Sub choice - SVS SB-1000 vs. Klipsch RP-1000SW

[mikolajek]

Can anyone advise on the choice between SVS SB-1000 and Klipsch RP-1000SW? This will accompany an office sound system (SMSL SU-X + 3E Audio A7) with Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers.

I've read some reviews and opinions and it seems to me SVS will be a better choice. However, I also asked in two internet stores that have both models available and both recommended Klipsch to me, so I got confused.

At the moment, the price of both is around EUR 600.

 

[thcdru2k]

Can anyone advise on the choice between SVS SB-1000 and Klipsch RP-1000SW? This will accompany an office sound system (SMSL SU-X + 3E Audio A7) with Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers.

I've read some reviews and opinions and it seems to me SVS will be a better choice. However, I also asked in two internet stores that have both models available and both recommended Klipsch to me, so I got confused.

At the moment, the price of both is around EUR 600.

Sealed sub in a small room imo

 

[mikolajek]

So SVS, right? I'm checking Klipsch as well as they say its bass-reflex is directed towards, so supposedly it will work even close to the wall.

 

[thcdru2k]

So SVS, right? I'm checking Klipsch as well as they say its bass-reflex is directed towards, so supposedly it will work even close to the wall.

Yes but if for movies and you feel comfortable with sub integration you could make an argument for the Klipsch

 

[mikolajek]

No movies, just music (mostly rock / metal / darkwave). Thanks you for this advice, @thcdru2k!

 

[delta76]

Klipsch subwoofers are not praised. They are not bad but not great either. SVS is known for good performance and features, more expensive too. If you can afford it, not question

 

[JRowland]

These newer RP subs to me sound great for music, I have no idea about movies. The big boy got a great review.

Klipsch Reference RP-1600SW 16" Subwoofer Review

The Klipsch Reference RP-1600S is a monstrous sized ported sub with a 16” woofer and a 800-watt amplifier. Our review tests how powerful this sub is from one the most popular speaker brands in the world.

www.audioholics.com

 

[JRowland]

The 1000 doesn’t get very high up in the Hz but does good down to it’s 19Hz port tune.

RP1000sw Dirac multipoint measurement mid wall in my room

Corner loaded same room (light blue trace)

 

[delta76]

These newer RP subs to me sound great for music, I have no idea about movies. The big boy got a great review.

Klipsch Reference RP-1600SW 16" Subwoofer Review

The Klipsch Reference RP-1600S is a monstrous sized ported sub with a 16” woofer and a 800-watt amplifier. Our review tests how powerful this sub is from one the most popular speaker brands in the world.

www.audioholics.com

for that price range PB-4000 is better https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/svs-pb-4000. Both in measurements and features
But that is far beyond the budget range by OT.

 

[JRowland]

for that price range PB-4000 is better https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/svs-pb-4000. Both in measurements and features
But that is far beyond the budget range by OT.

My point with that video was that this “Klipsch subwoofers are not praised” has changed some with the new RP line.

 

[Scrivs]

I’ve been more than happy with my Klipsch SPL-100 (10 inch, ported).
Nary a glitch over 6 years of ownership, I use it in a 2.1 setup with a pair of KEF R5.
At the end of the day, a sub is a sub. As long as it has enough output, and the options you need to integrate it into your system, imho, there’s no need to spend more than you need to.

 

[3125b]

In Europe Klipsch subwoofers can be had a lot cheaper than comparable SVS models. The subwoofer market in Europe is fairly sparce and comparatively more expensive in general. Klipsch offers some of the better value in the budget and medium-priced categories.
You shouldn't pay normal retail though, these things are on sale regularly. At the beginning of the year the RP-1400SW went for 695€ for example, just wait for an opportunity like that.

 

[tineared]

So SVS, right? I'm checking Klipsch as well as they say its bass-reflex is directed towards, so supposedly it will work even close to the wall.

If it's for music, sealed subs are far better sounding but are less efficient so require more power than a ported sub to achieve similar output

 

[Oddball]

My point with that video was that this “Klipsch subwoofers are not praised” has changed some with the new RP line.

Well it's all relative. I had a brief experience with RP 15" couple of years back. Died within 6 mos albeit in severe use environment trying to keep up with Arendal 1723 2V. While it was in use was kind of doing well though. Not sure what happened as got full refund from the merchant, so did not ask any questions as in that market best to let things flow if flowing your way. Got replaced by another 2V.

 

[JRowland]

Well it's all relative. I had a brief experience with RP 15" couple of years back. Died within 6 mos albeit in severe use environment trying to keep up with Arendal 1723 2V. While it was in use was kind of doing well though. Not sure what happened as got full refund from the merchant, so did not ask any questions as in that market best to let things flow if flowing your way. Got replaced by another 2V.

I had the same experience with the SW15 plate amp dying on me, about a year after the 2 year warranty expired. I reached out to Klipsch and they sent me their new at the time RP1400 I have as a replacement. So now I have 2 more of their subs, I’d try some other brands but I’m going with the flow so to speak and showing gratitude with my wallet.

 

[Cogito]

Can't beat SVS's customer service. Always high perfomance/$ ratio.

 

[mikolajek]

Thanks, all! Just a question - since SU-X is a 2-channel DAC, would it actually make sense to get a sub for it? Sure, it can be connected via RCA, and it will work (tested it with my home theatre Canton sub), but it's surely not a dedicated 2.1 device.

As said I use JRiver Media Center, as with this tool I'd need to use the classic 2.0 config, and not 2.1. I can switch to 2.1 while playing (and the effect is great), but on next track it will get reset to 2.0 .

I'm not particularly inclined to update the DAC + AMP, as they are meant for stereo only, just wanted to make the low tones a bit noisier for the neighbours

 

[ZolaIII]

JRiver on what (laptop/desktop)? You nead more than two chenels. What cheap you can get from sub's there where you live?

 

[mikolajek]

Yes, on my laptop - connected via USB-C => USB-B.

Since SB-1000 is EOL now, I can negotiate the price lower than the current one. Not sure about DAC, I'd need to sell my SMSL which I really like :/

 

[ZolaIII]

Yes, on my laptop - connected via USB-C => USB-B.

Since SB-1000 is EOL now, I can negotiate the price lower than the current one. Not sure about DAC, I'd need to sell my SMSL which I really like :/

You feed the power amplifier balanced or? Old SB-1000 is probably still best budget option but try to see if you can find a sub with balanced inputs and get 4 output chenel interface like Motu or Tooping. Unbalanced might be a problem with laptop and MiniDSP is both costly and not wide available. If you think DAC more than cuple dB better than power amplifier is, is needed and that you will hear it then we are in a wrong place at the right time. Believe me deacent to great DAC (106/124 dB) won't have any impact to much lower SINAD and even that is laughable to THD of speakers. So you worry improving in reverse order, speakers first.
How big is the room and is it near field or what?
Do you have measurement microphone?