In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES12 and RP-1200SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio 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 Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 Polk Signature Elite ES12 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.Polk Signature Elite ES12and Klipsch RP-1200SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Elite ES12 has a frequency range of 22-250 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 Elite ES12'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
Polk Signature Elite ES12
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Cabinet Type
Both Polk Signature Elite ES12 and Klipsch RP-1200SW 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES12 double Port
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 Polk Signature Elite ES12's and Klipsch RP-1200SW's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES12 has external dimensions of 231.0 x 364.0 x 532.0mm ( 9-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch x 20-15/16inch ) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 68mm wider, 251mm taller and 127mm deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES12.
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 Polk Signature Elite ES12 is approximately 1936.5cm2 / 300.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The Elite ES12 requires 32% 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 Polk Signature Elite ES12 weighs 21.64kg / 47.6lbs and the Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 44% heavier than the Elite ES12.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES12 and RP-1200SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
138k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
231mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1936cm2 (364x532mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
849USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES12 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-250 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
231.0mm (9.1") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
364.0mm (14.3") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
21.64kg (47.6lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 years |