In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and KF92, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and KEF. 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 KEF KF92 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 KEF KF92 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.Klipsch RP-1400SW and KEF KF92 have a totally different setup: the Klipsch RP-1400SW features 1 x 14-inch drivers whereas the KF92 features 2 x 9-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas KF92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KF92 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-1400SW'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
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 KEF KF92 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 KEF KF92'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 KEF KF92 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 331.0 x 362.0mm ( 13-7/8 x 13 x 14-1/4inch) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 177mm wider, 189mm taller and 291mm deeper than KEF KF92.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1400SW and KEF KF92 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1400SW and KEF KF92 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-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2 and base area of the KEF KF92 is approximately 1198.2cm2 / 185.7inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 177% more surface area than the KF92 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 KEF KF92 weighs 20.05kg / 44.1lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 90% heavier than the KF92.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and KF92's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1399USD
vs
2000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
16 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
353mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1198cm2 (331x362mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
KEF KF92 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
11-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
9" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Hybrid aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
20.05kg (44.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |