Klipsch RP-1400SW Subwoofer

The Klipsch RP-1400SW subwoofer is a highly efficient subwoofer, and  features a 14" spun copper driver. It sits above the RP-1000SW and RP-1200SW models and balances amplifier power, driver capability and cabinet volume for optimal sound delivery.  

The RP-1400SW is the next to largest subwoofer in the Klipsch range, and has impressive, powerful and accurate sound. The built in class D amplifier is 90% efficient and drives the Cerametalic driver. The composite ceramic-metal cone resists warping and is very light. As a result bass does nor break up or distort.  

There is also a WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit available separately that lets you stream music to the unit, without trailing wires.

Class D Amplifiers High Power And Low Heat Generation

Power amplifiers that are linear in design, are power hungry and need large power supplies. Especially if they deliver several hundred watts. As a result digital amplifiers were developed that are 90% efficient. These are known as Class D and use MOSFET output transistors.  

The transistors are switched at high frequency, so that they are either fully on or fully off. The audio is modulated on to the carrier by changing the width of the switching pulses. The result is amazing sound quality with masses of power, with little heat generation.

Innovative Cabinet Design And A Front Firing Bass Port

The ebony vinyl finish cabinet, of the RP-1400SW, also features rounded corners and a woven grill cloth. Moreover, shock absorbing feet prevent any transfer of sound to the floor, to prevent booming. The grille is attached with durable steel posts.  

Square cabinets can cause refraction, hence the rounded corners. Additionally, there is strong internal bracing and flare technology for the front firing port. This prevents honking. Having a front firing aerofoil slot means that the unit can be placed up against a wall with no booming or distortion.

Connect The Subwoofer Wirelessly

The Klipsch subwoofer range have an additional WA-2 Wireless Kit, available. This is purchased separately, and enables you to stream hi-res music to the unit, without trailing wires. Up to four subwoofers can be connected for stunning bass. Additionally, you can stream and use the wired inputs at the same time. For example, the wired input can be used for your normal Hi-Fi while the wireless connection is used for your TV surround system

Crossover And Phase Adjustments

The crossover frequency of a subwoofer is important as it has to match the drop off of your main speakers. Subwoofers have a low pass filter at the input to remove frequencies above about 200Hz. This crossover frequency is adjustable. As a result there is a good match between your main speakers and the subwoofer. Another issue is phase matching. Room acoustics can cause the sound from your main speakers and the subwoofer to be out of phase. This tends to cancel out the bass frequencies. The RP-1400SW has a control to obviate this.

Why Subwoofers?

Small bookshelf speakers struggle to produce deep bass. This is due to the small cabinet volume. Even larger speakers do not have a very low bottom frequency. To get around this you can use a subwoofer. They are very common in surround sound systems.  

In fact the .1 in a 7.1 system refers to the subwoofer. Subwoofers are specially designed to have a large volume as well as a large driver. Up to 16" with the Klipsch range. They also need to have a lot of power, as bass frequencies are nearly always present in movies and games. Even some types of instruments go down lower than 200Hz. Subwoofers can be place anywhere in a room, as low frequencies are not directional.