Short answer: the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. Both are rated 3.4/5 for sound quality (#172 and #163 of 212 subwoofers), and the Klipsch Reference R-120SW costs $265.05 against $299 for the BIC America F-12, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
The case for the BIC America F-12: 12” woofer with 475W peak power, reaches 116dB.
Why pick the Klipsch Reference R-120SW: A high-volume budget 12-inch powered home theater subwoofer with 200W RMS / 400W peak all-digital amplification. The tradeoff: The ported enclosure begins rolling off sharply below 28Hz, lacking the true 20Hz infrasonic output of Reference Premiere models.
Buy the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $33.95 less than the BIC America F-12.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| BIC America F-12 | Klipsch Reference R-120SW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $265.05 each |
| Ranked | #163 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #172 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | Ported, rear-firing Tractrix port |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 74.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 83.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 95.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 101.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 110.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 111.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 110.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 106.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.1 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 17”H x 14.7”W x 17.2”D (431.8 x 374.6 x 438.1 mm) | 16.5” x 14” x 19.2” (419 x 356 x 488 mm) |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 5/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner | - |
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS | 200W RMS, 400W peak Class D |
| Frequency Response | 25-200Hz | 29Hz - 120Hz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 29Hz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 40Hz - 120Hz variable |
| Inputs | - | Line level / LFE RCA jacks |
| Maximum SPL | - | 116dB (in-room) |
| Phase Control | - | 0° / 180° switch |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How BIC America F-12 compares with other leading options:
- MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X vs BIC America F-12
- Monoprice SW-15 vs BIC America F-12
- SVS SB-3000 vs BIC America F-12
- BIC America F-12 vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10E
- BIC America F-12 vs Polk Audio Monitor XT12
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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
BIC America F-12: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: 12” woofer with 475W peak power, reaches 116dB. Ported enclosure with low distortion. 150W RMS with high SNR. Performs like subs costing twice as much. Backed by 5-year warranty.
Full BIC America F-12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 110.1 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 17”H x 14.7”W x 17.2”D (431.8 x 374.6 x 438.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 25-200Hz |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 74.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 83.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 95.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 110.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 111.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 110.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 106.7 dB |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Reference R-120SW: $265.05 each Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch R-121SW, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jul 2022.
Older model: the Klipsch R-12SW (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Klipsch Reference subwoofers generation.
Pros: A high-volume budget 12-inch powered home theater subwoofer with 200W RMS / 400W peak all-digital amplification. Features a 12-inch front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer and a rear-firing Tractrix port that maximizes air transfer and minimizes port noise. Delivers visceral, energetic low-end slam down to 29Hz at an accessible price point, making it a staple recommendation for entry-level 5.1 surround sound and gaming setups.
Cons: The ported enclosure begins rolling off sharply below 28Hz, lacking the true 20Hz infrasonic output of Reference Premiere models. Rear port placement requires pulling the cabinet at least 6 to 12 inches away from room walls to avoid boomy port turbulence.
Full Klipsch Reference R-120SW review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS, 400W peak Class D |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 29Hz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 40Hz - 120Hz variable |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 14” x 19.2” (419 x 356 x 488 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear-firing Tractrix port |
| Frequency Response | 29Hz - 120Hz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Line level / LFE RCA jacks |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB (in-room) |
| Phase Control | 0° / 180° switch |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Warranty | 5/2 |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons