In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and SW-12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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.Klipsch R-121SWand Wharfedale SW-12 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 SW-12 has a frequency range of 35-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SW-12's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 R-121SW and Wharfedale SW-12 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.
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 Wharfedale SW-12'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 Wharfedale SW-12 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm ( 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) .
Wharfedale SW-12 is 5mm narrower and 20mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 57mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and Wharfedale SW-12 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2. The R-121SW requires 5% more surface area than the SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs. This makes the SW-12 35% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and SW-12'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 Wharfedale SW-12?
Here are the items that come with the SW-12:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
423mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Base Surface Area |
2058cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Wharfedale SW-12 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
35-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
21.54kg (47.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |