PORTED Subwoofer Showdown / Klipsch RP-1600SW vs SVS PB16-Ultra Head to Head!!

PORTED Subwoofer Showdown / Klipsch RP-1600SW vs SVS PB16-Ultra Head to Head!!
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In this video, we show you an objective, real world, head to head comparison of the all new Klipsch RP-1600SW, and SVS PB16-Ultra subwoofers!

This video is NOT sponsored. All equipment was purchased by us with our own money.

in order to have a fair comparison, the gain on both subwoofers were set to max, the master system volume was not changed, and the output from Room EQ Wizard (REW) was set to -18dB.

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[PureMediaSystems]

We realized we misspoke about acoustic output after the video was published, and will be addressed in a future video. It takes about 10dB for the human ear to feel as though it's twice as loud. A difference of 3dB is what it takes for a change to be perceived by the human ear. It also takes double the power (all else being equal) to increase the acoustic output by 3dB.

[SpecOfTech]

Thanks for sharing this! I think it would be worthwhile to compare compression testing for both. That will help show the output capabilities of both in your room.

[askmatt]

Assuming all testing conditions between the subs are equal, these results are going to raise some eyebrows. The SVS flagship getting beat by a sub equipped with an amp 700 watts RMS less at a price point $1100 more affordable is stunning. If I am SVS watching this I am getting very anxious about market share. The SVS Monday morning managers meeting just got VERY interesting 😳

[karnevil]

Thanks for the review. Recognizing the limitations of in-room testing I have a few questions about the test method that I didn't hear addressed in your discussion: (1) Is the SVS in extended mode (i.e., 1 port plugged)? It has about 9 dB more output around 15-16 Hz in extended mode than when no ports are plugged; (2) Why did you run the sweeps with an LPF engaged with corner freq set well below 80 Hz? (3) How did you level-match the subs before running the sweeps? You said you set the volume control on each sub to max so okay, but you can't penalize one sub because it's preamp input has lower sensitivity. Ultimately that is compensated for by the RE software in the AVR and has no effect on the max output unless you have a very bad AVR. All across the midrange portion of the sweep your plot shows a consistent offset. This is not because the SVS is inferior in design, it's because you didn't level-match them mid-band before running the sweeps. I'm not questioning whether the Klipsch has more output below 20 Hz, just what the actual difference is. (4) You said you didn't use any equalization. Part of the $1100 price difference is due to the SVS having an app that allows the user to fine tune the response, though it has little ability to boost it below 20 Hz. Just saying that when you harp on the $1100 price difference, you should take into account the features offered in each. (5) Obviously there is more to performance than is revealed by these sweeps. THD, CEA-2010, compression, etc. In spite of all of the above the Klipsch appears to be punching at its weight and above. I just think a more thorough examination of their performance and feature sets needs to be considered.

[Gstar]

whats the conclusion? whos the winner?

[hundrakg]

2 things: 1) in wich portmode did the SVS run in? 2) you have to max each sub out to compare what they can it isnt enough to play loud and compare frequency responce., run each sub and raise 1 db at a time until each sub reaches maximum performance spl between lets say 14hz to 80hz, only then will we know wich one can achieve more spl .

[infrasonicrebasses]

this is absolutely amazing I love this video the fact you guys actually took the time to get the measurements and give us hard evidence and not like some other reviewers who ain't got no measurements to show and uses grammar to describe math ..gosh ..its annoying ...this video you guys made here is like a blessing .... now do some JTR captivator subwoofers!!

[avemardore]

Thanks for spending your time, muscle and treasure sharing this with us Fellas.

[roco]

Finally others who are witnessing this! I did SPL-150 vs pb16 ultra comparison myself in my room but no one would believe my measurements.
It wasn’t like this though goodness it really killed it! 😁

People are to caught up in watts but it’s not all about watts ..

[haraldem]

The curve of the PB16-Ultra oddly looks kind of similar to the RP-1200SW's. It would have been interesting to have it included.

[stav]

Can you guys compare the new RSL 12" woofer to the Klipsch 12" RP woofer? Would be a cool shootout. Both similarly ported and similar power.

[Mo-tngm]

I just found your channel and want to thank you for an up-front review. Planning on one new sub to replace a small pair of JL Audio subs I was using for home theater. I was ready to buy an SVS PB-16 Ultra, but having seen this will go Klipsch. Since both mfgrs have 5 year warranty, this makes the decision a no-brainer. It is very encouraging to hear Klipsch still does serious engineering work and now I am excited to see what a difference this will make. (replacing JL Audio F110s)

[JustEnjoyingLife]

Was the PB-16 tested with all ports open or in extended mode?

[JOHNNYJAMS]

Bravo Klipsch! It be great if you or someone could compare the Klipsch vs the Monolith M15 v2.

[IDDQD]

I ordered rp-1600sw. Its on the way. Few more days and i can test it :)

[kylebocanegra]

You need to redo this comparison with the SVS in EXTENDED mode, where is it has higher output...

[DeltaWhiskeyBravo]

Very interesting and makes considering a Klipsch reference sub a good choice given the price difference.

[Pentenfi]

I'd be curious about some actual ground field CEA 2010 measurements.
Some sweeps in a room don't mean all too much

[rowanrobinson]

Really keen to see the SP-1400 results

[robertbush]

that's a ideal test room results
real in home use will be different for each, but close like he said proper setup is key
to many are maxing out the sub when it's not needed