In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and SB-1000, 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 R-101SW and SVS SB-1000 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 R-101SW and SVS SB-1000 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 R-101SWand SVS SB-1000 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the SVS SB-1000 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas SB-1000 has a frequency range of 24-260 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SB-1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-101SW's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 R-101SW 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 SB-1000 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 R-101SW's and SVS SB-1000's external dimensions. Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) whereas SVS SB-1000 has external dimensions of 343.0 x 332.0 x 397.0mm ( 13-1/2 x 13-1/16 x 15-5/8inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 27mm taller and 132mm deeper than SVS SB-1000.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and SVS SB-1000 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and SVS SB-1000 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 R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2 and base area of the SVS SB-1000 is approximately 1318.0cm2 / 204.3inch2. The R-101SW requires 44% more surface area than the SB-1000 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 R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs and the SVS SB-1000 weighs 12.27kg / 27lbs. This makes the R-101SW 13% heavier than the SB-1000.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and SB-1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-101SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-101SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of SVS SB-1000?
Here are the items that come with the SB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
260k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
343mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1318cm2
vs
1893cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
SVS SB-1000 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
24-260 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
12.27kg (27lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |