In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 and Muro SUB2020, 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 Muro SUB2020 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 ELAC Muro SUB2020 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 ELAC Muro SUB2020 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch SPL-120's woofer is 12-inch whereas the ELAC Muro SUB2020 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz whereas Muro SUB2020 has a frequency range of 28-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then the Muro SUB2020'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 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 Muro SUB2020 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 ELAC Muro SUB2020'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 Muro SUB2020 has external dimensions of 399.0 x 185.0 x 515.0mm ( 15-11/16 x 7-1/4 x 20-1/4inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 190mm wider, 51mm taller and 25mm deeper than ELAC Muro SUB2020.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-120 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-120 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 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 Muro SUB2020 is approximately 952.8cm2 / 147.7inch2. The SPL-120 requires 113% more surface area than the Muro SUB2020 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 ELAC Muro SUB2020 weighs 12.73kg / 28lbs. This makes the SPL-120 61% heavier than the Muro SUB2020.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 and Muro SUB2020'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 ELAC Muro SUB2020?
Here are the items that come with the Muro SUB2020:
Powered subwoofer8-feet AC power cord4 Cone feet2 Brackets2 Machine screws2 Wood screws2 Washers2 Wall anchorsOperating Instructions
Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
Height |
399mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
952cm2
vs
2025cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
ELAC Muro SUB2020 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
28-200 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 |
Woven Cellulose Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side or bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
450.0mm (17.7") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
185.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
515.0mm (20.3") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
12.73kg (28lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |