A powered subwoofer can make all the difference in the world for low frequencies, and the Klipsch R-12SW stands out as a top-budget subwoofer. In our Klipsch R-12SW review, we discuss how this 12-inch subwoofer can boost the bass in your home theater system or music setup. With this in-depth critique of the Klipsch R-12SW, we examine its features, sound quality, and visual appeal to determine how it compares to similar options.
- Equally impressive with music and movies
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
- Equally impressive with music and movies
Table of Contents
Key Specifications of R-12SW 12″ Subwoofer
| Dimensions | 16.5″ (H) x 14″ (W) x 18.5 (D) |
| Weight | 33 pounds |
| Subwoofer Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Front Firing / Rear Ported Enclosure |
| Enclosure Material | Medium-density Fibreboard (MDF) |
| Power | 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts (Peak) – Class D Amplifier |
| Frequency Response | 29Hz – 120Hz |
| Woofer: | 12″ Copper-spun IMG |
| Connectivity Options | Stereo RCA, LFE, & Wireless |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Woofer) & 2 Years (Amplifier) |
| Onboard Controls | Low-Pass Crossover (40Hz – 120Hz), Gain/Volume dial, and Phase Switch (0/180°) |
| Additional Features | Indicator light, Auto On/Off, and detachable cover |
Klipsch R-12SW Powered Subwoofer: Key Features
Design and Build
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer has an appealing sleek and elegant design. The aesthetically appealing cube measures approximately 14 x 18.5 x 16 inches and weighs a sturdy 30 pounds. That’s an impressively small footprint for a 12-inch sub. The subwoofer’s casing is a blend of modern aesthetics and durability, enveloped in a brushed black polymer veneer that wraps around a solid medium-density fiber (MDF) wooden cabinet. With or without the removable grille, the Klipsch R-12SW sub will blend well well with your sound system.
The 12-inch subwoofer’s copper woofer cone might be too bold for some, but the grille makes for a traditional look more in line with audio equipment. Vibrations that can badly color sound are kept to a minimum by four thick rubber feet on the bottom of the cabinet.
Whether you’re setting up new home theater speakers or upgrading your existing ones, the Klipsch R-12SW is more than just an audio device. It’s a solid statement piece for its design style. Plus, its robust construction ensures it can withstand long-term use without common issues like clipping or bottoming out.
Sound Quality
In this subwoofer review, the heart of our focus lies on the essential aspect of any subwoofer: its audio quality when producing low frequencies. The R-12SW houses a 12-inch copper-spun driver, a notable material upgrade from the plastic or paper drivers typically found in many cheaper subs. This unique copper diaphragm not only lends durability but helps produce deep bass notes without distortion, providing a cleaner, richer bass output. While the copper driver won’t rival the bass clarity of more premium subs, it performs well for subwoofers under $300.
The Klipsch R-12SW also offers a powerful 400-watt built-in digital amplifier. With a capacity to deliver 400 Watts of dynamic power (200W RMS), it guarantees a room-filling sound in your home theater setup. Don’t expect the same amount of power and thump of an SVS sub, but it can definitely bring some much-needed rumble. It does this without producing the harsh and overly boomy bass that plagues some budget subwoofers.
The frequency response for the Klipsch R-12SW is solid ranging from 29Hz to 120Hz. That’s not guttural sub-20Hz deep bass, but it’s solid for this price range. This range of low-frequency sounds adds enough depth and impact for music, but will not be ideal for those few movie soundtracks with a lot of extremely deep bass notes.
Connectivity & Controls
Now, let’s navigate to the connectivity and controls section of the Klipsch R-12SW. This subwoofer features a set of RCA audio inputs with optional LFE input. As an active subwoofer, a simple sub pre-out connection on your speakers or a receiver is all that’s needed for connection. The back panel of the subwoofer houses an array of dials and switches that grant additional control over the sound output. These include an on/auto/off switch, a phase switch, a volume or gain knob, and an adjustable low-pass filter. The power switch can enable the automatic power mode, while the adjustable gain dial adds the ability to increase or decrease volume manually.
The low-pass filter knob allows you to tweak the upper range cutoff from 120Hz down to 40Hz, giving you the power to customize the sound to your liking. This will be needed for those not utilizing LFE to manage crossover settings with their AV receiver. The provision of a WA-2 port allows you to add a wireless kit if so desired, providing an added layer of flexibility for getting all your speakers connected. Absent on many subwoofer models, wireless capability can help for easier setup and installation.
Highlights of Klipsch R-12SW
Outstanding Performance For Price
The Klipsch R-12SW powered sub truly shines in its performance-to-price ratio. It can often be found for less than $220 and offers an impressive audio experience typically associated with more costly models. Its robust bass output comes out clear and delivers low frequencies without any distortion that badly colors audio during home entertainment. Its frequency isn’t ideal, but it’s good for this price range and enough that you’ll be able to range deliver bass notes that can bring home theater and music to life. The great thing about this model is that it doesn’t break the bank if you’re looking for a subwoofer with good performance. This Klipsch Reference subwoofer offers a great value proposition for many searching for a solid sub at a low price point.
Quality Sound & Good Power
With its 12-inch copper-spun driver and 400W amplifier, the Klipsch R-12SW delivers a powerful and impressive bass performance for a budget sub. This ported 12″ subwoofer ensures a robust, distortion-free bass that adds the thudding and impactful bass people crave for listening to music and watching movies. Its amplifier’s 400 Watts of peak power will provide enough headroom for most users. Most subwoofers offering more power will cost significantly more. The Klipsch R-12SW offers great power for a subwoofer under $300.
Nice & Sturdy Design
The Klipsch R-12SW sports a stylish, sturdy design that merges aesthetic appeal with durability. Its cube-like structure is made of MDF wood and wrapped in a brushed polymer exterior. The removable grille allows you to show the bold copper woofer cone or keep the grille for a more subtle look. This blend of style and substance ensures that it can last longer and be an attractive centerpiece in any audio setup. The Klipsch R-12SW is a 12-inch subwoofer that looks and acts the part despite its affordable price.
Pros and Cons
While the Klipsch R-12SW is a popular subwoofer and an excellent choice for a budget subwoofer, it’s essential to present a balanced view. Here, we list its main advantages and potential shortcomings:
Pros:
- Superior Sound Quality: The R-12SW’s 12-inch copper-spun driver and 400W amplifier ensure powerful low frequencies without boominess or distortion some might expect in this price range.
- Elegant Design: With a sleek, cube-like shape and high-end black polymer veneer finish, the subwoofer is as much a visual addition to your space as it is a tool to boost low-frequency production to your sound system.
- Durable Build: The sturdy MDF wooden cabinet ensures longevity, ensuring the subwoofer withstands long-term use.
- Flexible Sound Control: With an on/auto/off switch, a phase switch, a gain dial, an adjustable low-pass filter, and optional wireless connectivity, the Klipsch R-12SW allows extensive control over your sound output.
Cons:
- No Detachable Power Cable: The absence of a detachable power cable may limit flexibility in certain setup scenarios.
- Frequency Range: It seems somewhat unfair to mention since its frequency range is good considering its price. That being said, those who want the best performance for deep sub-bass under 25Hz should spring for a more premium option. While 29Hz is good, those who can spend more should aim for a sub capable of lower frequencies.
- Equally impressive with music and movies
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
- Equally impressive with music and movies
Conclusion: Klipsch R-12SW Review
Final Verdict
The Klipsch R-12SW is a 12-inch subwoofer with 400 Watts of power and impressive bass production for a budget subwoofer. It delivers not just good sound quality but also boasts a design that’s pleasing to the eyes. Despite a few shortcomings, its overall performance and build quality earn it high marks, making it a great budget subwoofer for any home cinema or music setup.
The Klipsch R-12SW is ideal for those who value affordability but want solid clarity and impactful bass performance too. Its blend of aesthetics and functionality makes it an excellent choice for those who are keen on owning a device that enhances their audio setup while complementing their living space.
Additional finishing thoughts & alternative
To sum up, the Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer offers impressive performance for its price range. Its exceptional sound quality, durable build, and exquisite design set it apart from its peers. Although it may not tick every box for all audio enthusiasts, its value, impactful bass, and its ability to elevate low frequencies make it a worthy contender. While we love this Klipsch subwoofer, the Jamo C 912 is probably our favorite option at this price point. It also offers great audio quality and an appealing design at a great price. Both the JBL Stage 120 and BIC America F12 are slightly more expensive and offer power. Check out our article on the best subwoofers under $300 for similarly priced options. You can find information on other subwoofers below:
Jamo C912 Review – Check Price
Polk HTS 12 Review – Check Price
Klipsch R-120SW Review – Check Price
FAQs: Klipsch Reference 12SW Sub
Are Klipsch Subwoofers Good?
Klipsch makes several quality subwoofers. While they have more premium offerings, the best value can be found in their sub which costs less than $400.
Is Klipsch R-12SW good for music?
Subwoofers are typically more demanding for home theater than music. The Klipsch R-12SW’s biggest weakness is probably its frequency response, which starts at 29Hz. That’s definitely sufficient for music, which utilizes extremely low frequencies much less than movies will.
How Many Watts Is The Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer?
The Klipsch R-12SW has 400 peak Watts (200 RMS). That’s a decent amount of power for a 12-inch subwoofer in this price range.
Is Klipsch High End?
While Klipsch speakers are popular, only some are considered high-end. Klipsch’s Reference Premiere line is reserved for their more expensive products and most of their subwoofer are part of their Reference line of speakers.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.