In this review, we will be comparing Q SUB80 and SPL-120, 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 Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80and Klipsch SPL-120 have a single woofer setup however the Q Acoustics Q SUB80's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-120 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Q SUB80 has a frequency range of 36-250 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 Q SUB80's min frequency of 36Hz.
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 Q SUB80 has a Infinite Baffle type cabinet. On the other hand the Klipsch SPL-120 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80's and Klipsch SPL-120's external dimensions. Q Acoustics Q SUB80 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 315.0 x 347.0mm ( 12-3/8 x 12-3/8 x 13-11/16inch) 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 60mm wider, 135mm taller and 193mm deeper than Q Acoustics Q SUB80.
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 Q SUB80 is approximately 1093.1cm2 / 169.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The Q SUB80 requires 46% 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs and the Klipsch SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the SPL-120 36% heavier than the Q SUB80.
Here is a comparison of how Q SUB80 and SPL-120's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
315mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1093cm2
vs
2025cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
36 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics Q SUB80 |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
36-250 Hz |
24-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
315.0mm (12.4") |
450.0mm (17.7") |
| Width |
315.0mm (12.4") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Depth |
347.0mm (13.7") |
540.0mm (21.3") |
| Weight |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| 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 |