In this review, we will be comparing Defiance V8 and SPL-120, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 and Klipsch SPL-120 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Paradigm Defiance V8 and Klipsch SPL-120 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 Paradigm Defiance V8and Klipsch SPL-120 have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm Defiance V8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-120 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Defiance V8 has a frequency range of 34-200 Hz whereas SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Defiance V8's min frequency of 34Hz.
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 Paradigm Defiance V8 and Klipsch SPL-120 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 Paradigm Defiance V8's and Klipsch SPL-120's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance V8 has external dimensions of 361.0 x 326.0 x 399.0mm ( 14-3/16inch x 12-13/16inch x 15-11/16inch ) whereas 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) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 89mm taller and 141mm deeper than Paradigm Defiance V8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance V8 and Klipsch SPL-120 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance V8 and Klipsch SPL-120 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 is approximately 1300.7cm2 / 201.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The Defiance V8 requires 36% less surface area than the SPL-120 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 weighs 12.05kg / 26.5lbs and the Klipsch SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the SPL-120 70% heavier than the Defiance V8.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance V8 and SPL-120's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance V8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance V8:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feetAC power cordOwners ManualOnline Registration CardImportant Unboxing Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch SPL-120?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-120:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
361mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1300cm2 (326x399mm)
vs
2025cm2 (375x540mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
480USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance V8 |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
75 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-200 Hz |
24-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
75-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
361.0mm (14.2") |
450.0mm (17.7") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Depth |
399.0mm (15.7") |
540.0mm (21.3") |
| Weight |
12.05kg (26.5lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |