In this review, we will be comparing PB16-Ultra and R-100SW, 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 PB16-Ultra and Klipsch R-100SW 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 PB16-Ultra and Klipsch R-100SW 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 PB16-Ultraand Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB16-Ultra's woofer is 16-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-100SW's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 PB16-Ultra 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-100SW 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 PB16-Ultra's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm ( 25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch) whereas Klipsch R-100SW has external dimensions of 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 233mm wider, 263mm taller and 329mm deeper than Klipsch R-100SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS PB16-Ultra and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of SVS PB16-Ultra and Klipsch R-100SW 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 PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The PB16-Ultra requires 197% more surface area than the R-100SW 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 PB16-Ultra weighs 79.32kg / 174.5lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 627% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how PB16-Ultra and R-100SW'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 PB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cordRemote control (3V battery installed)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
372mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
4357cm2 (553x788mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
SVS |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
13-280 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
635.0mm (25") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
553.0mm (21.8") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
788.0mm (31") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| 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 |