When it comes to adding deep, room-shaking bass to your home theater or music system, choosing the right subwoofer makes all the difference. Let's dive into an in-depth comparison of two popular but very different options - a premium reference-class sub and a capable mid-range performer.
Before we compare specific models, it's helpful to understand what makes a great subwoofer. The key elements are the driver (the speaker itself), amplifier power, cabinet design, and digital processing capabilities. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies - those deep bass notes and explosive effects that you feel as much as hear.
Modern subwoofers have come a long way in the past decade. Digital signal processing (DSP) and smartphone apps now allow precise room correction and adjustment. Amplifier efficiency has improved dramatically, allowing for more power from smaller packages. And driver materials and design have evolved to handle more power while maintaining accuracy.
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution, released in early 2024, represents the cutting edge of subwoofer technology. It's SVS's new flagship model, replacing their well-regarded 16-Ultra series with significant upgrades in power handling and control.
The Klipsch SPL-120 takes a more traditional approach, focusing on proven technologies and value. While not as feature-packed as the SVS, it delivers solid performance for typical home theater applications.
The SVS digs incredibly deep, reaching down to 15Hz - frequencies you feel more than hear. This capability is remarkable, as most subwoofers struggle below 25Hz. The Klipsch's 24Hz lower limit is respectable and will handle most music and movies effectively, but you'll miss those lowest octaves in pipe organ music or special effects.
In terms of output (how loud they can play), the difference is substantial. The SVS's massive 2800W amplifier and 17-inch driver can pressurize large rooms with ease. The Klipsch's 300W amp and 12-inch driver are well-matched for medium-sized rooms but will reach their limits more quickly.
Both subs offer clean, controlled bass, but there's a clear difference in refinement. The SVS's dual voice coils and sophisticated DSP allow it to handle complex bass passages with greater precision. You'll notice this most in music, where bass notes have distinct pitch and texture rather than just impact.
The Klipsch performs admirably for its price point, with its Cerametallic woofer providing good detail. However, it can't match the SVS's ability to stay composed during demanding passages.
The SVS's smartphone app is a game-changer for setup. It offers room correction and detailed EQ settings that help optimize performance for your specific space. The app makes adjustments that would be difficult or impossible with traditional controls.
The Klipsch takes a simpler approach with standard volume, crossover, and phase controls. While this is perfectly functional, it requires more trial and error to achieve optimal results.
Both subs offer standard line-level inputs, but the SVS adds balanced XLR connections useful in high-end systems. Both support wireless connections through optional modules - a nice feature for clean installation.
For movie watching, both subs excel but in different contexts. The SVS's ability to reproduce extremely low frequencies adds incredible realism to special effects. When a spaceship rumbles past or an explosion rocks the scene, you'll feel it in your chest.
The Klipsch handles typical action movies well, providing satisfying impact for most effects. While it won't shake the room quite like the SVS, it delivers enough punch for an engaging experience in medium-sized rooms.
For music, the difference in refinement becomes more apparent. The SVS's precision makes it exceptional for acoustic bass, pipe organs, and electronic music with deep synthesizer notes. Each note is distinct and controlled.
The Klipsch performs well with most music, particularly rock and pop where extreme low frequencies are less common. It provides good punch and rhythm, though it can't match the SVS's nuanced presentation.
At seven times the price, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution needs to deliver substantially better performance to justify its cost. For serious home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles with large rooms, it absolutely does. The combination of extreme low-frequency extension, massive output capability, and sophisticated control options puts it in a different league.
The Klipsch SPL-120 represents excellent value for more typical applications. It delivers engaging performance that will satisfy most users, especially in medium-sized rooms where its output capabilities are sufficient.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these subwoofers:
Both subwoofers excel in their respective categories. The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the state of the art in subwoofer design, offering uncompromised performance for those who demand the best. The Klipsch SPL-120 delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent choice for most users.
For my own listening room (about 2500 cubic feet), I'd likely choose the Klipsch and put the savings toward other system improvements. However, in a dedicated home theater or larger space, the SVS's capabilities would be worth the investment.
Remember, the best subwoofer is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening preferences. Either of these options can provide years of enjoyable bass performance when properly matched to your needs.
| SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) | Klipsch SPL-120 ($341) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass with more output capability | |
| 17-inch glass fiber composite | 12-inch Cerametallic |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2800W RMS (6000W Peak) | 300W RMS (600W Peak) |
| Low Frequency Extension - Determines how deep the bass can go for those ultra-low effects | |
| 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) | 24Hz-125Hz |
| Weight - Heavier usually means better build quality and cabinet bracing | |
| 124 lbs | 45 lbs |
| Room Correction - Critical for achieving optimal performance in your space | |
| Advanced app-based DSP with auto-calibration | Basic manual controls only |
| Voice Coils - Dual coils provide better power handling and control | |
| Dual 8-inch voice coils | Single voice coil |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and placement flexibility | |
| Sealed (tighter, more accurate bass) | Ported (more output near tuning frequency) |
| Connectivity - More options enable flexible system integration | |
| RCA, XLR, wireless ready, app control | RCA only, optional wireless adapter |
| Recommended Room Size - Crucial for matching output to space | |
| Large rooms (>3000 cubic feet) | Medium rooms (<2000 cubic feet) |
| Primary Use Case - Where each excels | |
| Reference home theater, critical listening | Casual home theater, music playback |
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,499) offers superior performance for dedicated home theaters, especially with its 15Hz extension for deep movie effects. However, the Klipsch SPL-120 ($341) is perfectly capable for typical home theater rooms under 2000 cubic feet.
The primary difference is output capability and control. The SVS offers significantly more power (2800W vs 300W), a larger driver (17" vs 12"), and advanced room correction features. The Klipsch provides good performance at a much lower price point.
The Klipsch SPL-120 is well-suited for medium-sized rooms up to 2000 cubic feet. The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution would be overkill for such spaces, making the Klipsch the more practical choice.
At $341, the Klipsch offers excellent value for typical home theater use. The SVS at $2,499 delivers reference-quality performance but at a premium price that's justified mainly for serious enthusiasts or larger spaces.
Both support wireless connectivity through optional adapters. The SVS offers more advanced wireless features through its app control, while the Klipsch uses a basic wireless kit.
The SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution offers superior music performance with better detail and control. The Klipsch SPL-120 performs well with most music but can't match the SVS's precision and depth.
Room correction is valuable for optimal bass performance. The SVS includes sophisticated app-based correction, while the Klipsch relies on basic manual adjustments. For critical listening, the SVS's advanced room correction is a significant advantage.
The Klipsch works best in rooms under 2000 cubic feet, while the SVS can easily handle rooms over 3000 cubic feet. Using too powerful a subwoofer in a small room can be problematic.
Both the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution and Klipsch SPL-120 are compatible with standard home theater receivers through their RCA inputs. The SVS adds XLR connections for high-end systems.
The SVS reaches down to 15Hz, while the Klipsch extends to 24Hz. This difference is noticeable primarily in movies with ultra-low effects and pipe organ music.
The Klipsch offers simpler setup with basic controls. The SVS requires more initial setup but provides more precise adjustability through its app interface for optimal performance.
For larger rooms, dedicated home theaters, or critical listening, the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution justifies its premium price. For typical home theater use, the Klipsch SPL-120 provides excellent value and performance that will satisfy most users.
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 - 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
