Klipsch SPL 120 vs R-120SW: Don’t Choose the Wrong One

Since 1946, Klipsch prides in releasing top-notch subwoofers that pack vast features at reasonable prices. These features vary from subwoofers that warrant punchy bass sound with minimum distortion to subs with an aesthetically appealing design to complement your entertainment system. In short, Klipsch always takes care of your sound needs!

The Klipsch SPL 120 offers an impeccable performance, topped with an optional wireless connectivity feature that comes in handy when cables are not an option. On the other hand, Klipsch R-120sw provides the perfect blend between performance and irresistible beauty.

“Does the subwoofer sound good?” Any prospective buyer needs to know what happens when they crank up the bass. So, is there a comparable difference in Klipsch SPL 120 vs R-120sw?

Overall Comparison

Let’s take a look at the key specifications of the Klipsch SPL-120 vs R-120SW before carrying on to an in-depth comparison of the two subwoofers.

Product Title	Klipsch SPL 120	Klipsch R-120SW
Dimensions(inches)	17.75 x 14.7 x 19.9	19.2 x 14 x 16.5
RMS/Peak Power	300W RMS / 600W	200W RMS / 400W
Frequency Response	24 Hz – 125 Hz	29 Hz – 120 Hz +/- 3dB
Weight	45 pounds or 24kgs	31 pounds/14.1kg
Maximum Acoustic output	118 dB	116 dB
Enclosure type	Bass Reflex through the Front-Firing Slot Port	Bass Reflex via the Front-Firing Slot Port

Klipsch SPL-120 Powered Subwoofer

The Klipsch SPL 120 compact subwoofer brings out compelling bass for gamers and audiophiles. The low-frequency response of 24 – 125 Hz allows the sub to reproduce deep, clean, crispy clear lows with minimum distortion.

The Klipsch SPL 120 is a heavy and sturdy sub weighing about 45 pounds (24kgs) and measures 17.75 x 14.7 x 19.9 inches. The front-firing slot port ensures flexible placement, undistorted bass, and minimizes port noise. For a sound true to source and good price, we’re pleased to say that the Klipsch SPL 120 does make the cut.

Design and Features

One of the stand-out features of the Klipsch SPL 120 is the volume, phase control, and low-pass crossover knobs. Adjusting these controls helps you tailor the sound to blend with other speakers in the room.

Have you ever been a victim of distorted sounds from other amplifiers? This subwoofer has an inbuilt, all-digital, Class D amplifier. The Amplifier offers 300W RMS and 600W peak power, with a maximum acoustic output of 118dB. So, bye bye distortion.

The 0.5W standby power allows you to save on energy consumption while jamming with the subwoofer. The SPL-120 prides itself on the impeccably low-frequency response of 24 – 125 Hz +/- 3dB, which also helps minimize distortion.

There’s also a line-level /RCA LFE input and WA-2 wireless kit for connecting multiple audio systems without switching the input jacks.

Sound Performance

The Klipsch SPL 120 is a powerful subwoofer with a punchy effect. Although the bass quality isn’t all perfect –yet-, what you get comes with clarity even at high volumes. You might notice a drop-off when playing notes that fall beyond 30Hz up to lows of 24Hz—quite an impressive performance for the sub to play such low-frequency notes without distortion!

Pros

• 0.5W standby mode helps reduce the energy consumed by the subwoofer.
• Minimal port noise
• Flexible placement
• The shock-absorbing rubber feet, woven cloth grille, and steel grille posts give the Klipsch SPL-120 sub an exclusive look and feel.

Cons

• Extra cost of buying the WA-2 wireless kit
• Bulky subwoofer (45 pounds)

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer

As an audio bug, the sound quality of your subwoofer tops your list. But sometimes, beauty and design come in the middle of your hunt, especially when looking for something that perfectly complements your room. That’s what we find in a Klipsch r-120sw.

First things first; the elegant black-textured wood grain reinforced in the MDF cabinet is the first thing that captures your attention moments before you remove the grille. So, no more leaving behind ugly, irritating fingerprint smudges all over the subwoofer.

Additionally, Klipsch designed this sub to weave excellent bass into your favorite tunes. The front-firing spun copper IMG woofer powered by a 400W all-digital amplifier produces a clean, deep bass response for your audio system.

Design

Like the SPL 120, this subwoofer has a 12-inch front-firing woofer alongside gain, phase control, and low-pass crossover knobs.

Inside the grille is a high excursion copper spun IMG woofer. (The term Excursion refers to how far the cone of the speaker can move back and forth without damage. Therefore, the higher the Excursion, the louder a subwoofer gets without distortion.)

This subwoofer has an all-digital amplifier that offers 200W RMS and 400W peak power, with a maximum acoustic output of 116dB. It measures 19.2 x 14 x 16.5 inches and weighs about 31 pounds, making it a rather sturdy and well-built subwoofer.

Sound Performance

Unlike the SPL 120, the Klipsch R-120sw fails to play clean bass tones for frequencies below 29Hz. However, the subwoofer can reach frequencies at 27Hz with a little bass boosting by the room. This sub may not be the best pick if you prefer to get a life-like experience at frequencies below 27Hz. But generally, the sound quality is definitely worth the money.

Pros

• Deep, clear deep bass with a punchy effect
• Perfect for movies and music
• Beautiful design
• Scratch resistance and fingerprint-proof cabinet.

Cons

• Hard to hear notes below frequencies of 29Hz

Final Verdict

Let’s wrap it up. Both Klipsch SPL 120 and R-120sw are great subwoofers for your entertainment audio systems. Klipsch SPL 120 beats R-120sw in terms of having multiple input modes (WA-2 wireless kit and RCA/ LFE inputs) and 0.5 watts standby mode, something that Klipsch R-120sw lacks. The SPL 120 also delivers impeccable lows without distortion at lower frequencies than the R-120sw.

However, the R-120sw has a beautiful and appealing design than the SPL 120. The smaller dimensions make the subwoofer more suitable in smaller spaces than the heavy and large SPL 120.

There’s no doubt that a Klipsch SPL 120 has more impressive features than the Klipsch R-120sw. But, the final decision will be determined by your needs. We hope that this Klipsch SPL 120 vs R-120sw comparison was worthwhile.

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