In this review, we will be comparing Nostala FT12 and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Emotiva 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 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.Emotiva Nostala FT12and Klipsch R-121SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Nostala FT12 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 Nostala FT12 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
Both Emotiva Nostala FT12 and Klipsch R-121SW have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Emotiva Nostala FT12 has external dimensions of 495.0 x 387.0 x 508.0mm ( 19-1/2 x 15-1/4 x 20inch) 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 ) .
Emotiva Nostala FT12 is 20mm narrower and 24mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 72mm taller.
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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 is approximately 1966.0cm2 / 304.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Nostala FT12 requires 9% 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 weighs 30.84kg / 67.8lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Nostala FT12 93% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Nostala FT12 and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1966cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
423mm
vs
495mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Emotiva Nostala FT12 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
495.0mm (19.5") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
387.0mm (15.2") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
508.0mm (20") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
30.84kg (67.8lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |