In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS250-BK and RP-1600SW, 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 PS250-BK and Klipsch RP-1600SW 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 PS250-BK and Klipsch RP-1600SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ELAC Varro PS250-BKand Klipsch RP-1600SW have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS250-BK's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1600SW features a 16-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS250-BK has a frequency range of 27-150 Hz whereas RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the RP-1600SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Varro PS250-BK's min frequency of 27Hz.
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
Both ELAC Varro PS250-BK and Klipsch RP-1600SW have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 PS250-BK's and Klipsch RP-1600SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS250-BK has external dimensions of 381.0 x 361.0 x 361.0mm ( 15inch x 14-3/16inch x 14-3/16inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-1600SW has external dimensions of 596.0 x 597.0 x 696.0mm ( 23-7/16inch x 23-1/2inch x 27-3/8inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1600SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 236mm wider, 215mm taller and 335mm deeper than ELAC Varro PS250-BK.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS250-BK and Klipsch RP-1600SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS250-BK and Klipsch RP-1600SW 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 PS250-BK is approximately 1303.2cm2 / 202.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1600SW is approximately 4155.1cm2 / 644.0inch2. The Varro PS250-BK requires 69% less surface area than the RP-1600SW 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 PS250-BK weighs 16.44kg / 36.2lbs and the Klipsch RP-1600SW weighs 50.00kg / 110lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 204% heavier than the Varro PS250-BK.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS250-BK and RP-1600SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
381mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1303cm2
vs
4155cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
15 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS250-BK |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
800 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-150 Hz |
14.5-175 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
1600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
381.0mm (15") |
596.0mm (23.5") |
| Width |
361.0mm (14.2") |
597.0mm (23.5") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
696.0mm (27.4") |
| Weight |
16.44kg (36.2lbs) |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
5 years |