In this review, we will be comparing D212s and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Perlisten 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 Perlisten D212s and Klipsch R-121SW 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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.Perlisten D212s and Klipsch R-121SW have a totally different setup: the Perlisten D212s features x -inch drivers whereas the R-121SW features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
D212s has a frequency range of 20-231 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the D212s can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-121SW'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 Perlisten D212s and Klipsch R-121SW 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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 Perlisten D212s's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Perlisten D212s has external dimensions of 668.0 x 420.1 x 549.9mm (26.3 x 16.54 x 21.65inch) whereas Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm (16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch).
Perlisten D212s is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 13.1mm wider, 245mm taller and 17.9mm deeper than Klipsch R-121SW.
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 Perlisten D212s is approximately 2310.1cm2 / 358.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The D212s requires 7% more surface area than the R-121SW which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Perlisten D212s weighs 68.00kg / 149.6lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the D212s 325% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how D212s and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
231k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
423mm
vs
668mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2165cm2
vs
2310cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
8795USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten D212s |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
20-231 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
668.0mm (26.3") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
420.1mm (16.5") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
549.9mm (21.6") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
68.00kg (149.6lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |