In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and Sub 1000 F, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Focal. 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-1400SW and Focal Sub 1000 F 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-1400SW and Focal Sub 1000 F 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-1400SWand Focal Sub 1000 F have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1400SW's woofer is 14-inch whereas the Focal Sub 1000 F features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas Sub 1000 F has a frequency range of 24-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sub 1000 F's min frequency of 24Hz.
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 Klipsch RP-1400SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Focal Sub 1000 F have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW's and Focal Sub 1000 F's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) whereas Focal Sub 1000 F has external dimensions of 421.0 x 401.0 x 474.0mm ( 16-9/16 x 15-3/4 x 18-5/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 107mm wider, 121mm taller and 179mm deeper than Focal Sub 1000 F.
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-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2 and base area of the Focal Sub 1000 F is approximately 1900.7cm2 / 294.6inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 75% more surface area than the Sub 1000 F 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-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs and the Focal Sub 1000 F weighs 21.36kg / 47lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 78% heavier than the Sub 1000 F.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and Sub 1000 F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1399USD
vs
2099USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
421mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1900cm2 (401x474mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
Focal Sub 1000 F |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
24-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Flax |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
421.0mm (16.6") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
401.0mm (15.8") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
474.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
21.36kg (47lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |