In this review, we will be comparing PB-1000 and R-120SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Klipsch. 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 SVS PB-1000 and Klipsch R-120SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS PB-1000 and Klipsch R-120SW 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 SVS PB-1000and Klipsch R-120SW have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-1000's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch R-120SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-1000 has a frequency range of 19-270 Hz whereas R-120SW has a frequency range of 29-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the PB-1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-120SW's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 SVS PB-1000 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 Klipsch R-120SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 SVS PB-1000's and Klipsch R-120SW's external dimensions. SVS PB-1000 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 381.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-120SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 358.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8 x 14-1/16 x 20-15/16inch) .
Klipsch R-120SW is 23mm narrower and 57mm shorter than SVS PB-1000 but they have the same thickness of 532.0mm.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB-1000 and Klipsch R-120SW in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB-1000 and Klipsch R-120SW 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 SVS PB-1000 is approximately 2026.9cm2 / 314.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-120SW is approximately 1904.6cm2 / 295.2inch2. The PB-1000 requires 6% more surface area than the R-120SW 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 SVS PB-1000 weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs and the Klipsch R-120SW weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the PB-1000 48% heavier than the R-120SW.
Here is a comparison of how PB-1000 and R-120SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS PB-1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB-1000:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-120SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-120SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
19 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
423mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1904cm2 (358x532mm)
vs
2026cm2 (381x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS PB-1000 |
Klipsch R-120SW |
| Brand |
SVS |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-270 Hz |
29-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber-composite |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-160 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |