In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1200-GB and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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.ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch R-121SW have a totally different setup: the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB features 2 x 12-inch drivers whereas the R-121SW features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Varro DS1200-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) 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 ) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Varro DS1200-GB requires 7% less surface area than the R-121SW 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 138% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1200-GB 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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
483.0mm (19") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
418.0mm (16.5") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |