In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and Descend DN12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Definitive Technology. 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-1400SW and Definitive DN12 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-1400SW and Definitive DN12 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-1400SWand Definitive DN12 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1400SW's woofer is 14-inch whereas the Definitive DN12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Descend DN12's min frequency of 25Hz.
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-1400SW 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 Definitive DN12 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-1400SW's and Definitive DN12's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) whereas Definitive DN12 has external dimensions of 488.0 x 459.0 x 512.0mm ( 19-3/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 54mm taller and 141mm deeper than Definitive DN12.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1400SW and Definitive DN12 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1400SW and Definitive DN12 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-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive DN12 is approximately 2350.1cm2 / 364.3inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 41% more surface area than the Descend DN12 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-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs and the Definitive DN12 weighs 33.23kg / 73.1lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 15% heavier than the Descend DN12.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and Descend DN12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
488mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2350cm2 (459x512mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
488.0mm (19.2") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
| 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 |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |