Short answer: the Klipsch R-121SW, if you are buying new. The JBL HDI-1200P ranks higher than it (#32 vs #132 of 212 subwoofers, 3.9/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch R-121SW is still sold new at $449.99.
Why pick the Klipsch R-121SW: A 12 inch front-firing subwoofer with Klipsch’s copper colored woofer, an affordable pick for home theater. The tradeoff: Output drops to 98.4dB at 25Hz and 96.0dB at 20Hz, so the deepest film effects will be weak in a large room.
The case for the JBL HDI-1200P: A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a powerful amp, low distortion and adjustable crossover and phase for easy blending, now discontinued. The tradeoff: Output drops quickly below the port tuning, to 93.2dB at 25Hz against 109.5dB at 31.5Hz, so the deepest effects are limited.
Buy the Klipsch R-121SW if you want one new; the JBL HDI-1200P is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A 12 inch front-firing subwoofer with Klipsch’s copper colored woofer, an affordable pick for home theater.
A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a powerful amp, low distortion and adjustable crossover and phase for easy blending, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch R-121SW | JBL HDI-1200P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $2,310 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #132 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #32 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 98.4 dB | 93.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 102.3 dB | 109.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 108.2 dB | 115.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 112.4 dB | 119.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 112.9 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 111.3 dB | 114.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 109.9 dB | 115.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 108.3 dB | 117.2 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.2 dB | 117.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 16”W x 19.7”D (421.6 x 406.4 x 500.4 mm) | 16.9”H x 16.3”W x 17.8”D (430.5 x 414.0 x 451.4 mm) |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) | 70.8 lbs (32.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 5/2 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black, wood |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS | 1000W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 28-120Hz | 28-150Hz (-6dB) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 50-150Hz, 24dB/octave |
| Inputs | - | RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) |
| Features | - | Single-band parametric EQ |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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