In this review, we will be comparing KC92 and RP-1600SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF 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 KEF KC92 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 KEF KC92 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.
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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.KEF KC92 and Klipsch RP-1600SW have a totally different setup: the KEF KC92 features 2 x 9-inch drivers whereas the RP-1600SW features 1 x 16-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KC92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC92 can go slightly deeper then the RP-1600SW's min frequency of 15Hz.
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 KEF KC92 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-1600SW 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 KEF KC92's and Klipsch RP-1600SW's external dimensions. KEF KC92 has external dimensions of 352.5 x 330 x 360.5 mm ( 13.88 x 13.00 x 14.19 in) 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 267mm wider, 244mm taller and 335mm deeper than KEF KC92.
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 KEF KC92 is approximately 1191.3cm2 / 184.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1600SW is approximately 4155.1cm2 / 644.0inch2. The KC92 requires 71% 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 KEF KC92 weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs and the Klipsch RP-1600SW weighs 50.00kg / 110lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 150% heavier than the KC92.
Here is a comparison of how KC92 and RP-1600SW'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 |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
15 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
175k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
352mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1191cm2 (330x361mm)
vs
4155cm2 (597x696mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1799USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF KC92 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
800 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
14.5-175 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
1600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
9" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-140 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
352.0mm (13.9") |
596.0mm (23.5") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
597.0mm (23.5") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
696.0mm (27.4") |
| Weight |
20.00kg (44lbs) |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Ebony |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 years |