Overview

The Klipsch RP-1600SW is a 16-inch powered subwoofer from the Reference Premiere series, pairing an ultra long throw spun-copper Cerametallic woofer with an 800 W RMS (1,600 W peak) Class D amplifier. Klipsch rates it down to 14.5 Hz with 125.5 dB maximum output, the deepest and loudest figures of the four RP subwoofers. It's built for large rooms and dedicated home theatres where the bass needs real weight and headroom.

The front-firing Cerametallic woofer is light and very rigid, keeping cone breakup and distortion low for cleaner output on less amplifier power. The amplifier uses an analog preamp stage to keep the signal path clean, and a front-firing Aerofoil slot port with internal flare geometry minimizes port noise. With both the driver and port facing forward, you have more freedom in where the subwoofer goes.

Low-pass crossover and variable phase controls let you blend the sub with your speakers and room, and dual RCA/LFE line inputs connect to a home theatre receiver's subwoofer output. A built-in port accepts the Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit (sold separately), and the RCA and wireless inputs can be used at the same time. A ½-watt standby mode keeps idle power low, and the scratch-resistant ebony vinyl cabinet has rounded corners, shock-absorbing rubber feet, steel grille posts and a woven cloth grille.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

This is a big subwoofer: 23.4 inches tall, 23.5 inches wide, 27.35 inches deep and about 111 lb, so measure the spot and plan on two people to move it. Start near the front of the room, then try the subwoofer crawl: put the sub at your seat, play bass-heavy content, and walk the room to find where bass sounds smoothest. Run your receiver's room correction afterward. If a cable run is awkward, the WA-2 kit lets you place it anywhere within 50 feet. If you're within our Central Ontario service area, our custom install team can help with placement and calibration in a dedicated theatre.

More Info

Why the Klipsch RP-1600SW Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Dedicated Home Theatres: Want deep, high-output bass.
• Large Open Rooms: Need a sub with serious headroom.
• Reference Premiere Owners: Want the top RP subwoofer.

How It Compares

The RP-1400SW uses a 14" woofer and 500 W RMS (1,000 W peak) amplifier, rated at 16 Hz to 141 Hz with 124 dB maximum output, in a 21.34" x 20" x 25.67" cabinet weighing 83.7 lb. The RP-1600SW steps up to a 16" woofer and 800 W RMS (1,600 W peak), reaching 14.5 Hz to 175 Hz with 125.5 dB maximum output, in a 23.39" x 23.5" x 27.35" cabinet weighing 110.9 lb. Choose the RP-1400SW for most theatres, and the RP-1600SW for the deepest extension and most output.