Klipsch SPL-150 vs SVS PB16 Ultra

The main advantage of the R-115SW is its build quality – it looks great and the body is durable. The main advantage of the PB16-Ultra is its amazing power – compare 1500 W of its nominal output power with 400 W of the R-115SW nominal power. The PB16-Ultra maximal output power is 5000 W, while the R-115SW maximal output power is 800 W only. These models are great for large rooms and for people who need as much bass sound as possible.

Features & Performance

The SVS PB16-Ultra vs Klipsch R-115SW performance shows that the PB16-Ultra isn't only more powerful but also more flexible – it has a wider frequency response range – 16-460 Hz versus 18-125 Hz that has the R-115SW. The PB16-Ultra crossover frequency is 30-200 Hz, while the crossover frequency of the R-115SW is 40-160 Hz.

The R-115SW can be connected using the wireless protocol (it is necessary to use the Klipsch WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit). The high-grade all-digital amplifier delivers the clean audio no matter how high volume is set.

The PB16-Ultra features a high-performance amplifier while the Digital Signal Processing technology guarantees perfect blending with other speakers. It can be also controlled via a smartphone application or with a special top-front panel (it has a display).

Design

The Klipsch R-115SW vs SVS PB16-Ultra design comparison shows that the R-115SW is designed using the well-known elements of the brand – the spun-copper driver. The PB16-Ultra looks massive.

The R-115SW features a 15-inch cerametallic woofer, while the PB16-Ultra has an a16-inch driver. The R-115SW has a rectangular front-firing port and the PB16-Ultra has three venting ports located right under the driver.

The R-115SW has RCA LFE inputs and the PB16-Ultra features RCA LFE and XLR ports.

The dimensions are 21.7x25x30.9 in. for the PB16-Ultra versus 21.5x19.5x22.3 in. for the R-115SW. The weight is 174.6 lbs. and 75.4 lbs. respectively.

Adding a subwoofer to your home theater provides a more immersive experience since its low-frequency output can enhance the overall sound quality of your system. Even stereo setups can benefit greatly just by adding a good quality sub. That said, if you are looking to get one, sticking with reputable brands such as Klipsch and SVS is definitely a good idea. In this article, we’ll be looking at various subs from these two brands, including the popular Klipsch R-100SW, SVS PB-1000 and more, to see how they stack up against each other. By the end, you’ll have a good idea as to which subwoofer will be perfect for you.

Navigation

• Klipsch vs SVS Subwoofer Comparison Chart
• Klipsch R-100SW vs SVS PB-1000
• Klipsch R-120SW vs SVS PB-2000 Pro
• Klipsch SPL-150SW vs SVS PB-16 Ultra
• Verrdict
• FAQs

Klipsch vs SVS Subwoofer Comparison Chart

Klipsch R-100SW vs SVS PB-1000

Klipsch offers better price to performance, but if you want the overall better subwoofer, the SVS PB-1000 should be your choice.

A subwoofer with a 10-inch driver is perfect for smaller rooms or if your home theater is made up of mostly bookshelf and satellite surround speakers. It will blend in seamlessly with the other speakers in your setup without overpowering them. Also, a 10-inch sub is usually the recommendation for people on a budget. That said, here is a comparison of the Klipsch R-100SW and the SVS PB-1000.

Design

Size-wise, the SVS PB-1000 is definitely bigger than the Klipsch R-100SW. Measured at 20 x 15 x 18.9 inches, it is a few inches bigger than the Klipsch R-100SW, which has a dimensions of 16.4 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches. If you want a subwoofer that will fit in seamlessly with your furniture, then the more compact size of the Klipsch R-100SW gives it an advantage.

The Klipsch R-100SW has a textured wood grain finish while the SVS PB-1000 has a black ash finish. Although looks are subjective, we think that the SVS PB-1000 looks nicer than the Klipsch R-100SW. In addition to its nicer looking black ash finish, its rounded edges also gives it a more stylish look, as opposed to the sharper edges of the Klipsch R-100SW.

At the back, the Klipsch R-100SW has line level/LFE RCA jacks while the SVS PB-1000 comes with stereo line level RCA input and a speaker level binding post input. The SVS PB-1000 is more flexible when it comes to the number of devices that you can connect it with.

Performance

With its 300 watts RMS and 720 watts peak power, the SVS PB-1000 certainly has the upper hand when it comes to overall power output. However, its main advantage over the Klipsch R-100SW is its frequency range of 19 – 270 Hz, which makes it capable of delivering a wider range of low frequency sound.

The Klipsch R-100SW, on the other hand, shines when it comes to price to performance. Since it is significantly cheaper than the SVS PB-1000, it can be argued that it is the better option, especially for people with entry level home theater equipment.

Since both of these subwoofers have a ported box design, they are better suited for watching movies or playing video games. That’s not to say that they won’t perform well when it comes to listening to music, but if that is your main purpose for buying a subwoofer, then a sealed box, like the SVS SB-1000, might be a better option.

Klipsch R-120SW vs SVS PB-2000 Pro

Klipsch once again offers the better price to performance while the SVS PB-2000 Pro offers superior raw power and connectivity options.

If a 10-inch subwoofer is just not enough for your home theater, then the next logical step is getting a subwoofer with a 12-inch driver. This type will work best in bigger rooms or if you just want the best low-frequency output without having to spend thousands of dollars. In this category, we’ll be pitting the Klipsch R-120SW against the SVS PB-2000 Pro.

Design

The Klipsch R-120SW is the bigger brother of the R-100SW above. They pretty much have the same design, with the R-120SW being slightly bigger. Measured at 16.5 x 14 x 19.2 inches, it’s certainly more compact than the SVS PB-2000 Pro, which is measured at 20.9 x 17.3 x 23.6 inches. The SVS PB-2000 Pro is taller, wider and has more depth. In addition, it is also heavier, weighing in at a whopping 64.8 lbs. It’s twice as heavy as the Klipsch R-120SW, which weighs “only” 31 lbs.

As far as aesthetics goes, both subwoofers don’t deviate from their brands’ signature design choices. For the Klipsch R-120SW, you have an enclosure with sharp edges that has a black textured wood grain finish. On the other hand, the SVS PB-2000 Pro has rounded edges that is similar to the PB-1000. Also, it has that black ash finish that SVS subwoofers are known for.

When it comes to connectivity, both subwoofers come with line level/LFE RCA jacks. However, a big advantage of the SVS PB-2000 Pro is its Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a USB port for various accessories that include the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter for wireless subwoofer placement.

Performance

Specs-wise, the SVS PB-2000 Pro blows the Klipsch R-120SW out of the water. It’s got a wider frequency response range of 16 – 290Hz and its overall power output trumps the Klipsch’s offering. However, if you want this level of performance, you’ll need to be ready to pay for it. As of this writing, the SVS PB-2000 Pro is more than double the price of the Klipsch R-120SW.

Another advantage of the SVS PB-2000 Pro is its Bluetooth connectivity and its wireless capabilities. It comes with a USB port that allows you to use it as a wireless subwoofer by purchasing an adapter. On the Klipsch R-120SW, you are limited to wired connectivity only.

The advantages of the SVS PB-2000 Pro are kind of overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean that the Klipsch R-120SW is terrible. In fact, it’s one of the better subwoofers in its price range. Although it doesn’t offer the level of performance of the PB-2000 Pro, for the money, it’s an excellent subwoofer. In addition, for the money that you will be spending on the SVS PB-2000 Pro, you can easily buy two Klipsch R-120SWs for a dual sub setup.

Klipsch SPL-150SW vs SVS PB-16 Ultra

The SVS PB-16 Ultra is SVS’ top of the line model and it is able to output significantly more power than the Klipsch SPL-150SW.

For those that want the best and loudest, a 15-16 inch subwoofer will be your best option. Of course, you should expect to pay exorbitant amounts of money for subwoofers in this class. We’ll be comparing the Klipsch SPL-150SW and SVS PB-16 Ultra in this category.

Design

Measuring 21.5 x 19.5 x 22.3 inches, the Klipsch SPL-150SW is fairly large. However, it is dwarfed by the gigantic SVS PB-16 Ultra, which has a dimensions of 25 x 21.7 x 30.9 inches. Needless to say, you’ll have a hard time trying to hide these subs or blend them with your furniture if you are looking to have a discrete home theater setup due to their sizes.

The Klipsch SPL-150SW houses a 15-inch woofer while the SVS PB-16 Ultra features a 16-inch driver. Both of them have their ports at the front, which makes placement easier. On the Klipsch SPL-150SW is a slot port and on the SVS PB-16 Ultra are triple 3.5-inch ports. The Klipsch SPL-150SW is available in ebony vinyl finish while the SVS PB-16 Ultra comes in either black oak or piano gloss finishes.

When it comes to connectivity, they both have line level/LFE RCA jacks at the back. On the Klipsch SPL-150SW, you also get an additional WA port for wireless connectivity. To make use of it, you’ll need to purchase the Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit. On the SVS PB-16 Ultra, you’ll have the option to connect XLR devices to it with its XLS ports. It doesn’t have any wireless capability, but it does come with a remote for convenience. Also, you can control it via your phone, by downloading their app via the Google Play store or the App Store.

Performance

When it comes to raw power, the SVS PB-16 Ultra is simply superior. Touting a continuous power of 1500 watts, with a peak of over 5000 watts, saying that this subwoofer can get loud is an understatement. In addition, it also has a wider frequency response range of 13 – 360Hz, which allows it to give you the best performance overall. If you want the best subwoofer, you have a large room for it and most importantly, you have the money, then this is the subwoofer to get.

As for the Klipsch SPL-150SW, it is an excellent subwoofer in its own right. However, when compared to the SVS PB-16 Ultra, it is underwhelming. One thing that it offers is price to performance. Similar to the other comparisons above, the pricing of the Klipsch SPL-150SW is more accessible. In fact, you can get two Klipsch subwoofers for the price of one SVS sub. If you want a dual sub setup more than the raw power of the SVS PB-16 Ultra, then getting two Klipsch SPL-150SWs can be a good idea.

Verrdict

Klipsch subwoofers are more affordable while SVS subwoofers offer better performance, at a significantly higher cost.

If you want better price to performance, go with Klipsch subwoofers. But if you want raw power and performance, an SVS subwoofer is your best bet. In the 10-inch subwoofer category, the Klipsch R-100SW offered better price to performance while the SVS PB-1000 has the edge when it comes to actual performance and power. It’s the same story in our 12 and 15-16 inch categories. The SVS PB-2000 Pro and the PB-16 Ultra offer unmatched performance in their respective categories, but they are significantly more expensive. In contrast, the Klipsch R-120SW and the SPL-150SW are more affordable, if you are willing to sacrifice some performance.

FAQs

📌 Which is better SVS or Klipsch?

SVS is better overall, but they are very expensive. If you are not able or willing to spend the money for an SVS sub or speaker, Klipsch is an excellent alternative.

📌 Are SVS subs good?

Yes, they are one of the best brands when it comes to subwoofers. Unlike other speaker brands, SVS is a subwoofer-first, speaker second company.

📌 Is a subwoofer worth it?

Yes, especially if you like watching movies or playing games. For music, it’s not really necessary, but it can still improve your overall listening experience as long as you get a good quality sub.

📌 Is it better to have one or two subwoofers?

While two subwoofers are definitely better, since they can smooth peaks and offer improved dynamics, you’ll have to consider the size of your room, your budget and other factors. If you have a small room, a single subwoofer is usually more than enough.