In this review, we will be comparing Performa3 B112v2 and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Revel 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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.Revel Performa3 B112v2and Klipsch R-121SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Performa3 B112v2 has a frequency range of 29-150 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go slightly deeper then the Performa3 B112v2's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Revel Performa3 B112v2 has external dimensions of 469.0 x 405.0 x 472.0mm ( 18-7/16inch x 15-15/16inch x 18-9/16inch ) 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 ) .
Revel Performa3 B112v2 is 2mm narrower and 60mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 46mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Revel Performa3 B112v2 and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of Revel Performa3 B112v2 and Klipsch R-121SW 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 is approximately 1911.6cm2 / 296.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Performa3 B112v2 requires 12% 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 weighs 29.45kg / 64.8lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Performa3 B112v2 84% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Performa3 B112v2 and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 B112v2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Performa3 B112v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordGrille4 Spike feetOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1911cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
423mm
vs
469mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
2695USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Revel Performa3 B112v2 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Revel |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-150 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated Paper/Pulp |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
469.0mm (18.5") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
405.0mm (15.9") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
29.45kg (64.8lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |