In this review, we will be comparing RP-1200SW and Defiance X10, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Paradigm. 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 Paradigm Defiance X10 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 Paradigm Defiance X10 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Paradigm Defiance X10 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1200SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Paradigm Defiance X10 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz whereas Defiance X10 has a frequency range of 29-240 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 Defiance X10's min frequency of 29Hz.
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
Both Klipsch RP-1200SW and Paradigm Defiance X10 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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
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 Paradigm Defiance X10'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 Paradigm Defiance X10 has external dimensions of 418.0 x 383.0 x 453.0mm ( 16-7/16inch x 15-1/16inch x 17-13/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1200SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 64mm taller and 206mm deeper than Paradigm Defiance X10.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Paradigm Defiance X10 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1200SW and Paradigm Defiance X10 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 Paradigm Defiance X10 is approximately 1735.0cm2 / 268.9inch2. The RP-1200SW requires 64% more surface area than the Defiance X10 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 Paradigm Defiance X10 weighs 19.09kg / 42lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 63% heavier than the Defiance X10.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1200SW and Defiance X10'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
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
240k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
418mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1735cm2 (383x453mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
Paradigm Defiance X10 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16.5-138 Hz |
29-240 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
432.0mm (17") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Depth |
659.0mm (25.9") |
453.0mm (17.8") |
| Weight |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
19.09kg (42lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |