In this review, we will be comparing SB16-Ultra and KF92, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and KEF. 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 SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 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 SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 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.SVS SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 have a totally different setup: the SVS SB16-Ultra features 1 x 16-inch drivers whereas the KF92 features 2 x 9-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 16-460 Hz whereas KF92 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KF92 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SB16-Ultra's min frequency of 16Hz.
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 SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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.
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 SB16-Ultra's and KEF KF92's external dimensions. SVS SB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 508.0 x 496.0 x 512.0mm ( 20 x 19-1/2 x 20-1/8inch) whereas KEF KF92 has external dimensions of 353.0 x 331.0 x 362.0mm ( 13-7/8 x 13 x 14-1/4inch) .
SVS SB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 165mm wider, 155mm taller and 150mm deeper than KEF KF92.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 in scale.
Comparison image of SVS SB16-Ultra and KEF KF92 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 SB16-Ultra is approximately 2539.5cm2 / 393.6inch2 and base area of the KEF KF92 is approximately 1198.2cm2 / 185.7inch2. The SB16-Ultra requires 112% more surface area than the KF92 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 SB16-Ultra weighs 55.45kg / 122lbs and the KEF KF92 weighs 20.05kg / 44.1lbs. This makes the SB16-Ultra 177% heavier than the KF92.
Here is a comparison of how SB16-Ultra and KF92'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 SB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordRemote controlOwners Manual
What's in the Box of KEF KF92?
Here are the items that come with the KF92:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
9 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
460k Hz
vs
200k 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 |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
16 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
353mm
vs
508mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1198cm2 (331x362mm)
vs
2539cm2 (496x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2000USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS SB16-Ultra |
KEF KF92 |
| Brand |
SVS |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-460 Hz |
11-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1500-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
9" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
Hybrid aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
508.0mm (20") |
353.0mm (13.9") |
| Width |
496.0mm (19.5") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Weight |
55.45kg (122lbs) |
20.05kg (44.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |