In this review, we will be comparing RP-1600SW and RP-1200SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Klipsch. 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1600SW's woofer is 16-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1200SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1600SW has a frequency range of 14.5-175 Hz whereas RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the RP-1600SW can go slightly deeper then the RP-1200SW's min frequency of 17Hz.
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-1600SW and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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-1600SW's and Klipsch RP-1200SW'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 Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1600SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 165mm wider, 114mm taller and 37mm deeper than Klipsch RP-1200SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1600SW and Klipsch RP-1200SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1600SW and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The RP-1600SW requires 46% more surface area than the RP-1200SW 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 Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the RP-1600SW 60% heavier than the RP-1200SW.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1600SW and RP-1200SW'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
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
482mm
vs
596mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
vs
4155cm2 (597x696mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SW |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14.5-175 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1600-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
16" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
596.0mm (23.5") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
597.0mm (23.5") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
696.0mm (27.4") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
50.00kg (110lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 years |