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Klipsch Reference R-121SW Subwoofer Review

Main Features

  • 12" Spun-Copper TCP Woofer
  • 200 watts RMS Output
  • 28-120 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 35.20 lbs / 16.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 16-5/8" x 16" x 20-15/16"
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Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer Review

R-121SW is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Klipsch with a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. It features 1 x 12" Spun-Copper TCP Woofer, and powered by a 200 watts amplifier.

R-121SW is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of Powered subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

Klipsch Reference (R) Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
Klipsch R-121SW
28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16.00kg
Klipsch R-101SW
Compare
30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 13.91kg
Klipsch R-112SW
Compare
24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 22.16kg
Klipsch R-10SWi
Compare
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 11.59kg
Klipsch R-8SW
Compare
38-120k Hz 8" 50 watts 6.82kg
Klipsch RW-100SW
Compare
27-125k Hz 10" 225 watts 17.73kg


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Klipsch R-121SW has a Frequency response range of 28-120 Hz at ±3dB. With the help of its 1 x 12-inch driver and 200 watts RMS amplifier, the R-121SW can go as low as 28 Hz which doesn't quite offer full range sound (20Hz-2kHZ) but it gets really close. Here we have a comparison of how R-121SW's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
Klipsch R-121SW
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-121SW
Min
Average
Max

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 750$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Klipsch R-121SW's 28Hz:

  • GoldenEar ForceField 3 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ R-121SW)
  • SVS PB-1000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ R-121SW)
  • SVS SB-2000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ R-121SW)
  • Klipsch RP-1000SW with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ R-121SW)
  • SVS SB-1000 Pro with Low Frequency of 20 Hz (Compare w/ R-121SW)


Low-Pass Crossover

Klipsch R-121SW has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 50-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Klipsch R-121SW also features a High-pass filter (HFP) working at N/A Hz, used to block any frequencies below that point.

Klipsch R-121SW Back View
Klipsch R-121SW Back View

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA/LFE
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

Klipsch R-121SW External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch (423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch R-121SW, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch R-121SW Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch R-121SW Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Klipsch R-121SW virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Klipsch R-121SW placed next to a Media Stand
Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how R-121SW's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-121SW
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $750
Klipsch R-121SW
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch R-121SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems whereas the sealed designs are preferred for music oriented systems.

Klipsch R-121SW  - Side View
Klipsch R-121SW - Side View

Port Position

Klipsch R-121SW is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Klipsch R-121SW  Port
Klipsch R-121SW Port

Does the Klipsch R-121SW come with a Grille?

R-121SW comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-121SW:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • Warranty

    2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Klipsch R-121SW  Lifestyle
    Klipsch R-121SW Lifestyle

    Klipsch Reference R-121SW Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
    Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
    Polk Monitor XT12
    Compare
    24-160k Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch "
    B&W DB4S
    Compare
    10-350k Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch"
    SVS SB-1000 Pro
    Compare
    20-270k Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch "
    Klipsch R-101SW
    Compare
    30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch "
    KEF KC62
    Compare
    11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch "
    Wharfedale SW-15
    Compare
    30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch "
    KEF KUBE 8b
    Compare
    34-140k Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch"
    Klipsch R-100SW
    Compare
    32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch"
    Klipsch SPL-100
    Compare
    27-125k Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch"
    SVS PB-1000 Pro
    Compare
    17-260k Hz 12" 325 watts 18-13/16inch x 15inch x 20-15/16inch "
    SVS PB-1000
    Compare
    19-270k Hz 10" 300 watts 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch"
    Jamo S 808 SUB
    Compare
    39-180k Hz 8" 50 watts 18-1/16 x 7 x 14inch"
    KEF KUBE 10b
    Compare
    24-140k Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch"
    Klipsch SPL-120
    Compare
    24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch"
    Cambridge Audio Minx X201
    Compare
    36-200k Hz 6.5" 200 watts 8-5/8 x 8-1/4 x 10-1/16inch"
    Wharfedale SW-12
    Compare
    35-120k Hz 12" 300 watts 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch "
    Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R-121SW
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference R-121SW


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