In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 and ASW610, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins. 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 B&W ASW610 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 B&W ASW610 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.Both Klipsch SPL-120and B&W ASW610 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch SPL-120's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W ASW610 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then the ASW610'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
The Klipsch SPL-120 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 B&W ASW610 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 B&W ASW610'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 B&W ASW610 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 312.0 x 394.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 63mm wider, 129mm taller and 146mm deeper than B&W ASW610.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-120 and B&W ASW610 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-120 and B&W ASW610 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 B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The SPL-120 requires 65% more surface area than the ASW610 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 B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the SPL-120 63% heavier than the ASW610.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 and ASW610'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 B&W ASW610?
Here are the items that come with the ASW610:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
321mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1229cm2 (312x394mm)
vs
2025cm2 (375x540mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
450.0mm (17.7") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |