In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1200-GB and RP-1400SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch RP-1400SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch RP-1400SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch RP-1400SW have a totally different setup: the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB features 2 x 12-inch drivers whereas the RP-1400SW features 1 x 14-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW can go slightly deeper then the Varro DS1200-GB's min frequency of 17Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the Klipsch RP-1400SW have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's and Klipsch RP-1400SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25mm wider, 119mm taller and 235mm deeper than ELAC Varro DS1200-GB.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch RP-1400SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch RP-1400SW Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2. The Varro DS1200-GB requires 39% less surface area than the RP-1400SW which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs and the Klipsch RP-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 0% heavier than the Varro DS1200-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1200-GB and RP-1400SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
423mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
| Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1399USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
16-141 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
14" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
542.0mm (21.3") |
| Width |
483.0mm (19") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Depth |
418.0mm (16.5") |
653.0mm (25.7") |
| Weight |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
5 years |