In this review, we will be comparing Grotto 12 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 Grotto 12 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 Grotto 12 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.MartinLogan Grotto 12and Klipsch RP-1200SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Grotto 12 has a frequency range of 22-120 Hz whereas RP-1200SW has a frequency range of 16.5-138 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the RP-1200SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Grotto 12's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 MartinLogan Grotto 12 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 Grotto 12's and Klipsch RP-1200SW's external dimensions. MartinLogan Grotto 12 has external dimensions of 452.0 x 454.0 x 454.0mm ( 17-13/16 x 17-7/8 x 17-7/8inch) 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 ) .
MartinLogan Grotto 12 is 30mm shorter and 205mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-1200SW but it is also 22mm 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 MartinLogan Grotto 12 is approximately 2061.2cm2 / 319.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The Grotto 12 requires 28% 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 Grotto 12 weighs 37.40kg / 82.3lbs and the Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the Grotto 12 20% heavier than the RP-1200SW.
Here is a comparison of how Grotto 12 and RP-1200SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
452mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2061cm2
vs
2846cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
138k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
2300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Grotto 12 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-120 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2000-watt RMS |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminium |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
35–120Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
452.0mm (17.8") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
454.0mm (17.9") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
454.0mm (17.9") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
37.40kg (82.3lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 years |