In this review, we will be comparing BalancedForce 210 and RP-1200SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 and Klipsch RP-1200SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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.MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 and Klipsch RP-1200SW have a totally different setup: the MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the RP-1200SW features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
BalancedForce 210 has a frequency range of 20-120 Hz whereas RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go slightly deeper then the BalancedForce 210's min frequency of 20Hz.
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
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
Cabinet Type
The MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Klipsch RP-1200SW have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210's and Klipsch RP-1200SW's external dimensions. MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 has external dimensions of 485.0 x 486.0 x 543.0mm ( 19-1/16inch x 19-1/8inch x 21-3/8inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-1200SW has external dimensions of 482.0 x 432.0 x 659.0mm ( 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch RP-1200SW is 54mm narrower and 3mm shorter than MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 but it is also 116mm deeper.
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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 is approximately 2639.0cm2 / 409.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The BalancedForce 210 requires 7% less surface area than the RP-1200SW 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 weighs 43.64kg / 96lbs and the Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the BalancedForce 210 40% heavier than the RP-1200SW.
Here is a comparison of how BalancedForce 210 and RP-1200SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Base Surface Area |
2639cm2
vs
2846cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
138k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
482mm
vs
485mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
3499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
850 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-120 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
850-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1700-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
485.0mm (19.1") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
486.0mm (19.1") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
543.0mm (21.4") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
43.64kg (96lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Black Ash |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years w/ Registration |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years w/ Registration |
5 years |