Klipsch RP-1600SW Subwoofer

The Klipsch RP-1600SW is the largest subwoofer in the Klipsch range with a massive 16" spun copper driver. This model sits above the RP-1000SW, RP-1200SW and RP-1400SW.  

The composite cerametallic cone delivers earth-shaking bass with movies, games and music. The amplifier, cabinet and driver capability, are carefully matched to create a sound that is powerful and accurate. A highly efficient class D amplifier is used. These are 90% efficient, use less power, and generate less heat.  

The cabinet is covered in durable ebony vinyl and the front-firing port prevents booming. Finally, there is an optional wireless kit for streaming without trailing wires. The subwoofer should be connected to your AV receivers subwoofer output.

Class D, Super-Efficient Power

Once amplifiers needed large power supplies and transformers. This generated lots of heat especially if they delivered hundreds of Watts. As a result, Class D amplifiers were developed. These are essentially digital and use fast-switching MOSFET output transistors. The transistors are either fully on or fully off giving 90% efficiency.  

The audio signal is modulated onto a high-frequency carrier. This is done by varying the pulse width. More pulses closer together represent louder music. Moreover, the Klipsch subwoofer range has an analogue preamp stage. Class D delivers high power with little heat generation or distortion.

Durable Cabinet Design

The cabinet design feature scratch-resistant black ebony vinyl as well as rounded corners and woven grille cloth. This is a premium unit with shock-absorbing rubber feet, to prevent booming. Moreover, the grille cloth is attached using durable steel grille posts.  

The rounded corners help to prevent edge refraction, for a cleaner sound. Finally, the cabinet bracing features flare technology for the front-firing port. This prevents honking. Having the Aerofoil port at the front, allows the speaker to be placed up against a wall, for maximum versatility.

Wireless Kit For Easy Placement

There is an optional WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit available separately. This can be used to stream music to up to four subwoofers for earth-shaking bass. You can stream hi-res sound from your normal Hi-Fi system or from your TV surround sound system. You can connect these two things at the same time, so there is no lead switching required. Some AV amplifiers also have an LFE output as well as a subwoofer. The LFE output is used for low-frequency effects in movies. Therefore, two subwoofers could be used.

Connecting A Subwoofer

The Klipsch subwoofers come with a line-level RCA input. This should be connected to your AV receivers subwoofer output. Some AV receivers also have an LFE, or low-frequency effects output. This is not the same as the subwoofer output and is used for sound effects in movies and games.  

If you have an older amplifier with no subwoofer output, there are subwoofers available with speaker-level inputs. These are connected to the "B" speaker outputs on your amp. If you only have one set of speaker connections, there are subwoofers with a speaker-out connection as well as an input, so that your normal speakers can be "looped through".

Great Controllability

The RP-1600SW also has a crossover and phase adjustment. The crossover frequency can be adjusted around the 200Hz crossover point to best match your main speakers. Subwoofers normally have a low pass filter on the input. This may also be switchable on the AV receiver itself. 

With the Klipsch range, you can switch the phase by 180 degrees to match the phasing of your main speakers or compensate for any phase shifts caused by the room acoustics. it should be fairly obvious which setting is correct. Set it for maximum bass in your listening position.