Short answer: the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. It ranks #172 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $265.05. The Klipsch R-12SW ranks #176, rated 3.3/5, at $259, $6.05 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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.
Why pick the Klipsch R-12SW: 12-inch copper-spun IMG driver provides low frequency with minimal breakup/distortion.
Buy the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $6.05 saving on the Klipsch R-12SW is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Reference R-120SW | Klipsch R-12SW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $265.05 each | $259.00 |
| Ranked | #172 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #176 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Warranty | 5/2 | 5/2 |
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS, 400W peak Class D | 200W RMS |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 29Hz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 40Hz - 120Hz variable | - |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 14” x 19.2” (419 x 356 x 488 mm) | 16”H x 14”W x 18.5”D (406.4 x 355.6 x 469.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear-firing Tractrix port | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 29Hz - 120Hz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 29-120Hz |
| Inputs | Line level / LFE RCA jacks | - |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB (in-room) | - |
| Phase Control | 0° / 180° switch | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 68.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 86.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 97.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 100.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 109.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 111.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 109.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 107.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 105.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 108.5 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
| Measurement Source | - | ErinsAudioCorner |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Klipsch Reference R-120SW:
- BIC America F-12 vs Klipsch Reference R-120SW
- Klipsch Reference R-120SW vs Polk Audio Monitor XT12
- Klipsch R-12SW vs BK Electronics XLS200-DF MK2
- Klipsch R-12SW vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10E
- Monoprice SW-15 vs Klipsch R-12SW
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
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
Klipsch R-12SW: $259.00 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch R-121SW, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jul 2022. See every Klipsch Reference subwoofers generation.
Same family: the Klipsch R-10SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.2/5) and the Klipsch R-115SW (larger subwoofer, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: 12-inch copper-spun IMG driver provides low frequency with minimal breakup/distortion. 400W digital amplifier (200W RMS) with 29-120Hz frequency response. Unique copper diaphragm ensures durability while producing deep bass without distortion. Clean detailed bass at this price range stands out. Elegant cube design (14x18.5x16 inches, 30 lbs) with straightforward setup and easy connectivity via RCA inputs.
Full Klipsch R-12SW review and specifications →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 108.5 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 16”H x 14”W x 18.5”D (406.4 x 355.6 x 469.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | 29-120Hz |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 68.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 86.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 97.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 100.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 104.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 109.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 111.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 109.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 107.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 105.8 dB |
| Warranty | 5/2 |
| Weight | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons