In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW 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 R-121SW 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 R-121SW 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Klipsch R-121SWand SVS SB16-Ultra have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the SVS SB16-Ultra features a 16-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas SB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 16-460 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the SB16-Ultra 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 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.
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 SB16-Ultra'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 SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ( 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is 89mm narrower and 85mm shorter than SVS SB16-Ultra but it is also 20mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and SVS SB16-Ultra in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW 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 R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2 and base area of the SVS SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2. The R-121SW requires 15% less surface area than the SB16-Ultra which gives it a small advantage 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 SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs. This makes the SB16-Ultra 247% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and SB16-Ultra'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 SB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that come with the SB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordRemote controlOwners Manual
 Height |
423mm
vs
508mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
vs
2539cm2 (496x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
460k Hz
vs
120k 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 |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
SVS SB16-Ultra |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
1500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
16-460 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
1500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
508.0mm (20") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
496.0mm (19.5") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
55.45kg (122lbs) |
| 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 |