In this review, we will be comparing KC92 and SB16-Ultra, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF and SVS. 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 SVS SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra have a totally different setup: the KEF KC92 features 2 x 9-inch drivers whereas the SB16-Ultra features 1 x 16-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KC92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas SB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 16-460 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC92 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SB16-Ultra's min frequency of 16Hz.
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 KEF KC92 and SVS SB16-Ultra have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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.
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 SVS SB16-Ultra'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 SVS SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ( 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch) .
SVS SB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 166mm wider, 156mm taller and 151mm 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 SVS SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2. The KC92 requires 53% less surface area than the SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs. This makes the SB16-Ultra 177% heavier than the KC92.
Here is a comparison of how KC92 and SB16-Ultra's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF KC92?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KC92:
KC92 subwoofer Power cord Euroblock speaker level connector User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of SVS SB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that come with the SB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordRemote controlOwners Manual
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
16 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
352mm
vs
508mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1191cm2 (330x361mm)
vs
2539cm2 (496x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
460k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
| General |
KEF KC92 |
SVS SB16-Ultra |
| Brand |
KEF |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
16-460 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
1500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
9" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
| 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") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
496.0mm (19.5") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
20.00kg (44lbs) |
55.45kg (122lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |