Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer Measurements - Does it Bring the Bass to Your Home Theater?

[@JilesMcCoy]

Upgrade your Home Theater: jiles.link/HomeTheaterUpgrade

[@johnlegg6661]

I have 2 of these in a modest home theater setup. Bought both 2 years apart on black Friday sales at Best Buy. Paid 450+tax for both. I know these subs get knocked constantly for being shitty and having plate amp issues. Mine have ran flawlessly and at the sales price, I think they are hard to beat. I run the gain slightly below half and they provide plenty of low end. Crossed at 80hz.

[@toddmitchell3920]

The early version of this sub is what got me into subwoofers. It my not be the best sub out there but the bang for the buck is undeniable imo

[@peterotremba8980]

I got it for 225$ new, it’s pretty crazy for the price

[@bradtaylor1766]

I bought 2 of these. I already had 2 older 10's so I put those in the back part of the room. The blend nicely with my F-5's and the center + surrounds (Denon AVR- 3805+Denon AMPS). All line conditioned/sine wave correction AC. Modest I know but works for me. Thanks for the review + analysis.

[@Floyd69]

I finely pulled the Triger this year and got a 5.1.2 setup from Klipsch at half off for all the speakers. It started around July to be able to get everything I needed at that discount.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Nice!

[@rishabhbhattarai6358]

Thank you! Very helpful! Was able to get it for $250 at best buy on black friday.

[@JilesMcCoy]

That is the right price!

[@corypetersen5081]

i got two of them for my home theatre and i think they sound great. i got both them last year on boxing day at best buy

[@thmsrsl]

Thank you for the detailed review. Very interesting to see the graphs - and how they change.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Win a bunch of home theater gear!! bit.ly/3DfNkMW

[@jrep88]

I have a pair of those subs. Bought a minidsp 2x4hd and was able to get them flat between 90 and 22 hz with 2-3 db variations between my four seats. Think I paid $550 for both on sale.

[@JilesMcCoy]

That is awesome! Well done!!!!

[@turdfurgason8476]

I got one for $150.00 at Costco. Can't exptect much below 30hz at that price. Music sounds nice. I am tempted to get 2 HT24 from OA and build sealed for a real system. A 900 dollar 24" sub seems great.

[@JilesMcCoy]

I agree, that’s a deal. I’d love to try some myself!

[@Spratlyk9]

I'm planning to buy this Klipsch 120SW to be used in my Karaoke system. I presently use two (2) Vocopro speakers @300W each, and I'm wondering if this will be a good addition to my present set up. My other choice is the Klipsch R100SW and I am torn between the two. I am not an electronic savvy person, and I rely on advise from people like you. What do you think? Will this be too loud, or will the R100SW be too soft? Thanks in advance for your advice and more power to your channel! BTW I have a pretty decent sized room to play with it.

[@JilesMcCoy]

You can set the volume on a subwoofer where you want it. So that’s not a problem. If you can get a 12” I would take that over a 10”.

[@Spratlyk9]

@@JilesMcCoy Ok Ill buy the 12". Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Thanks

[@JilesMcCoy]

You are welcome!

[@Belfor09]

I love you for including the graphs. You know? Everyone is like "Oh man! The bass is ridiculous!" and I'm like... yea.. in your opinion. How about you show me the data so I can create my own opinion before I buy something? Because for you great bass can be just 50 Hz and for me is 25 Hz, we're not looking for the same thing! Great job mr. Jiles! Appreciated!

[@JilesMcCoy]

Glad you liked it! Share with your friends! And also people not your friends :-)

[@muraligopal801]

Thanks for the video can you please suggest me what should be the right low pass volume level. Is it should be set to 120 or below 120 or set to 80.

[@JilesMcCoy]

If you are using it with an AVR that is doing crossover it should be set to the highest setting.

[@muraligopal801]

@@JilesMcCoy thanks for your inputs iam using denon avc x4700h so I should set to the max ie below 120..

[@gtoutdoors1197]

Right now for $249 on Amazon, Walt's TV seller, it's a great deal and nothing else can compare to this Klipsch. ELAC SUB1225 was a $199 subwoofer, but now it's $249 and their most entry level sub not that good is 33HZ low and 150 Watts RMS. But it's a local Orange County company not far from my house. Also if you buy from a Non-Authorized store there's no Warranty from the company like the Klipsch 3 year warranty, so I would buy Extended Warranty for $30-40.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Great info!

[@gtoutdoors1197]

I was Wrong. Acoustic Audio PSW-12 for $170(Goldwood Sound-60 Days free Returns) is Best then also Bic F-12 and Dayton Audio Sub-1200 and the 15" are $180 & $250 but on Back-Order til May. BIC America F12 for $299 hits at 25HZ but bigger and heavier than Klipsch.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy Probably buy it tomorrow, missed many deals. Elac 12" sub was $199 quick sale now $250- Still thinking about that but entry level sub... Missed the Starke SW15 for $499 that should have bought right away when you told me. My friend Daryl we never did the Polk PSW505 deal for $300 (Like New sub). Definitive DN10 triple 10's was $560 now $800 at Best Buy. Only other good sub is SVS SB1000 for $599.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy How would you compare this Klipsch R-120SW to the Elac Sub1225 ? (it's also $249 and rear Slot Port on the back Top of the box 150 watts RMS 33 HZ rated). Klipsch louder and lower hz but the quality of the bass- muddy or tight. I have no idea about the Woofer on the Elac but the Goldwood Sound Acoustic Audio PSW-12 has a Cheap low quality wooofer and magnet.

[@iownu92]

Klipsch’s warranty for this sub is 2 years for the electronics and 5 years for all other parts. However their more expensive subs have 5 years warranty for all parts including electronics. Source: their website.

[@rhealgoguen4363]

bought one and two weeks later bought second one.Difference between one or two is like night and day

[@JilesMcCoy]

Awesome!!

[@kodytaylorFITNESS]

I'm planning on adding this to my current setup. 15 plus a 12 and tower surrounds.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

What you think about the Elac Sub1225 or 12" for $249, is that better than this Klipsch R-120SW ?

[@JilesMcCoy]

Never saw the elac before.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy okay thanks for letting me know. I found a subwoofer Much Better than the Startke SW15 and same price too. Way better Amplifier, Box is HDF furniture grade.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy the ELAC 10" for $199 has Many Good Reviews. I might buy the $12 but is $249 was a Short Fast Sale $199 missed it

[@gtoutdoors1197]

​@@JilesMcCoydecided not to get the $549 Emotiva Airmotiv but paid $285 for OSD Trevoce triple 12s in a Sealed Box, similar to Definitive Technology DN12. Ordered it just now Arriving Tuesday. My first Subwoofer since 1998. That was Infinity 12 Down Firing from Circuit City still works too.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

Emotiva Airmotiv XS 12 for $549. High end quality amplifier and the HDF 'furniture grade' box weighs 90 Pounds !

[@dragdrag1507]

Does this sub needs an amplifier 400w or its ok with the amplifier that has? Thank you

[@JilesMcCoy]

It is fine with its built in amplifier.

[@sherjf]

I can't get the deep warm bass out of this sub except after replacing the internal material with glass wool, the glass wool make a very different effect, I am setting crossover to 9 o'clock and volume at 5. Its a good sub for the price, but in general if you are seeking the best experience in movies, I don't recommend it.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

Finally decided and just bought the OSD Trevoce for $299 or $285 with the 5% email code. Triple Woofers 2 Passive are Glass Carbon and Active is Paper type. All 12" Box is 45 Pounds and Rated to 15 HZ but 18 HZ normally

[@JilesMcCoy]

Let’s us know how it goes.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy $300 vs the Definitive Technology DN12 is $1,200 or Quadruple. But the Boxes are 45 vs 65 Pounds. Amplifiers probably way different too.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy Definitely much better than the Klipsch 12 that's only good for House Parties and Rap music... LOL. I like the Startke SW15 but it's Sold Out until mid June and $499 now $549. Emotiva Airmotiv XS12 might be Best for $549 but it's 90 Pounds Box can't lift that around

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy i will watch 'San Andreas' earthquake movie & Everest movie see how deep Bass hits. F7 or Fast and Furious has a few Deep Bass Lows too.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy just got it today, UPS driver saw him outside few minutes then he came and handed it to me at my front door, actually had him walk 2 houses down as he parked there... Wasn't heavy but lifting it 3 times inside the house was bit heavy used legs like Squats. Double Boxed I just Tore apart the two boxes then picked up, easier way without moving the Subwoofer around

[@weskirkland5850]

I have this and a Klipsch R51PM on my 55" tv in the bedroom. Sounds good

[@JilesMcCoy]

awesome!

[@mauriciob8260]

I have 4 of this bad boys and sound amazing for my living room small to mid size and with the butt kickers installed in my main seat sofa position sound even better

[@JilesMcCoy]

Awesome!!!

[@KuyaArbee]

I have a question... is the AUTO on the switch all the way up? What is the time it goes to sleep? I feel like it's always on... love this sub paired with the Sennheiser Ambeo!

[@marcelosiqueira4429]

Does it work well on this soundbar?

[@fightfish3265]

Switch stays in the MIDDLE position for Auto on and off. Up is always on, Down is always off.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

Definitely thinking to buy it as it's $249 on Amazon now, but looking too at $560-600 for the Definitive Descend DN10 with 3XR design (2 Passive Radiator 1 Active) and the REL 10" which has best reviews beating the SVS sealed subs. I know the Klipsh 120sw is going to be muddy bass not accurate like a sealed high end sub, the big box is needed for the port design probably keep it 3 feet away from the wall so Airflow can work as well as feel it hitting my body. I think the SPL 15" Klipsch best for $599 but Neighbor would complain.

[@JilesMcCoy]

One of the best deals going on right now is the Starke SW15 for $499. The SW15P is $750. Those might be the best deals happening this weekend. You can always turn a sub down... it doesnt have to be heard any more than you want it to.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy Thanks for letting me know, I googled it and saw Monoprice 15" Subwoofer $300 then later saw Starke sub. I'm just looking at the Klipsch R-120SW as it's $249, otherwise if spending $560-600 there is Definitive Technology Descend DN10(10") $560 and REL 10" Sealed new model budget entry level 300 Watts for $599. The REL reviews say it's better than SVS sealed 12" subs. What you think between DN10 and REL, what's better ?

[@gtoutdoors1197]

@@JilesMcCoy I'm also looking at two Receivers- Sony STRDH790 for $348 and Onkyo TX-NR696 for $349 both are Dolby Atmos & DTS X 7.2. Which one you think is better ? I like Sony as smaller depth or dimensions to fit in my tv unit stand. I gave up on the Budget Denon models like the 1700X as I heard not good unless getting the 2700 model for $800. But for music the Denon DRA-800H was $399 Stereo amp good deal, powerful high end quality, but now it's $449 on Amazon

[@JilesMcCoy]

@@gtoutdoors1197 For the money I would honestly take a pass on a 10" sub. You can get so much more for the same spend.

[@gtoutdoors1197]

​@@JilesMcCoymy friend is a big Subwoofer and Home Theater guy, he said he will sell me his Two REL 12" Subwoofer for $800. He paid $1,700. But I agree with what he also recommended I get, HSU subwoofer. His HSU 15" sounds Awesome

[@FoxAlky]

in mine r120sw back panel began to resonate

[@JilesMcCoy]

:-(

[@kunalkant3044]

I purchased last year, after playing these truly i m not satisfy then i put extra polyfill and make them sealed now i get ok bass not so deep

[@9999905422]

How to understand graph anyone?

[@plompudu2529]

The higher the line the louder(more db) it is. On the x-axis you can see the frequency Try playing around with a Sound generator to See how each frequency Sounds 20-20000hz is what a human can hear but the older you get the less you hear higher frequencies. Below 20hz you cant hear but still feel the pressure. 120db is the pain tollerance ... 100db you should Listen to max 0.25h till damaging your ears. 97 max 0.5h 94 Max 1h 91 Max 2h 88 Max 4h 85 Max 8h ... 20db is a quite room

[@jasonsullivan8001]

I have a 2 klipsch setups. One has 2 sb 2000 pro’s and the other will have 2 gag Marty cubes but the room is not done. I had the 10” Version and I did’t really like the sound.

[@eugene9000pro]

To messure a sub you need to do it outside of yor room

[@JilesMcCoy]

No, you can measure in room. As I show in all of my videos. Just depends on what your goals are.

[@tech4life884]

I have the R-120SW subwoofer. Why does yours look tiny compared to mine?.

[@JilesMcCoy]

Its perspective. You are just closer to yours.

[@redbaron2448]

Well I give a thumbs down since you didn't play the subwoofer good thing I fast forwarded

[@JilesMcCoy]

Good thing!

[@montimahner9357]

I HAVE the BLUETOOTH VERSION and IT QUIT WORKING AT TWO YEARS. AS DID MY BLUETOOTH BAR 48 sub. I used to be a Klipsch fan. I purchased bar 48 w/ subwoofer and bookshelf speakers, the portable Klipsch Bluetooth travel speaker “the Nashville” , four subs (2 10” wired) (1 12” wired) 1 12” Bluetooth) also purchased Klipsch reference 800. However , after anything with Bluetooth failed in two years and ZERO help from Klipsch customer service - I’m done. They have now partnered with Onkyo ! Onkyo? … really ? And the new products look terrible. The klipsch boat is sinking fast people. I cannot stress this enough - DO NOT BUY KLIPSCH PRODUCTS. ITS NOT THE SAME COMPANY. ZERO QUALITY. It’s now corporate acquisition after corporate acquisition Voxx in 2011 and recently Onkyo - the company is not the same and their products show this. Garbage. After two years failure and the customer service rep told me “toss it in the trash” and emailed me a 10% future purchases. Unacceptable!

[@JilesMcCoy]

I love Onkyo. It’s amazingly good.

[@kunalkant3044]

I think klipsch is little overhyped

[@yournightmare9999]

So buy overpriced Chinese svs

[@kunalkant3044]

@@yournightmare9999 svs in india is very costly

[@kunalkant3044]

I m having klipsch sw120 its sound to hard in my room 325sq/cm2

[@kunalkant3044]

After so many correction still not getting smooth bass

[@yournightmare9999]

@@kunalkant3044 maybe you need Klipsch 15" or Bic Acoustech pl-300 12 - this is way better sub than Klipsch 12"

[@trentjohnsey3179]

Klipsch needs to quit misrepresenting the sizes of their subs. This is a 10 inch sub not a 12. The speaker surround is not included in the measurement of a subwoofer.