In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN12 and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology 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 Definitive DN12 and Klipsch R-121SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Definitive DN12 and Klipsch R-121SW 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.Definitive DN12and Klipsch R-121SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Descend DN12 can go slightly deeper then the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 Definitive DN12 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Klipsch R-121SW 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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 Definitive DN12's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Definitive DN12 has external dimensions of 488.0 x 459.0 x 512.0mm ( 19-3/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) whereas Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-121SW is 52mm narrower and 65mm shorter than Definitive DN12 but it is also 20mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN12 and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive DN12 and Klipsch R-121SW Size and External Dimensions
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 Definitive DN12 is approximately 2350.1cm2 / 364.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Descend DN12 requires 9% more surface area than the R-121SW which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Definitive DN12 weighs 33.23kg / 73.1lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Descend DN12 108% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN12 and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive DN12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN12:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordRemote controlCR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
423mm
vs
488mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
vs
2350cm2 (459x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
488.0mm (19.2") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |