In this review, we will be comparing Gravis II and RP-1200SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Sonus Faber 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 Sonus faber Gravis II 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 Sonus faber Gravis II 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.Both Sonus faber Gravis IIand Klipsch RP-1200SW have a single woofer setup however the Sonus faber Gravis II's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch RP-1200SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Gravis II has a frequency range of 25-120 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 Gravis II's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 Sonus faber Gravis II has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Klipsch RP-1200SW 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 Sonus faber Gravis II's and Klipsch RP-1200SW's external dimensions. Sonus faber Gravis II has external dimensions of 407.0 x 358.0 x 435.0mm ( 16inch x 14-1/16inch x 17-1/8inch ) 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 74mm wider, 75mm taller and 224mm deeper than Sonus faber Gravis II.
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 Sonus faber Gravis II is approximately 1557.3cm2 / 241.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-1200SW is approximately 2846.9cm2 / 441.3inch2. The Gravis II requires 45% 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 Sonus faber Gravis II weighs 21.50kg / 47.3lbs and the Klipsch RP-1200SW weighs 31.18kg / 68.6lbs. This makes the RP-1200SW 45% heavier than the Gravis II.
Here is a comparison of how Gravis II and RP-1200SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
407mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1557cm2 (358x435mm)
vs
2846cm2 (432x659mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
138k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Sonus faber Gravis II |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1200SW |
| Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-120 Hz |
16.5-138 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
800-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated Paper |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
407.0mm (16") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
435.0mm (17.1") |
659.0mm (25.9") |
| Weight |
21.50kg (47.3lbs) |
31.18kg (68.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF with Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black,Matte White |
Ebony |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Yr/3 Yr registered |
5 years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Yr/3 Yr registered |
5 years |