In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 and SUB3070, 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 SUB3070 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 SUB3070 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 SUB3070 has a frequency range of 18-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the SUB3070 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-120's min frequency of 24Hz.
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 SUB3070 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
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 SUB3070'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 SUB3070 has external dimensions of 435.0 x 520.0 x 477.0mm (17-1/8 x 20-7/16 x 18-3/4inch).
ELAC SUB3070 is 15mm shorter and 63mm less deeper than Klipsch SPL-120 but it is also 145mm wider.
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 SUB3070 is approximately 2480.4cm2 / 384.5inch2. The SPL-120 requires 18% less surface area than the SUB3070 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 SUB3070 weighs 35.00kg / 77lbs. This makes the SUB3070 71% heavier than the SPL-120.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 and SUB3070'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 SUB3070?
Here are the items that come with the SUB3070:
- Powered subwoofer
- AC power cord
- 2 Steel bottom plates
- 4 Spikes
- 4 Locking-knobs
- 4 Protective discs
- Operating Instructions
 Base Surface Area |
2025cm2
vs
2480cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
435mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
ELAC SUB3070 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
18-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
450.0mm (17.7") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
520.0mm (20.5") |
| Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
477.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
35.00kg (77lbs) |
| 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 |