In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and SB16-Ultra, 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-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW 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.Both Klipsch RP-1400SWand SVS SB16-Ultra have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1400SW's woofer is 14-inch whereas the SVS SB16-Ultra features a 16-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas SB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 16-460 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
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 SVS SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra'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 SVS SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ( 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12mm wider, 34mm taller and 141mm deeper than SVS SB16-Ultra.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1400SW and SVS SB16-Ultra in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1400SW and SVS SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 31% more surface area than the SB16-Ultra 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 SVS SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs. This makes the SB16-Ultra 46% heavier than the RP-1400SW.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and SB16-Ultra's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Price per pair* |
1399USD
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
14 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
460k Hz
vs
141k 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 |
 Height |
508mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2539cm2 (496x512mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
SVS SB16-Ultra |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
16-460 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
496.0mm (19.5") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
55.45kg (122lbs) |
| 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 |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |