In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and Debut 2.0 SUB3030, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and ELAC. 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 R-121SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 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 R-121SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 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 R-121SWand ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas Debut 2.0 SUB3030 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Debut 2.0 SUB3030 can go slightly deeper then the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 R-121SW 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 have Passive radiator type enclosure.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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 R-121SW's and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030's external dimensions. Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) whereas ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 has external dimensions of 462.0 x 451.0 x 464.0mm ( 18-3/16 x 17-3/4 x 18-1/4inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is 44mm narrower and 39mm shorter than ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 but it is also 68mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 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 R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 is approximately 2092.6cm2 / 324.4inch2. The R-121SW requires 3% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 SUB3030 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 R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs and the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 weighs 22.80kg / 50.2lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 SUB3030 43% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and Debut 2.0 SUB3030's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 SUB3030:
Powered subwoofer9-feet AC power cord4 Spikes4 Hex-nutsOperating Instructions
 Height |
423mm
vs
462mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2092cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Doped Paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
462.0mm (18.2") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
464.0mm (18.3") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
22.80kg (50.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |