In this review, we will be comparing SUB6 v2 and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Kanto 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 Kanto SUB6 v2 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 Kanto SUB6 v2 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.Both Kanto SUB6 v2and Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Kanto SUB6 v2's woofer is 6-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SUB6 v2 has a frequency range of 40-175 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB6 v2's min frequency of 40Hz.
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 Kanto SUB6 v2 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 Kanto SUB6 v2's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Kanto SUB6 v2 has external dimensions of 241.0 x 220.0 x 220.0mm ( 9-1/2 x 8-11/16 x 8-11/16inch) 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 ) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 187mm wider, 182mm taller and 312mm deeper than Kanto SUB6 v2.
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 Kanto SUB6 v2 is approximately 484.0cm2 / 75.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The SUB6 v2 requires 78% 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 Kanto SUB6 v2 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the R-121SW 220% heavier than the SUB6 v2.
Here is a comparison of how SUB6 v2 and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
241mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
484cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
40 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Kanto SUB6 v2 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Kanto |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
100 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
40-175 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
Variable low pass |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
241.0mm (9.5") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |