In this review, we will be comparing Varro RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB 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.
**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 RS500-SBand Klipsch RP-1400SW have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro RS500-SB's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1400SW features a 14-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro RS500-SB has a frequency range of 18-150 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 RS500-SB's min frequency of 18Hz.
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 RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB's and Klipsch RP-1400SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro RS500-SB has external dimensions of 381.0 x 361.0 x 388.0mm ( 15inch x 14-3/16inch x 15-1/4inch ) 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 147mm wider, 161mm taller and 265mm deeper than ELAC Varro RS500-SB.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro RS500-SB and Klipsch RP-1400SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro RS500-SB 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 RS500-SB is approximately 1400.7cm2 / 217.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2. The Varro RS500-SB requires 58% 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 RS500-SB weighs 20.85kg / 45.9lbs and the Klipsch RP-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 82% heavier than the Varro RS500-SB.
Here is a comparison of how Varro RS500-SB and RP-1400SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 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 |
381mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1400cm2 (361x388mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1299USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
ELAC Varro RS500-SB |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-150 Hz |
16-141 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
14" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
381.0mm (15") |
542.0mm (21.3") |
| Width |
361.0mm (14.2") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
653.0mm (25.7") |
| Weight |
20.85kg (45.9lbs) |
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 |