In this review, we will be comparing R-120SW and C 912, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Jamo. 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 Klipsch R-120SW and Jamo C 912 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Klipsch R-120SWand Jamo C 912 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
R-120SW has a frequency range of 29-120 Hz whereas C 912 has a frequency range of 29-125 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 Klipsch R-120SW has a Bass reflex type cabinet. On the other hand the Jamo C 912 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.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch R-120SW's and Jamo C 912's external dimensions. Klipsch R-120SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 358.0 x 532.0mm (16-5/8 x 14-1/16 x 20-15/16inch) whereas Jamo C 912 has external dimensions of 461.0 x 358.0 x 507.0mm (18-1/8 x 14-1/16 x 19-15/16inch).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-120SW and Jamo C 912 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-120SW and Jamo C 912 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 Klipsch R-120SW is approximately 1904.6cm2 / 295.2inch2 and base area of the Jamo C 912 is approximately 1815.1cm2 / 281.3inch2. The R-120SW requires 5% more surface area than the C 912 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 Klipsch R-120SW weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Jamo C 912 weighs 18.98kg / 41.8lbs. This makes the C 912 35% heavier than the R-120SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-120SW and C 912's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-120SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-120SW:
- Powered sub
- Grille (installed)
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Jamo C 912?
Here are the items that come with the C 912:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Height |
423mm
vs
461mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 High Frequency Response |
125 Hz
vs
120 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
1815cm2
vs
1904cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
Near-identical footprints. Klipsch R-120SW stands 25mm further into the room. Jamo C 912 is 38mm taller.
| General |
Klipsch R-120SW |
Jamo C 912 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-120 Hz |
29-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
461.0mm (18.1") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
507.0mm (20") |
| Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
18.98kg (41.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
Different price classes - Klipsch R-120SW costs roughly 2.6x what Jamo C 912 does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | evenly matched | Effectively the same reach (29Hz vs 29Hz). |
| Amplifier power | evenly matched | Much the same amplifier (200W vs 200W RMS) - under 1dB apart. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (12" against 12"). |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are ported designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Wireless option | depends | Only Jamo C 912 offers a wireless link (as a paid option). It decides where the sub can go if you cannot run a cable, and is worth nothing if you can. |
| Price | B | Jamo C 912 costs less - $229 against $599, about 62% less. |
A Klipsch R-120SW B Jamo C 912
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let your room size and where the box can actually stand settle it. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $229 each, two Jamo C 912 cost about $458 against $599 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.