In this review, we will be comparing RP-1200SW and PC-4000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-4000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-4000 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 Klipsch RP-1200SWand SVS PC-4000 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1200SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the SVS PC-4000 features a 13.5-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz whereas PC-4000 has a frequency range of 17-200 Hz.
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 Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-4000 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW's and SVS PC-4000's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) whereas SVS PC-4000 has external dimensions of 1194.0 x 423.0 x 423.0mm ( 47 x 16-5/8 x 16-5/8inch) .
SVS PC-4000 is 9mm narrower and 236mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-1200SW but it is also 712mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-4000 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1200SW and SVS PC-4000 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2 and base area of the SVS PC-4000 is approximately 1789.3cm2 / 277.3inch2. The RP-1200SW requires 59% more surface area than the PC-4000 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs and the SVS PC-4000 weighs 42.00kg / 92.4lbs. This makes the PC-4000 35% heavier than the RP-1200SW.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1200SW and PC-4000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
482mm
vs
1194mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
2200USD
|
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 |
13.5 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1789cm2 (423x423mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
SVS PC-4000 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16.5-138 Hz |
17-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
13.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Composite/Glass Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
1194.0mm (47") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Depth |
659.0mm (25.9") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Weight |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
42.00kg (92.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |