In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and SB-2000, 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-121SW and SVS SB-2000 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-121SW and SVS SB-2000 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 R-121SWand SVS SB-2000 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas SB-2000 has a frequency range of 19-220 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the SB-2000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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-121SW 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-2000 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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-121SW's and SVS SB-2000's external dimensions. Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) whereas SVS SB-2000 has external dimensions of 372.0 x 362.0 x 478.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 14-1/4 x 18-13/16inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 45mm wider, 51mm taller and 54mm deeper than SVS SB-2000.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and SVS SB-2000 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and SVS SB-2000 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-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2 and base area of the SVS SB-2000 is approximately 1730.4cm2 / 268.2inch2. The R-121SW requires 25% more surface area than the SB-2000 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-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs and the SVS SB-2000 weighs 15.82kg / 34.8lbs. This makes the R-121SW 1% heavier than the SB-2000.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and SB-2000'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-121SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of SVS SB-2000?
Here are the items that come with the SB-2000:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordOwners ManualQuick Start Guide
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
220k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
372mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1730cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
SVS SB-2000 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
19-220 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Aluminum |
| 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 |
423.0mm (16.7") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
15.82kg (34.8lbs) |
| 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 |