In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and R-120SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale 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 Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-120SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-120SW 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 Wharfedale SW-15and Klipsch R-120SW have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the Klipsch R-120SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas R-120SW has a frequency range of 29-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 29Hz, the R-120SW can go slightly deeper then the SW-15's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 Wharfedale SW-15 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Klipsch R-120SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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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 Wharfedale SW-15's and Klipsch R-120SW's external dimensions. Wharfedale SW-15 has external dimensions of 570.0 x 493.0 x 615.0mm ( 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch ) whereas Klipsch R-120SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 358.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8 x 14-1/16 x 20-15/16inch) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 135mm wider, 147mm taller and 83mm deeper than Klipsch R-120SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-120SW in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-120SW 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 Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-120SW is approximately 1904.6cm2 / 295.2inch2. The SW-15 requires 59% more surface area than the R-120SW which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs and the Klipsch R-120SW weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the SW-15 124% heavier than the R-120SW.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and R-120SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SW-15:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-120SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-120SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| Low Frequency Response |
29 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
423mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1904cm2 (358x532mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
Klipsch R-120SW |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
29-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |