If you’re in the market for a subwoofer, some of the top brands you’ll find include Velodyne, SVS, and Klipsch. Each of the brands produces high-quality subwoofers delivering rich and fulfilling bass. Which of them is best?
Velodyne is best if you want a subwoofer that delivers tremendous deep bass and features some breakthrough speaker technologies. SVS subwoofers are best if you want high-powered bass in a futuristic casing. Klipsch subwoofers are best if you are looking for deep bass subs in contemporary designs.
The rest of the article will cover all you need to know about these speakers to help you make the right choice between the three of them.
Velodyne Subwoofer Design and General Information
Since its establishment in 1983, Velodyne has produced some of the best subwoofers on the market to date. The company was sold to the German Brand Audio Reference in 2019, but the quality of the products hasn’t wavered from what Velodyne users are accustomed to.
The technical excellence of Velodyne products is perhaps best captured by the fact that the company holds more subwoofer-related patents than any other brand in the niche. The company holds patents for the following:
- Servo-controlled subwoofer
- Sealed accelerometer
- Energy Recovery Class-D amplifier
- Dual-tandem voice-coil
The company also made the first single-driver subwoofer, which came in a compact 28-liter package. They also made the first subwoofer to feature one-touch room bass equalization, the first subwoofer to use remote control, and the first subwoofer to feature a digital accelerometer.
So, when you buy a Velodyne subwoofer, you’re almost guaranteed to buy a highly-researched product that may feature one or two proprietary technologies. Most of the products are outstanding and will come out near the top for subwoofer tests for products in their price range.
The Velodyne 80-IMP10B Impact 10 Inch Subwoofer (available on Amazon.com) is an example of the Velodyne quality. It’s an affordable product featuring a 10-inch (25.4 cm) high-quality long-throw driver.
The dual-layer voice coil and the down firing port design combine to deliver deep bass with little to no distortion. It doesn’t feature some of the more novel Velodyne technology, but that’s to be expected at the price range.
SVS Subwoofer Design and General Information
SVS burst onto the scene in 1998 with their futuristic subwoofer designs, and over the last few decades, they have produced some of the most high-value subwoofer units in the market. SVS subwoofers are known for their excellent drivers and amplifiers, which combine to deliver heavy and rich bass at an attractive price point.
Today, the company has a wide range of products ranging from small-medium sized entry-level subwoofers to large top-of-the-line models made for commercial use. Some of the characteristics of SVS subwoofers include the following:
- Excellent low-frequency coverage. The best subwoofers in the market reach the lowest frequencies to deliver an impeccable job, and SVS products don’t disappoint in this regard.
- Low-frequency production at high sound pressure levels. In addition to the quality of driver and amps in most SVS subwoofers, the cabinet design makes it easy for their products to deliver at practically all sound pressure levels.
- Impeccable accuracy with frequency production. Most SVS subwoofers are accurate with the frequencies they produce and the frequencies they DON’T reproduce. You can always expect nothing but pure and accurate bass with these products.
- Seamless integration with full-range speakers. SVS subwoofers “disappear” into the background amongst full-range speakers. It doesn’t overpower speaker setups, so you’ll not notice it, even as it continues to effortlessly fill the last bottom octave.
Below are some examples of powerful SVS subwoofers (available on Amazon.com) you can consider today:
- SVS SB-1000 Pro Sealed Subwoofer: This mid-range subwoofer delivers 820+ Watts Peak Power and 325 Watts RMS. You’ll get amazing driver control and extremely low distortion.
- SVS PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer: The product is in the medium-high end range, but it still delivers value for money. The dual-port cabinet has been acoustically tuned to deliver little to no distortion at all times.
- SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 Watt DSP Controlled 16” Subwoofer: If you’re in the market looking to splurge on a luxurious subwoofer that guarantees massive power and precise control, you won’t go wrong with the SB16-Ultra. The glossy shell design caps off the design of this truly impeccable product.
Klipsch Subwoofer Design and General Information
Since its establishment in 1946, Klipsch has set itself apart as one of the leading names in the sound niche. Their subwoofers feature the same aesthetically pleasing and scratch-resistant design. Most of the products are front-firing and come with the signature copper design in front.
Don’t be fooled by the no-frills appearance of their products, though. Most of them deliver impeccable lower bass responses and deep thumping tones. They are also compatible with most receivers and will have no problems fitting into an existing sound setup.
The brand’s stellar reputation has made it a popular option in the US and Europe. Klipsch doesn’t have many entry-level subwoofers. Therefore, hobbyists may find their products out of reach. However, most Klipsch products undoubtedly qualify as value for money compared to similarly priced alternatives.
Some examples of Klipsch subwoofers (available on Amazon.com) include the following:
- Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer: This product is one of the most affordable options from the brand. It has a 12-inch woofer and a powerful amplifier that delivers 400 watts of dynamic power.
- Klipsch SPL-150SW 15 Inch Powered Subwoofer: This high-end feature-packed subwoofer features a scratch-resistant body and the capacity to deliver 800 watts of dynamic power. You’ll enjoy low-pass crossover and excellent phase control.
- Klipsch SPL-100 10” Powered Subwoofer: The compact SPL-100 also features the signature spun-copper Klipsch design, and it can deliver a maximum acoustic output of 118dB. It also delivers 450 watts of dynamic power.
Velodyne vs. SVS vs. Klipsch Subwoofers – Which Is Best for You?
SVS subwoofers are best available in the high-end range. Velodyne products are good for hobbyists, but Klipsch has a wider selection of entry-to-mid level products delivering truly deep bass. However, if you want to elevate the look and feel of your interior space, Klipsch designs may seem bland.
Final Thoughts
The best product between the three models will vary depending on your unique needs. They all have strong suits, and the bulk of their products can stand the test of time.
Sources
- What Hi-Fi: Velodyne DB-12 review
- Rolling Stone: The Best-Sounding Subwoofers Under $300
- Product Analyst: Which is the Best Klipsch Subwoofer? (2021) — Our Ultimate Favorites From the Brand
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.