In this review, we will be comparing RP-1200SW and Radius 390, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Monitor Audio . 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 RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 Klipsch RP-1200SWand Monitor Audio Radius 390 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1200SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Monitor Audio Radius 390 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz whereas Radius 390 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Radius 390's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 RP-1200SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Monitor Audio Radius 390 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs.
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 Klipsch RP-1200SW's and Monitor Audio Radius 390's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) whereas Monitor Audio Radius 390 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 331.0 x 385.0mm ( 13-11/16 x 13 x 15-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-1200SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 101mm wider, 134mm taller and 274mm deeper than Monitor Audio Radius 390.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Radius 390 is approximately 1274.4cm2 / 197.5inch2. The RP-1200SW requires 123% more surface area than the Radius 390 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 RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs and the Monitor Audio Radius 390 weighs 13.77kg / 30.3lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 126% heavier than the Radius 390.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1200SW and Radius 390's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
138k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1150USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
348mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1274cm2 (331x385mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
Monitor Audio Radius 390 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
220 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16.5-138 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
220-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
C-CAM |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
659.0mm (25.9") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Weight |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
13.77kg (30.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |