In this review, we will be comparing PC13-Ultra and SPL-120, 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 PC13-Ultra and Klipsch SPL-120 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 PC13-Ultra and Klipsch SPL-120 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 PC13-Ultraand Klipsch SPL-120 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PC13-Ultra's woofer is 13.5-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-120 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PC13-Ultra has a frequency range of 15-200 Hz whereas SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the PC13-Ultra can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-120's min frequency of 24Hz.
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
Both SVS PC13-Ultra and Klipsch SPL-120 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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.
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 PC13-Ultra's and Klipsch SPL-120's external dimensions. SVS PC13-Ultra has external dimensions of 1194.0 x 422.0 x 422.0mm ( 47 x 16-5/8 x 16-5/8inch) whereas Klipsch SPL-120 has external dimensions of 450.0 x 375.0 x 540.0mm ( 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is 47mm narrower and 744mm shorter than SVS PC13-Ultra but it is also 118mm deeper.
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 PC13-Ultra is approximately 1780.8cm2 / 276.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The PC13-Ultra requires 12% less surface area than the SPL-120 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 SVS PC13-Ultra weighs 40.80kg / 89.8lbs and the Klipsch SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the PC13-Ultra 100% heavier than the SPL-120.
Here is a comparison of how PC13-Ultra and SPL-120's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
13.5 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
15 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1780cm2
vs
2025cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Height |
450mm
vs
1194mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS PC13-Ultra |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
15-200 Hz |
24-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
3600-watt RMS |
600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
13.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiberglass composite |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1194.0mm (47") |
450.0mm (17.7") |
| Width |
422.0mm (16.6") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Depth |
422.0mm (16.6") |
540.0mm (21.3") |
| Weight |
40.80kg (89.8lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| 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 |