Short answer: the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW. It ranks #108 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $1,249.99. The Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V ranks #126, rated 3.8/5, at $1,200, $49.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW: Features a 14-inch spun-copper front-firing Cerametallic woofer powered by a 500-watt RMS / 1000-watt peak Class D amplifier. Watch for: Substantial 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) weight and deep 652 mm cabinet require dedicated floor space.
The case for the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 116.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The tradeoff: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority.
Buy the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $49.99 saving on the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V is not enough to make up the difference.
Worth knowing: the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.8 to 4.2, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW | Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249.99 | $1,200 |
| Ranked | #108 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) Estimated | #126 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Warranty | 5 | 10/5 |
| Country | United States | Norway |
| Enclosure | ported | ported, rear |
| Dimensions | 21.3” x 20” x 25.7” (542 x 508 x 652 mm) | 21.4”H x 15.4”W x 19.7”D (544.8 x 389.9 x 499.9 mm) |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) | 79.6 lbs (36.1 kg) |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 101.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 107.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 117.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 117.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 116.2 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 116.0 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black, white |
| Measurement Source | - | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Drivers | - | 12” (305mm) driver |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW:
- Rythmik FVX12 vs Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW
- Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW vs SVS PB12-Plus
- Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW vs HSU Research VTF-TN1
- Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S vs Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V
- Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra vs Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW: $1,249.99 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Klipsch RP-1000SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.6/5), the Klipsch RP-1200SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.8/5) and the Klipsch RP-1600SW (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: Features a 14-inch spun-copper front-firing Cerametallic woofer powered by a 500-watt RMS / 1000-watt peak Class D amplifier. Incorporates a front-firing slot port with internal Aerofoil flare geometry to eliminate port turbulence while reaching a rated 16Hz low-frequency extension and up to 124 dB peak output. Compatible with the optional WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit.
Cons: Substantial 38.0 kg weight and deep 652 mm cabinet require dedicated floor space. Lacks independent standardized CEA-2010 burst output data.
Full Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.3” x 20” x 25.7” (542 x 508 x 652 mm) |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V: $1,200 Arendal Sound eBay
Same family: the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 116.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 544.8H x 389.9W x 499.9D mm cabinet and 36.1 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Full Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 116.0 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, white |
| Country | Norway |
| Dimensions | 21.4”H x 15.4”W x 19.7”D (544.8 x 389.9 x 499.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 117.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 116.2 dB |
| Warranty | 10/5 |
| Weight | 79.6 lbs (36.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons