In this review, we will be comparing RP-1600SW and ForceField 4, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and GoldenEar. 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-1600SW and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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-1600SW and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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-1600SWand GoldenEar ForceField 4 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1600SW's woofer is 16-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 4 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz whereas ForceField 4 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 4 can go slightly deeper then the RP-1600SW's min frequency of 15Hz.
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-1600SW 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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-1600SW's and GoldenEar ForceField 4's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1600SW has external dimensions of 596.0 x 597.0 x 696.0mm ( 23-7/16inch x 23-1/2inch x 27-3/8inch ) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 4 has external dimensions of 331.0 x 340.0 x 482.0mm ( 13inch x 13-3/8inch x 18-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1600SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 257mm wider, 265mm taller and 214mm deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 4.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1600SW and GoldenEar ForceField 4 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1600SW and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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-1600SW is approximately 4155.1cm2 / 644.0inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 4 is approximately 1638.8cm2 / 254.0inch2. The RP-1600SW requires 154% more surface area than the ForceField 4 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-1600SW weighs 50.00kg / 110lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 4 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 244% heavier than the ForceField 4.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1600SW and ForceField 4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
15 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
175k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
331mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1638cm2
vs
4155cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
GoldenEar ForceField 4 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14.5-175 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
596.0mm (23.5") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Width |
597.0mm (23.5") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
| Depth |
696.0mm (27.4") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Weight |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| 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 |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |