doesn't reach as deep in frequency response.
The SVS SB17-Ultra can fill large rooms (over 500 sq ft) with ease, while the Klipsch RP-1000SW is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms (up to 400 sq ft).
No, both the SVS SB17-Ultra and Klipsch RP-1000SW work with any modern AV receiver using standard subwoofer connections. The SVS offers additional connection options including XLR inputs.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW is simpler to set up with basic controls. The SVS SB17-Ultra offers more advanced setup options through its app, which can be either a benefit or complexity depending on your comfort level.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW offers an optional wireless kit. The SVS SB17-Ultra requires a wired connection but includes app-based control features.
The SVS SB17-Ultra delivers cinema-level impact for movie effects, with significantly more power and deeper bass. The Klipsch RP-1000SW handles movie effects well but won't provide the same extreme output levels.
Yes, both the SVS SB17-Ultra and Klipsch RP-1000SW can integrate with any speaker system. The SVS offers more detailed tuning options for optimal integration.
Both are built to last, with the SVS SB17-Ultra offering a 5-year warranty and the Klipsch RP-1000SW a 3-year warranty. With proper care, either should provide many years of service.
The Klipsch RP-1000SW might be more suitable for apartment use due to its smaller size and output. The SVS SB17-Ultra may be too powerful for apartment living unless you have very understanding neighbors.
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 - hometheaterreview.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - greentoe.com - klipsch.ca - walmart.com - audiolab.com
