In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 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 SPL-120 and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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 SPL-120and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz whereas Debut 2.0 SUB3030 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then the Debut 2.0 SUB3030's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 have Passive radiator type enclosure.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030'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 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 SPL-120 is 76mm narrower and 12mm shorter than ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 but it is also 76mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-120 and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-120 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 SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2 and base area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 is approximately 2092.6cm2 / 324.4inch2. The SPL-120 requires 3% less surface area than the Debut 2.0 SUB3030 which gives it a small advantage 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 weighs 22.80kg / 50.2lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 SUB3030 11% heavier than the SPL-120.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 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 SPL-120?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SPL-120:
- Powered sub
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty 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 subwoofer
- 9-feet AC power cord
- 4 Spikes
- 4 Hex-nuts
- Operating Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
450mm
vs
462mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2025cm2
vs
2092cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
900USD
|
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 |
150 Hz
vs
125 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
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 |
450.0mm (17.7") |
462.0mm (18.2") |
| Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
464.0mm (18.3") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
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 |
A ported subwoofer against a passive radiator one. That is the most consequential line on this page: it decides how the bass rolls off, how it behaves in a small room, and how much output you get for the size of the box.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | evenly matched | Effectively the same reach (24Hz vs 25Hz). |
| Amplifier power | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 has the bigger amplifier - 500W against 300W RMS, about 2.2dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (12" against 12"). |
| Enclosure | depends | Klipsch SPL-120 is ported - a ported box gives more output low down for its size, at the cost of a steeper roll-off below tuning; ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030 is passive radiator - a passive radiator behaves like a port without the pipe noise, and suits a slim cabinet. Neither is better in the abstract; ported tends to suit films and sealed tends to suit music, and both generalisations have exceptions. |
| Wireless option | depends | Only Klipsch SPL-120 offers a wireless link (as a paid option). It decides where the sub can go if you cannot run a cable, and is worth nothing if you can. |
| Warranty | A | Klipsch SPL-120 carries 2 years on parts against 1 years. A subwoofer amplifier works harder than anything else in the system, so this is not a throwaway line. |
| Price | A | Klipsch SPL-120 costs less - $499 against $900, about 45% less. |
A Klipsch SPL-120 B ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3030
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let your room size and where the box can actually stand settle it. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $499 each, two Klipsch SPL-120 cost about $998 against $900 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.