In this review, we will be comparing 3060S and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Q Acoustics 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 Q Acoustics 3060S and Klipsch R-121SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics 3060S and Klipsch R-121SW 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 Q Acoustics 3060Sand Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Q Acoustics 3060S's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
3060S has a frequency range of 35-250 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3060S's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Q Acoustics 3060S has a Infinite Baffle type cabinet. On the other hand the Klipsch R-121SW 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.
Klipsch R-121SW 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 Q Acoustics 3060S's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3060S has external dimensions of 324.0 x 480.0 x 155.0mm ( 12-3/4 x 18-7/8 x 6-1/8inch) 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 ) .
Q Acoustics 3060S is 99mm shorter and 377mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 73mm 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 Q Acoustics 3060S is approximately 744.0cm2 / 115.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The 3060S requires 66% less surface area than the R-121SW 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 Q Acoustics 3060S weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the R-121SW 88% heavier than the 3060S.
Here is a comparison of how 3060S and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
324mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
744cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3060S |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-250 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
480.0mm (18.9") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
155.0mm (6.1") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Infinite Baffle |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |