In this review, we will be comparing SPL-120 and HDI-1200P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and JBL. 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 JBL HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P 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.Klipsch SPL-120and JBL HDI-1200P 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 HDI-1200P has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then the HDI-1200P'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
Both Klipsch SPL-120 and JBL HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P'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 JBL HDI-1200P has external dimensions of 480.0 x 412.0 x 493.0mm ( 18-7/8 x 16-3/16 x 19-3/8inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is 37mm narrower and 30mm shorter than JBL HDI-1200P but it is also 47mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch SPL-120 and JBL HDI-1200P in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch SPL-120 and JBL HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P is approximately 2031.2cm2 / 314.8inch2. The SPL-120 requires 0% less surface area than the HDI-1200P 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 JBL HDI-1200P weighs 32.18kg / 70.8lbs. This makes the HDI-1200P 57% heavier than the SPL-120.
Here is a comparison of how SPL-120 and HDI-1200P'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 JBL HDI-1200P?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-1200P:
Powered SubwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord16.5-feet Mono-RCA/Mono-Minijack cable4 SpikesOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
450mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2025cm2
vs
2031cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
2310USD
|
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 |
150k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
JBL HDI-1200P |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-125 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Poly-plas |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
450.0mm (17.7") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
375.0mm (14.8") |
412.0mm (16.2") |
| Depth |
540.0mm (21.3") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
32.18kg (70.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |