In this review, we will be comparing RP-1200SW and Silver W-12, 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 Silver W-12 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 Silver W-12 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.Klipsch RP-1200SWand Monitor Audio Silver W-12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz whereas Silver W-12 has a frequency range of 20-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go slightly deeper then the Silver W-12's min frequency of 20Hz.
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
Monitor Audio Silver W-12
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver W-12
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 Silver W-12 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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.
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 Silver W-12'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 Silver W-12 has external dimensions of 355.0 x 342.0 x 445.0mm ( 13-15/16 x 13-7/16 x 17-1/2inch) .
Klipsch RP-1200SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 90mm wider, 127mm taller and 214mm deeper than Monitor Audio Silver W-12.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Silver W-12 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Monitor Audio Silver W-12 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 Silver W-12 is approximately 1521.9cm2 / 235.9inch2. The RP-1200SW requires 87% more surface area than the Silver W-12 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 Silver W-12 weighs 20.14kg / 44.3lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 55% heavier than the Silver W-12.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1200SW and Silver W-12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver W-12
 Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
138k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
2100USD
|
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 |
355mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1521cm2 (342x445mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
Monitor Audio Silver W-12 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16.5-138 Hz |
20-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
C-CAM |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
| Depth |
659.0mm (25.9") |
445.0mm (17.5") |
| Weight |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
20.14kg (44.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
2 Years |