In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS500-BK and RP-1200SW, 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 PS500-BK and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 PS500-BK and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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.Both ELAC Varro PS500-BKand Klipsch RP-1200SW have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS500-BK's woofer is 15-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1200SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS500-BK has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go slightly deeper then the Varro PS500-BK's min frequency of 20Hz.
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 PS500-BK and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 PS500-BK's and Klipsch RP-1200SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS500-BK has external dimensions of 482.0 x 461.0 x 461.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 18-1/8inch x 18-1/8inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and Klipsch RP-1200SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS500-BK and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 PS500-BK is approximately 2125.2cm2 / 329.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The Varro PS500-BK requires 25% less surface area than the RP-1200SW 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 PS500-BK weighs 25.95kg / 57.1lbs and the Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 20% heavier than the Varro PS500-BK.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS500-BK and RP-1200SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
2125cm2
vs
2846cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS500-BK |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
461.0mm (18.1") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
461.0mm (18.1") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
25.95kg (57.1lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| 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 |