In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Audioengine. 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 SPL-120 and Audioengine S8 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 SPL-120 and Audioengine S8 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 SPL-120and Audioengine S8 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch SPL-120's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Audioengine S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then the S8's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 SPL-120 and Audioengine S8 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 SPL-120's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. Klipsch SPL-120 has external dimensions of 450.0 x 375.0 x 540.0mm ( 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 82mm wider, 116mm taller and 203mm deeper than Audioengine S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-120 and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-120 and Audioengine S8 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 SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The SPL-120 requires 105% more surface area than the S8 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 SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the SPL-120 50% heavier than the S8.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 and S8'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 SPL-120?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SPL-120:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
334mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2 (293x337mm)
vs
2025cm2 (375x540mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
450.0mm (17.7") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |