In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and SPL-120, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Klipsch. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of B&W DB2D and Klipsch SPL-120 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the B&W DB2D and Klipsch SPL-120 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.B&W DB2D and Klipsch SPL-120 have a totally different setup: the B&W DB2D features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the SPL-120 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB2D can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-120's min frequency of 24Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The B&W DB2D has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the Klipsch SPL-120 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W DB2D's and Klipsch SPL-120's external dimensions. B&W DB2D has external dimensions of 386.0 x 431.0 x 410.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 16-15/16inch x 16-1/8inch ) whereas Klipsch SPL-120 has external dimensions of 450.0 x 375.0 x 540.0mm ( 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch) .
B&W DB2D is 64mm shorter and 130mm less deeper than Klipsch SPL-120 but it is also 56mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W DB2D is approximately 1767.1cm2 / 273.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The DB2D requires 13% less surface area than the SPL-120 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the Klipsch SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the DB2D 76% heavier than the SPL-120.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and SPL-120's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W DB2D?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB2D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch SPL-120?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-120:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
386mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1767cm2
vs
2025cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
24-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
450.0mm (17.7") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
540.0mm (21.3") |
| Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |