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Today we are going to be reviewing the awesome subwoofer that is the Klipsch R-12SW.
This mighty 12-inch sub looks like a huge cube but is stylish, to say the least, and is best suited to larger rooms with its power and scale.
It offers an immersive sound experience well-suited for music and movies, giving you all the booming low-frequency effects you need!
This one is simple, yet effective and brings you deep bass without sacrificing accuracy at a very affordable price.
Let’s not forget that signature copper spun IMG woofer which makes the design stand out.
Check out some of this model’s reviews on the official website.
Utilize the adjustable settings to tailor the subwoofer’s performance to your specific preferences and room acoustics.
Specifications
| Frequency Response | 29Hz-120Hz +/-3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 200W / 400W |
| Amplifier | All Digital |
| Dimensions | 14 x 18.5 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Drive Components | 12″ (30.5 cm) high excursion, IMG, front-firing woofer |
| Max Acoustic Output | 116dB |
| Enclosure Material | MDF |
| Enclosure Type | Bass Reflex |
Features of the Klipsch R-12SW
This 12-inch, front-firing, active subwoofer is equipped with an all-digital amplifier. The amplifier itself delivers an impressive 400 watts of dynamic power.
The built-in amplifier performs with high efficiency and true-to-source accuracy eliminating ‘chuffing’ and distortion and making it versatile for all your movie, music, and gaming needs.
Yet, it does have two RCA jacks and LFE/Line inputs so if you wanted to plug into an amp or add another subwoofer to the sound system, that is still an option.
It also includes a 2.4GHz Wireless Hi-Fi pre-paired transmitter with a subwoofer. This allows wireless compatibility and therefore has a nice, hassle-free setup which is always a positive!
This model is a great-value subwoofer for under $500. The overall ‘feel’ of the sub looks more high-end.
The frequency response of this sub-ranges between 29Hz-120Hz +/-3dB. Therefore, it can handle a lot of different sound material and creates that rumbling bass you feel in your body.
It includes features such as low-pass crossover and phase control. This allows you to have more customization and achieve a more tailored sound.
Which is more than you would get with other subwoofers for this price tag, making this model excellent value for money.
Design
The Klipsch R-12SW has an expensive, luxurious feel and doesn’t give the impression of a budget subwoofer.
It’s a large cube with a signature copper-spun woofer measuring 12″. Its sturdy MDF structure is finished with a brushed black polymer veneer and it stands 16″ tall, 14″ wide, and 18.5 deep.
It is a ported subwoofer, with a circular tunnel located on the rear. This helps the sub deliver sound quality that is clear and detailed.
This is a front-firing subwoofer, You can see the signature copper-spun woofer Klipsch is famous for, located on the front. It also comes with a removable black, cloth grille you can place on the front.
This design would nicely fit into any modern-looking setup and decor. Even though it’s a larger unit, it wouldn’t take up too much space and comprise furniture placement.
Additionally, because the Klipsch R-12SW is wireless there is no unsightly wiring. The LED indicator placed on the front is also a useful feature, notifying us when it is working and connected to the rest of the setup.
If you like subwoofers you should check out our article about installing subwoofers in cars or subwoofers specifically designed for cars.
Overall, we love the design of this model and think it looks up to value and more.
What’s Included?
- Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer
- Power Cable
- Removable Grille
- Wireless Transmitter (Depends on listing)
- User Manual
Sound Performance
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer is designed to deliver robust and immersive bass performance, making it a critical component in enhancing your audio experience.
Let’s delve into its sound performance to understand how it performs across different types of audio content to give you a better idea of what to expect with this Klipsch subwoofer…
1. Deep and Powerful Bass
One of the standout features of the Klipsch R-12SW is its ability to reproduce deep and powerful bass frequencies. With a 12-inch copper-spun woofer and a 400-watt amplifier, this subwoofer can handle low-end frequencies with ease.
Whether you’re watching action-packed movies or listening to bass-heavy music genres like EDM or hip-hop, the R-12SW adds a palpable depth to the sound that you can feel.
2. Precise and Tight Bass Response
While the R-12SW can produce heavy bass and it doesn’t sacrifice precision. The subwoofer is engineered to provide a tight and controlled bass response.
This means that even in complex musical passages or intense movie scenes, the bass remains accurate and doesn’t become muddy or overwhelming.
3. Seamless Integration
To truly enhance your audio setup, a subwoofer should seamlessly blend with your existing speakers. The Klipsch R-12SW accomplishes this by offering adjustable crossover and phase controls.
These features allow you to fine-tune the subwoofer’s output to match your main speakers, ensuring a harmonious audio balance.
4. Versatility Across Audio Content
The Klipsch R-12SW performs admirably across various types of audio content. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster action movie with explosions and deep rumbling effects or enjoying classical music with subtle double bass notes, this subwoofer can handle it all.
Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any home theater or audio system for multiple preferences and uses.
5. Movie Theater-Like Experience
When used as part of a home theater setup, the Klipsch R-12SW excels in creating a movie theater-like experience.
Explosions, earthquakes, and other impactful moments in films are brought to life with a visceral punch. The subwoofer’s ability to reproduce the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel ensures you don’t miss a single cinematic detail.
6. Music Enthusiast’s Delight
Beyond movies and home theater, the R-12SW is a music enthusiast’s delight. It elevates your music listening experience by adding depth and dimension to the audio.
Basslines, drum kicks, and bass instruments are rendered with impressive clarity and presence.
7. Room Size Considerations
It’s important to consider your room size when setting up the Klipsch R-12SW.
In smaller rooms, the subwoofer’s bass output may be more pronounced, while in larger spaces, it may require adjustments to achieve the desired balance. The adjustable settings help tailor the subwoofer’s performance to your room’s acoustics.
Connectivity Options
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer offers various connectivity options to seamlessly integrate into your existing audio setup.
**Please note this is a wired connection, although you may consider using external wireless audio adapters or transmitters that can connect to the subwoofer’s input and provide Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.**
These options make it versatile and compatible with a wide range of audio sources and systems. Here’s a quick look at the wired connectivity features this subwoofer offers:
1. Line-Level Inputs – The R-12SW features both line-level RCA inputs and outputs. These are commonly used to connect the subwoofer to an AV receiver or amplifier that has a dedicated subwoofer output.
2. LFE Input – (Low-Frequency Effects) input is a convenient choice. It’s designed to receive the low-frequency audio signal from your AV receiver or processor.
3. Speaker-Level Inputs and Outputs – In scenarios where your AV receiver lacks a dedicated subwoofer output, the R-12SW provides speaker-level inputs and outputs. This allows you to connect the subwoofer to the speaker outputs of your receiver or amplifier, maintaining compatibility even with older audio systems.
4. Adjustable Crossover – The subwoofer includes an adjustable low-pass crossover control, allowing you to set the frequency at which the subwoofer begins reproducing bass.
5. Phase Control – The phase control feature lets you adjust the timing of the subwoofer’s bass output relative to your main speakers.
6. Auto Power On/Off: The R-12SW is equipped with an auto power sensing feature. When it detects an audio signal, it powers on automatically, and when there’s no signal for a set period, it enters standby mode to conserve energy.
Placement and Setup
Follow these simple steps to achieve optimal bass results:
Choosing the Right Location
a. Room Size: Consider the size of your room. Larger rooms may require more powerful bass output, while smaller rooms may benefit from a more conservative setting. Adjust the subwoofer’s volume and crossover accordingly.
b. Subwoofer Placement: Place the R-12SW near the front of your listening area, ideally close to the front speakers. However, avoid positioning it directly against walls, as this can result in boomy or exaggerated bass. Leave some space between the subwoofer and adjacent surfaces.
c. Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner of the room can enhance bass response, but it may lead to an overpowering bass if not controlled. Experiment with corner placement while adjusting settings to find the right balance.
d. Symmetrical Placement: For balanced sound, if possible, place the subwoofer equidistant from the left and right speakers. This helps maintain an even soundstage.
Connecting the Subwoofer
a. Input Selection: Determine the type of input you’ll use based on your audio source. The Klipsch R-12SW offers line-level RCA inputs, LFE input, and speaker-level inputs.
b. Subwoofer Cable: Use high-quality cables to connect the subwoofer to your AV receiver, amplifier, or processor. For LFE input, use an RCA cable. For speaker level inputs, use speaker wire.
c. Crossover Setting: Adjust the subwoofer’s crossover control to match your main speakers. The crossover frequency determines the point at which the subwoofer starts reproducing bass. Consult your main speaker’s specifications for guidance.
d. Phase Control: Fine-tune the subwoofer’s phase control to ensure proper synchronization with your main speakers. This helps avoid phase cancellation issues.
e. Power On: Once all connections are made, power on the subwoofer. It may have an auto-sensing feature that turns it on when it detects an audio signal.
Calibration and Testing
a. AV Receiver/Audio Processor Calibration: If you have an AV receiver or audio processor with room calibration capabilities (e.g., Audyssey, YPAO, or ARC), run the calibration process. This will optimize the subwoofer’s performance within your room’s acoustics.
b. Subwoofer Level: Use your AV receiver’s setup menu to adjust the subwoofer’s level or volume. Alternatively, you can manually adjust the subwoofer’s volume knob to match the overall sound balance.
c. Listening Tests: Play a variety of audio content, including music and movies, to evaluate the subwoofer’s performance. Make adjustments to the volume, crossover, and phase settings as needed to achieve the desired sound quality.
d. Room Acoustics: Consider room treatments such as rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to further enhance sound quality and minimize unwanted reflections.
Remote Control and App Functionality
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer comes equipped with user-friendly features for convenient control and customization, making it easy to fine-tune your bass experience.
Remote Control
Included with the subwoofer is a dedicated remote control that allows you to adjust essential settings from the comfort of your listening area.
The remote typically includes options for adjusting the subwoofer’s volume, crossover frequency, and phase, providing you with the flexibility to tailor the bass output to your liking.
This remote control ensures that you can make real-time adjustments without needing to physically go to the subwoofer.
App Functionality
While the Klipsch R-12SW does not have built-in wireless connectivity or a proprietary app, you can still leverage third-party audio control apps or your AV receiver’s calibration and control apps to manage the subwoofer’s settings.
Many AV receivers and audio processors offer dedicated apps that allow you to fine-tune the subwoofer’s parameters, including volume, crossover, and phase, directly from your smartphone or tablet.
This integration simplifies the setup process and provides you with additional control options.
Integration with Home Theater Systems
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer seamlessly integrates into home theater systems, enhancing the audio experience during movie nights and immersive gaming sessions.
Its compatibility with a wide range of AV receivers, sound processors, and speaker systems makes it a valuable addition to any home theater setup.
These features make it easy to integrate with any of your existing home theater components:
- LFE Support
- Adjustable Settings
- Room Calibration
- Adapts to Various Audio Content
Pros and Cons of the Klipsch R-12SW
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer offers a range of advantages and a few considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
1. Powerful Bass: The R-12SW boasts a 12-inch copper-spun woofer and a 400-watt amplifier, delivering deep and powerful bass that can transform your audio and home theater experiences.
2. Precise Bass Response: While capable of producing thunderous bass, this subwoofer maintains precision and accuracy, ensuring that the low-frequency effects remain tight and controlled.
3. Versatile Connectivity: The subwoofer offers multiple connectivity options, including line-level RCA inputs, LFE inputs, and speaker-level inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of audio systems.
4. Adjustable Settings: Users can fine-tune settings such as volume, crossover frequency, and phase control, allowing for seamless integration with various speakers and room configurations.
5. LFE Support: The dedicated LFE input ensures that the subwoofer reproduces cinematic bass effects faithfully, enhancing your home theater experience.
6. Room Calibration Integration: When paired with AV receivers or audio processors with room calibration technology, the R-12SW can be optimized for your specific room acoustics, further enhancing its performance.
Cons
1. Large Size: The Klipsch R-12SW is a sizable subwoofer, which may not be suitable for smaller rooms or setups where space is limited.
2. No Built-in Wireless Connectivity: Unlike some modern subwoofers, the R-12SW does not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which limits wireless streaming options without additional accessories.
3. Weight: Due to its powerful components, the subwoofer can be quite heavy, making it challenging to move or reposition once it’s set up.
4. No App: The subwoofer does not have its app for control and customization, relying on third-party AV receiver or audio processor apps for adjustments.
Klipsch
Klipsch has brought a lot of great models to the world of sound. We are big fans of their products and their distinctive modern design.
The sound company has been around since 1946, founded by Paul W. Klipsch in a shed in Hope, Arkansas.
The company provides all kinds of technology from high-quality sound systems and drivers to personal computers and public address applications.
Some of his original ideas, such as the horn speaker, are still implemented in their technology today. He also discovered the sound quality of a horn speaker sounded better in a corner.
Therefore, for the optimal experience, Klipsch recommends their subwoofers be placed on the floor, in the corner of your room.
Preferably, sharing the same wall as your channel speakers (if applicable). This helps get the best results, making the sound quality clear and detailed.
If you would like to know more about the history of Klipsch click here!
Comparison with Competing Subwoofers
When considering the Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer, it’s essential to evaluate how it stacks up against other subwoofers in its category.
Here, we’ll compare the R-12SW with 3 more common competitors to provide a broader perspective on its performance and value.
SVS PB-1000
- Bass Output: The SVS PB-1000 is known for its powerful and precise bass performance, offering a similar level of impact as the R-12SW.
- Size: The PB-1000 is more compact, making it suitable for smaller rooms where space is limited.
- Price: Depending on promotions and availability, the PB-1000 may offer competitive pricing compared to the R-12SW.
Polk Audio PSW10
- Affordability: The PSW10 is often considered a budget-friendly option for those seeking improved bass without a significant investment.
- Bass Quality: While it delivers decent bass for its price range, it may not match the depth and precision of the R-12SW.
- Size: The PSW10 is compact and suitable for smaller setups.
BIC America F12
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: The F12 is often praised for its value, offering good bass performance at an affordable price point.
- Bass Output: It can deliver impactful bass, but the R-12SW may provide more depth and refinement.
- Size: Similar in size to the R-12SW, so consider space availability.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care can prolong the life of your Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer and ensure consistent performance. Here are some tips to keep your subwoofer in excellent condition:
1. Dust and Clean: Periodically dust the subwoofer’s exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the finish.
2. Ventilation: Ensure that the subwoofer has proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Avoid placing objects on or covering the vents, as this can impact airflow and affect performance.
3. Positioning: If you need to move the subwoofer, lift it carefully to avoid straining the components. Ensure that it rests on a stable surface to prevent vibrations and potential damage.
4. Check Connections: Regularly inspect the subwoofer’s cables and connections for wear or damage. Replace any damaged cables promptly to maintain signal integrity.
5. Room Temperature: Keep the subwoofer in a stable temperature environment. Extreme heat or cold can affect the subwoofer’s performance and longevity.
6. Avoid Overdriving: While the R-12SW is designed for powerful bass, avoid consistently running it at maximum volume levels, as this can lead to distortion or damage over time. Use reasonable volume levels for your listening needs.
7. Protect from Pets and Children: If you have pets or small children, consider using protective grilles or covers to prevent accidental damage to the subwoofer’s woofer cone.
8. Professional Servicing: If you encounter any issues or unusual noises with your subwoofer, consult the manufacturer’s support or seek professional servicing to address potential problems.
FAQs
Does Klipsch R-12SW need a receiver?
Yes, you will need an AV receiver. You could maybe connect it to a soundbar with an RCA input but a receiver would be the best idea.
The Klipsch R-12sw comes with a wireless transmitter. Therefore, the wireless transmitter plugs into the receiver and connects to the subwoofer wirelessly.
You cannot connect this subwoofer to TV speakers directly, as it is too powerful and will not work.
However, the positive is this model can be connected to a multitude of different brands of receivers so you are not limited. But you must make sure the receiver you want to pair the sub with does have a subwoofer line-out connection.
How do you set up a Klipsch R-12SW?
Step 1: Find the best positioning for your new subwoofer, preferably in the corner, against a wall but not touching the wall or not covering the port located at the back.
Step 2: Plug the subwoofer into a power outlet
Step 3: Plug the wireless transmitter (included in the box) into your AV receiver’s subwoofer line output, likely located on the back. The wireless transmitter will also need to be plugged into a power outlet.
Step 4: Power both on and they should connect instantly.
Step 5: Now’s time to have fun, play around with the settings to see which sounds best for you! It is easy and hassle-free!
Check above for a more detailed description of these steps and additional advice.
How do you test a Klipsch subwoofer?
You can test the bass of a subwoofer in several ways. One is a decibel meter sound reader where you can measure the frequency response to monitor how low the sub gets.
Another more simple method is to hold a piece of paper to the port at the back of the model to see how much air the sub is pulling in.
Testing the pairing with different types/brands of speakers if that option is available.
The bass can be tested by playing different songs and movie scenes to figure out the best settings for you.
You can also just move the subwoofer around the room and test the sound in different areas as that can sometimes make a huge difference.
What’s the difference between Klipsch R-12SW and R-120SW?
The Klipsch R-120SW is the newer model. As far as differences go, this is very minimal. The Klipsch R-120SW has copper-colored screws around the face to match the woofer.
They both have the same frequency range and amplifier input but when played next to each other the R-120SW sounded a little tighter and fuller.
The R-12SW weighs slightly more at +2lbs but this is probably due to having slightly different cosmetics.
For $100 more the R-120SW has a slight difference in sound and appearance but if you have a full Klipsch setup, the R-12SW would fit better aesthetically with other Klipsch components.
Summary: Is the Klipsch R-12SW Worth it?
Overall, this is a great value subwoofer for under $500. It offers more than other subs for its price and looks aesthetically modern and sleek. If you want to see more subwoofers options in this price range, check out our page on great-value subwoofers.
The sound quality is also tight, clear, and precise and can be compatible with both movies and music and performs very well in both areas. This allows versatility and options if you don’t want to stick to using it for a precise thing.
As previously mentioned the wireless compatibility with the adapter (if purchased) makes it so much easier to place and move around if needed.
Things to consider…
This particular model has no high or low-level input. It does, however, have LFE/line inputs but these may not be compatible or difficult to connect to older generation amps.
To use this model you need a receiver if you haven’t already, and even though it is wirelessly compatible with an added transmitter it will still need to be placed near a power outlet for the cord to plug in, and if you don’t purchase a transmitter or a Klipsch package that comes with one then unfortunately this subwoofer does not have a wireless feature.
Be warned, the Klipsch R-12SW is a powerful sub and will rattle the things around it so try not to put it near anything fragile.
Being a 12″ subwoofer it is suited to a larger space but if you have a smaller area then there is a 10″ option available.
That being said, this is a great quality sub with a lot to offer and you will not be disappointed!
Written By Emily
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