In this review, we will be comparing Sub 600P and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Focal 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 Focal Sub 600P 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 Focal Sub 600P 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.Focal Sub 600Pand Klipsch R-121SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Sub 600P has a frequency range of 28-270 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz.
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 Focal Sub 600P 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 Focal Sub 600P's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Focal Sub 600P has external dimensions of 400.0 x 400.0 x 425.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 15-3/4 x 16-3/4inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 7mm wider, 23mm taller and 107mm deeper than Focal Sub 600P.
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 Focal Sub 600P is approximately 1700.0cm2 / 263.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Sub 600P requires 21% 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 Focal Sub 600P weighs 21.00kg / 46.2lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Sub 600P 31% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Sub 600P and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
270k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
400mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1700cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Focal Sub 600P |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Focal |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
28-270 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
W sandwich |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
400.0mm (15.7") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
400.0mm (15.7") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
425.0mm (16.7") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
21.00kg (46.2lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |