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When it comes to adding deep, impactful bass to your home entertainment system, subwoofers are essential - but the market spans from affordable to ultra-premium offerings. Today we're comparing two very different approaches: the newly released $299 Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 and the reference-class $2,499 SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution.
Before diving into the specifics, let's cover what makes subwoofers unique. These specialized speakers handle the lowest frequencies in music and movies - the deep bass that you often feel more than hear. While regular speakers might reach down to 50Hz, quality subwoofers can reproduce frequencies below 20Hz, adding real physical impact to explosions, bass drums, and other low-frequency effects.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 was just released in early 2024 as part of Klipsch's new collaboration with Onkyo. It represents modern trends in wireless connectivity and app control, making setup and integration simpler than ever. The SVS SB17-Ultra showcases the latest in high-end subwoofer engineering, with its massive dual voice coil design and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) control systems.
The fundamental difference between these subwoofers becomes clear when examining their frequency response and output capabilities. The Klipsch reaches down to 26Hz, which covers most musical bass and many movie effects. However, the SVS extends to 15Hz - well below human hearing but in the range where you physically feel deep bass impacts.
What this means in practice: While the Klipsch will give you satisfying punch on music and decent rumble for movies, the SVS can recreate the actual physical sensation of being in a movie theater. During scenes with ultra-low bass (think spaceship launches or explosions), the SVS maintains composure while delivering chest-thumping impact that the Klipsch simply can't match due to its size and power limitations.
The difference in amplification technology is stark. The Klipsch's 80-watt RMS amplifier is perfectly matched to its 10" driver for normal listening levels. However, the SVS's dual mono-block amplifier system (think of it as having two separate ultra-powerful amplifiers) delivers a massive 2800 watts RMS. This isn't just about volume - it's about control and headroom. The SVS can reproduce sudden bass impacts without strain, maintaining clarity even at reference listening levels.
Here's where the Klipsch shows its modern engineering approach. Its wireless connectivity means you can place it almost anywhere in the room without running cables. The included app provides basic controls for volume and phase adjustment. Its compact size (about 13" cube) makes it apartment-friendly.
The SVS takes a more traditional but sophisticated approach. While it requires wired connections, it offers balanced XLR inputs (professional-grade connections that reject noise), comprehensive room correction features, and detailed DSP controls through its app. However, at 124 pounds and roughly 20" cube, placement requires careful planning.
For typical living rooms and smaller home theaters, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers remarkable value. Its wireless design means you can experiment with placement to find the sweet spot, and its output is more than adequate for movies and music at normal listening levels. The ability to add a second unit for smoother bass response is particularly clever.
In a purpose-built theater room, the SVS SB17-Ultra showcases its engineering excellence. The sophisticated room correction can compensate for acoustic challenges, while its massive output capability ensures you never miss a beat - or explosion. The dual voice coil design provides exceptional control over the massive 17" driver, preventing distortion even during the most demanding scenes.
While the price difference is substantial, both products deliver excellent value in their respective categories:
Choose the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 if:
Choose the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution if:
The Klipsch-Onkyo collaboration has yielded impressive engineering refinements in the Flexus series. Over 1,000 tests were conducted to optimize performance, focusing on wireless reliability and integration with their soundbar ecosystem.
The SVS showcases multiple technical innovations, including:
Both subwoofers excel in their intended use cases. The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 brings wireless convenience and solid performance to the entry-level market, while the SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution stands as a testament to what's possible when cost is no object. For most users, the Klipsch will provide satisfying bass performance with minimal setup complexity. However, for dedicated home theater enthusiasts or audiophiles seeking the ultimate in bass reproduction, the SVS delivers performance that justifies its premium price point.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 | SVS SB17-Ultra R|Evolution |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value assessment | |
| $299 (Entry-level wireless) | $2,499 (Ultra-premium reference) |
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass | |
| 10" paper cone driver | 17" glass fiber composite driver with dual 8" voice coils |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 80W RMS/160W peak Class D | 2800W RMS/6000W peak dual mono-block |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26Hz-250Hz (±3dB) | 15Hz-320Hz (±3dB) |
| Maximum Output - Impacts room-filling capability | |
| 103.7 dB | Significantly higher (>120 dB estimated) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass quality and room integration | |
| Sealed MDF, compact 13" cube design | Heavily braced sealed MDF, 20" cube design |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and affects placement | |
| 20.7 lbs (easily moveable) | 124 lbs (permanent installation recommended) |
| Connectivity - Impacts setup flexibility | |
| Wireless via USB transmitter + RCA | Balanced XLR and RCA inputs/outputs |
| Control Options - Affects fine-tuning capability | |
| Basic app control, volume/phase adjustment | Advanced DSP, room correction, detailed app control |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| Dual sub capable, wireless sync with soundbar | Built-in line conditioning, professional calibration options |
| Room Size Suitability - Match to your space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to ~300 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to ~1000 sq ft) |
| Installation Complexity - Consider setup effort | |
| Simple wireless setup, flexible placement | Complex wired setup, requires careful positioning |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 2 years | 5 years |
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and 10" driver. The SVS would likely be too powerful and physically large for most small spaces.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 costs $299, while the SVS SB17-Ultra is priced at $2,499 - a difference of $2,200.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 features wireless connectivity and simple app control, making it much easier to set up than the SVS, which requires wired connections and more complex calibration.
Yes, both subwoofers can work with any system using standard connections. The Klipsch offers wireless connectivity, while the SVS provides both RCA and XLR connections.
The SVS SB17-Ultra reaches lower frequencies (15Hz vs 26Hz) and provides significantly more impact for movie effects compared to the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100.
The Klipsch can be easily self-installed due to its wireless design. The SVS, weighing 124 pounds, may benefit from professional installation and calibration.
Both work well for music, but the SVS offers superior precision and power. The Klipsch provides satisfying musical bass for casual listening at a fraction of the cost.
The Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 supports pairing two units wirelessly. The SVS can be used in multiple configurations but requires wired connections.
The SVS SB17-Ultra can produce significantly higher output levels than the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 (103.7dB max), making it better suited for larger rooms and higher volumes.
The SVS comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch offers a 2-year warranty.
Neither subwoofer requires special equipment - both work with standard home theater receivers. The Klipsch includes a wireless transmitter for compatible soundbars.
For most users, the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 offers better value with its wireless convenience and good performance at $299. The SVS SB17-Ultra is a premium choice for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who demand ultimate performance.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - listenup.com - bestbuy.com - forum.planetofthevapes.co.uk - cnet.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - av-connection.com - greentoe.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - svsound.com - musicdirect.com - crutchfield.com - svsound.com - soundapproach.com - worldwidestereo.com - audioadvice.com - primetimeav.com - summithifi.com - bhphotovideo.com
