In this review, we will be comparing RP-1600SW and A120P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and JBL. 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-1600SW and JBL Stage A120P 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-1600SW and JBL Stage A120P 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-1600SWand JBL Stage A120P have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1600SW's woofer is 16-inch whereas the JBL Stage A120P features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz whereas A120P has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the RP-1600SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120P's min frequency of 32Hz.
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-1600SW 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 JBL Stage A120P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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-1600SW's and JBL Stage A120P's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1600SW has external dimensions of 596.0 x 597.0 x 696.0mm ( 23-7/16inch x 23-1/2inch x 27-3/8inch ) whereas JBL Stage A120P has external dimensions of 415.0 x 393.0 x 475.0mm ( 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-1600SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 204mm wider, 181mm taller and 221mm deeper than JBL Stage A120P.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1600SW and JBL Stage A120P in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1600SW and JBL Stage A120P 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-1600SW is approximately 4155.1cm2 / 644.0inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A120P is approximately 1866.8cm2 / 289.4inch2. The RP-1600SW requires 123% more surface area than the A120P 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-1600SW weighs 50.00kg / 110lbs and the JBL Stage A120P weighs 18.68kg / 41.1lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 168% heavier than the A120P.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1600SW and A120P's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
15 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
415mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1866cm2 (393x475mm)
vs
4155cm2 (597x696mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
JBL Stage A120P |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
250 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14.5-175 Hz |
32-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
250-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1600-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
596.0mm (23.5") |
415.0mm (16.3") |
| Width |
597.0mm (23.5") |
393.0mm (15.5") |
| Depth |
696.0mm (27.4") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Weight |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
18.68kg (41.1lbs) |
| 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 |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
1 Year |