Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer Features, 20Hz Test, & "Twister"

In this video, I check out my new Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer that I picked up from Newegg, but this product is also available through Amazon.
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Through this link, ThriftyAV receives a small commission at no additional cost to the buyer.
The DVD of "Twister" playing in the background during a portion of this video was blurrred to remedy a copyright claim. You can view the unblurred version on Odysee:
odysee.com/@ThriftyAV:0/klips...
From the Klipsch website:
The Reference R-12SW subwoofer uncovers what you've been missing in your music, movies and games -- clean chest-thumping bass. The high performance subwoofer provides deep bass and placement flexibility thanks to its front firing driver and all digital amplifier.
Features:
Powerful 12" copper-spun front-firing woofer
All-digital amplifier delivers 400 watts of dynamic power
Equally impressive with music and movies
Low pass crossover and phase control
Line/LFE inputs for compatibility with most receivers
Dimensions: 16" H x 14" W x 18.5" D
Brushed black polymer veneer cabinet
00:00 Intro/Open
00:51 Unboxing
01:35 Controls
03:38 No High Level Input
04:21 Spec Sheet
05:16 20Hz Test
07:17 Comparison w RCA
07:58 "Twister"
09:26 Conclusion
My Website
thriftyav.com​​​
Bonus Content & Early Access on Patreon!
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ThriftyAV is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[@Smedleydog1]

The gain goes from min all the way up to 11 so it's got to be loud. Someone at Klipsch has a sense of humor. 😆

[@Jackshv]

Yes to more tests; a sweep, and also the "auto" feature - how long it takes to wake up, etc.

[@douglasplummer2631]

Thanks for your simplistic explanation of the controls and how to set them. Was by far the easiest for me to comprehend. I just bought this subwoofer and the instructions were not as clear as you put them. I recommend klipsch send customers to your sight after purchase. Keep up the work.

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you. My goal as a content creator is to create videos that are informative, get to the point quickly, and are easy to understand. Thank you for the encouraging comment. I hope you enjoy your Klipsch subwoofer as my as I enjoy mine!

[@therockman6482]

Just ordered one of those Klipsch R-12sw bad boys and I'll have it next week on Tuesday (Valentine's Day 💘). Thanks for the lesson & review!

[@ronknight4423]

Great review. I just purchased the same sub and am very happy with it. Keep up the good work!

[@ThriftyAV]

This sub pairs nicely with my Polk S60 mains. Some folks are brand purists, but I don't mind mixing and matching! Thank you for the comment.

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Good sounding sub and Klipsch has a long standing history

[@joseaavellanet4322]

Great review, thanks for the recommendation.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Klipsh has always been a prominent 'brand' for having well crafted and designed speakers. Glad that your 'replacement sub fills the need for you.

[@tac6044]

Klipsch kind of sucks.

[@vtkz]

no its not, its cheaply made China Garbage with a good Marketing and the safety of their history. This Reference Line Products totally suck quality wise. Just because its well known it doesnt mean its automatically a high quality product

[@danlah1303]

Happy with mine (2 actually for multi-sub). Got it for $180 at Costco in 2020. They now have wireless R12SWi version for $229 I think. Slickdeals reports some stores still have limited stock of the R12sw on closeout for $125. Will be hard to find, my store hasn’t had those for months and only carry’s the wireless now. Regardless, as I built out my home theater setup in 2020 I realized you can save a huge amount of money buying N-1 or N-2 generation speakers still new in box. I believe the R12SW is now N-2. It was N-1 when I bought it in 2020. Klipsch must have a problem with overproducing. Speaker technology doesn’t change that much from year to year.

[@ricobonifacio1095]

I just bought one of these this morning. This makes me think I made the right decision. Great video.

[@ThriftyAV]

I'm still very happy with my R-12SW!

[@atropineman3541]

Good video, clear and consice explained. Exactly what it should be and nothing more.

[@Platinumdose420]

thanks! got this speaker couple years ago just building a home theatre and had no idea what the nobs were at the back hah stilll have to understand all this more!

[@RadioAirchecks]

I have the RCA Pro-SW120P powered subwoofer. I don't use my system at full volume (my hearing is my most important part of my system), so they sound good to me. But you simply can't miss with Klipsch.

[@miamiSincar]

great review

[@Ag89q43G0HyA]

Thank you so much, i was wondering if this cheaper kilpsch was any good, you just unveiled it. thanks! extremely nice review.

[@CajunReaper95]

I’m happy with mine I am slowly getting things swapped out I already swapped the receiver for a Sony 5.1.2 atmos receiver and running the 5 yamaha speakers from my previous surround sound and 2 height speakers from Sony it’s an overall good sounding system.

[@acts9531]

LOL, what's funny is I'm watching this video with my own Klipsch R-12SW emitting. My computer is a monster that among other things does HTPC server duty so it's jacked into my receiver via HDMI on my best (of three) video cards. Just a sub note (pun intended) if you're going to be using this R-12SW for a home theater application on an AVR (Audio Video Receiver) the manufacturer recommends you set the crossover knob at "LFE" , all the way clockwise, which means the sub will accept all frequencies. *_THEN_* set your crossover on the _receiver_ speaker controls. I have two big, rebuilt vintage Cerwin Vegas (beautiful cabinets) as my main front L/R that have 12 inch woofers. I set them to crossover at 60 Hz and all the rest at 80 Hz except the center channel which I set the crossover at 120 HZ and boosted the level a smidge to clean up some of the dialog. With the sub online this basically gives me two 12 inch midranges and leaves the heavy base to the subwoofer. This works as well for my 5.1.2 Atmos configuration as it does for 2.1 music listening. The crossover control is great if you have this connected to something besides an AVR, like an old fashioned 2 channel stereo receiver. In which case use an RCA splitter to feed it from one of your channels. For an AVR, crank it all the way up and let your AVR handle everything. I set the gain at 12 o'clock, indicator straight up, and I get more than enough volume there. Auto room equalization usually turns it down even so, then I turn it back up again and it does the job well. YMMV depending on various factors. "Pete from across the Street" is correct in saying you should para-eq your R-12SW to flat response. The sub has a good range and response, might as well make use of it. Setting it flat makes it be all it can be. I've had my R-12SW going on two years and it's a reliable, solid performer. I've heard it said that this older, now out of production model is better than the R-120SW in current production but not having one to compare it with I can't say if that is so or not. I can say I'm quite happy with what I've got. If you can find the R-12SW watch for sale opportunities. I got mine for ~$180 which is a decent price for this unit.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Great sub 👍🏻 Klipsch rocks

[@ThriftyAV]

I considered Klipsch for my mains until I found a pair of Polk S60s on sale. So I have mismatched mains & sub (& surrrounds), but it still sounds good.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

@@ThriftyAV I bet :)

[@jdbb3gotskills]

Amazon shipped mine the same way. Thankfully the delivery guy brought it to the back deck. Out of line of sight.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

If you eq that Klipsch for a flat response it makes a huge difference. I bought 4 of them when they were on sale for $150 each. Used a minidsp 2x4 hd to time align and eq them. They are great for home theater or budget 2 channel if you set them up right.

[@thestoner1030]

You can only buy three per customer so your lying my dude

[@Pete.across.the.street]

@@thestoner1030 you can buy as many as you have the money for

[@shashank1630]

where is the deal,?

[@Pete.across.the.street]

@@shashank1630 it was at Costco. They have a newer model now. Idk how cheap it gets

[@junboo8730]

@@Pete.across.the.street I knew I wasn’t crazy. When I saw the wireless thing. That is why is so expensive now. They have it for $190 right now. $40 for the wireless. I think I should go and get it.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

I have both an 8" and 12" R-12SW absolutely love them !

[@budgetaudioatmos]

I just ordered this 12 but already had an 8 also that i thought i wouldn’t want anymore so your using both how does that work for you whats your placement I just figured it would be a bad match but my denon does support 2 subs so Is it recommend to use both

[@budgetaudioatmos]

All my speakers are klipsch by the way and both subs are ported

[@budgetaudioatmos]

I currently have 5.1.4 but setup actually i have 4 fronts with left right run from front preouts on av run to amp using a/b set of floor and set of bookshelf , center , 2 surrounds , and 4 ceiling and soon to be a 12 and 8 inch sub

[@budgetaudioatmos]

I actually planned to order a second 12 eventually

[@TacticalFlow]

Just bought the wireless one from costco as a 2nd sub. My old first sub is hooked up via rca. When both are hooked up, it seems only the klipsch only plays... Any ideas?

[@70axels70]

I got the Klipsh r-121sw to go with my Klipsh the fives speakers. One question, what’s the difference between the gain nob behind the woofer and then the sub level from the Klipsh connect app, are they the same thing and does one over ride the other or do I need to adjust both

[@Kole208]

Isn’t it not good for the subwoofer to play a constant 20hz signal especially at loud volumes and when it’s not designed to go that low? Won’t you risk excessive woofer excursion, coil temps?

[@glendontomlinson2775]

Love klipsch but I got the 15” reference not allowed to turn it on lol.

[@coletarlton2608]

Can u turn the klipsch all the way up without it blowing?

[@mrfixit8640]

i am rocking two of these R-12SW and for the price im very satisfied, one day i will upgrade to a SVS

[@nikunj2707]

Question. If this van go down to 20HZ why upgrade to a svs ? I have the wired version of this and recently bought the wireless version but did not open. Debating between keepinf wireless or getting a refurbished svs pb 1000 when they go on sale for dual sub setup. Any suggestions?

[@bryanguest2807]

@@nikunj2707 SVS 12" for home theater lows or a RSL speedwoofer 10" for music, cant go wrong either way. No other sub comes close for around $500. Thats the price of admission for a REAL subwoofer

[@DavidLee-uf5sb]

@@bryanguest2807 The SVS is a great sub as I have the PB-S12 an older model 12''in @ 66lbs and goes down to 17Hz.. I couldn't use just one SVS for my home theater as you need left and right LFE for most movies or music and 2 SVSs would be overkill so I have 2 wireless 12"in Klipsch that works well.. Now my SVS is relegated to 2.1 duty with my Klipsch PM51 bookshelves and my gaming desktop with awesome sound!🙃🎼🎵🎶

[@metal75801]

Mine developed a low hum regardless if the receiver was on or off. Is ths an amp problem?

[@stevenlawrence5733]

I'm really thinking about buying this subwoofer great video. I have a studio apartment. How do you personally like to set the phase??? On or off?? I have small main speakers so where would you suggest I set the other two controls at the back of the sub??? I know it's personal preference but I trust your tech savvy opinion.

[@ThriftyAV]

I have the subwoofer positioned in the front of the soundfield near my mains, so I use 0 degrees. If you have it positioned in a different location in the room, you should do a listening test.

[@DavidLee-uf5sb]

A wireless Klipsch sub would suit your needs better with placement as long as you have a wi-fi signal, you can place that 10" or 12" sub any place that will sound good with your satelli

[@therealKINDLE]

Damn. This is a great review lol Thank you my man! What an amazing Sub! Not as amazing as my Bank Deficit!!!

[@7thsoneli]

I am so old and picky from decades of sealed box subs,I can not live with ported subs,unless the port is tuned extremely low,and huge like the huge monoliths or svs. But these mass produced subs all chuff from the port,sealed is cleaner,and power is cheap. A sealed sub 15 or 18 with gobs of power is my goal.

[@financesmart]

I'm an audio newb. Is this a good buy if it's my only speaker outside of the built in TV speakers? Or will I also need a sound bar or other speakers?

[@RadioAirchecks]

You should get a whole set to go along with it. An AV receiver (Plenty of good cheap ones on Ebay), satellite speakers, center channel, etc. Klipsch is a great brand. Can't miss.

[@financesmart]

@@RadioAirchecks Thank you!

[@FoxAlky]

Hey, how much klipsch spl120 is stronger than r120sw

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

I like your accent, where are you from? Also thanks for the video, very informative

[@ThriftyAV]

I am located in Texas, USA. I'm glad you found this video useful.

[@MnDisease]

So would I need a reciver for this subwoofer? I thought I could connect this to my klipsch speakers r 15 pm. But I was not able to get a sound on it. Would I have to buy reciver

[@Xxbamafan]

Yes

[@hdtv175]

do you think it sounds clean?

[@ThriftyAV]

Yes, much cleaner and more controlled than my old subwoofer.

[@joeibarra9003]

How low can it go? 19hz?

[@danielj.glowny4108]

You forgot to tell about the third choice of sub crossover and that LFE which is the .1 on 5.1 or 7.1 movie soundtracks,also the 0 or 180 phase is not to make your sub out of phase with your main speakers but to make it in phase with your main speakers !

[@ThriftyAV]

Good point on LFE channel being the "point 1" dedicated subwoofer channel. Even with LFE, some folks might choose to set a specific cutoff frequency based on the bass performance of their mains. "In phase" electrical signals going to the speaker are not necessarily "in phase" at your ears. For example, you might have the subwoofer on the opposite side of the room with the cone pointed the opposite direction as the mains. With such a setup, the 180 degree setting would likely sound better. When I talk about "in phase" and "out of phase" while discussing the controls, I'm referring to the electrical signal going to the speaker, not the acoustic signal going to your ears.

[@danielj.glowny4108]

@@ThriftyAV I don''t have to worry about changing the phase of my power subs because in my 7.1 system I have five 12 in powered subs around the room !

[@ConfusedAbyssinianCat-uh5ge]

Im researching subwoofers cause of my upstairs neighbour, so noisy and wont stop. Want a solution that does not disturbs the ones at my side but torments them through the concrete ceiling😑

[@stevenlawrence5733]

I purchased the Polk PSW 505 subwoofer and I'm done with Polk subwoofers. Specs are phenomenal on the Polk PSW 505 subwoofer but 2 Polk subwoofers have died on me and the first one they replaced for free and now when you call Polk you are trying to get help from someone in the Philippines and Polk doesn't help you as well as they used to.

[@ThriftyAV]

I like my Polk mains, but I think Klipsch makes a better budget subwoofer these days.

[@megatronstoner]

My Polk 12 died as well lasted about a year

[@landonlandon5533]

How do I get mine to shake the house? I had a 10" Yamaha that would rattle pictures off the wall. This 12" doesn't do shit. I have a pretty decent Denon receiver. There is an error on my part somewhere.

[@henrytaverner1803]

There is no error in your setup. This subwoofer is weak. Feels like pushing 50 watts max. You can't shake your house with this subwoofer. Return it and get an SVS. If SVS is out of your price range get a Polk Audio subwoofer. Much better than this p.o.s.

[@yael6582]

What yamaha did you have?

[@landonlandon5533]

@yael6582 just a little guy. The old lady next door came and knocked on the door lol. This Denon is a bigger sub and bigger receiver. I thought I'd get more boom for the buck. It honestly seems like they are more concerned with smart connection tech than what I was looking for.

[@InnovationStudiosLtd]

I think you meant the R112, right?

[@ThriftyAV]

Klipsch offers a model R-112SW, but it is more expensive and has a front firing slot port. It is also heavier and has more amplification than the R-12SW tested in this video.

[@jetpack5]

Why is this not a choice for old recievers? It has line in??

[@ThriftyAV]

3:38 Some old stereo receivers only have speaker level output and lack a dedicated line level output for a subwoofer. The R-12SW is not the best choice for old receivers that lack RCA output for a subwoofer.

[@polakindeuchtsland763]

Polish subtitles please

[@JohnDeLeon28]

People, when testing a sub.. you should be far away from your sub for a better recording not placing the mic too close or it will sound bad.

[@kman915]

Twister? 🤣 So many better examples. Was my shit when i was a Kid in 96-97 tho

[@ThriftyAV]

I was trying to pick something that might not cause a copyright claim, and it triggered a copyright claim... so I had to blur it.

[@kman915]

@@ThriftyAV Figured it may have something to do with youtube being sensitive to copyright. It's all good. Brings me back to my childhood. That and Independence day was my shit.

[@secion8]

You're hearikg other sounds now... yeah, your mouth😂

[@JeffCD77]

RCA is definitely not the RCA of yesteryear. It is now just a cheapo electronics brand. (Not that it was ever top of the line gear, except maybe in the 1940's).

[@ThriftyAV]

The RCA PRO-SW220 is from the early 2000s, when Radio Shack had the RCA brand licensed for their products. On the back, it says: Assembled in USA with Foreign and Domestic Components for RadioShack Corporation Fort Worth TX 76102. You can find "Optimus" brand subwoofers with identical controls and heatsinks built in the 1990s. Radio Shack products branded Realistic, Optimus, & RCA may not be high end, but I would not classify them as trash. I have been using the PRO-SW220 for almost two decades, and it has outlasted TWO receivers, so that counts for something.

[@kimjongun9926]

@@ThriftyAV are you drunk ?

[@bryanguest2807]

You must be a Boomer. RCA was always trash

[@JeffCD77]

@@bryanguest2807 First of all, no I'm not a Boomer, second of all, do your research on RCA. Back in the early days RCA was not a cheapo electronics brand. Third of all, learn how to read. What do you think yesteryear means.

[@bryanguest2807]

@@JeffCD77 vack in your day perhaps. I do not remember a time when American electronics were not crap. The Chinese even beat us out

[@Parkerspice23]

This is a very low entry klipsch, I bought two of them, one of them went out. I hardly used them, and it went out. Amp design it very cheap quality. Looks like a glue mess inside. Spend a lil more money and get a better sub with high level inputs!

[@henrytaverner1803]

This subwoofer was at Costco for $400 CAD. The woofer sounds like a 50 watt subwoofer not a 200 watt. The bass is lackluster and the bass sound muffled. I returned it and continued using my 20 year old 8" sealed B&W that produce deeper and tighter bass

[@Joez86]

Good stuff. I just got the same one. With only one out put from my receiver, should I just connect my cable to the white (left) input of the subwoofer or should I get a "Y" adopter to plug into both (left and right) inputs of the Sub? What do you think the best settings in the rear are for a theater room size 12x18?

[@ThriftyAV]

The single cable will work fine. I would use your ears to find the best location and setting for the subwoofer.

[@Joez86]

@@ThriftyAV Will do. Thank you!!

[@judmcc]

"Smash" the "like button??? Don't you mean "mash"? Smash would destroy it.

[@ThriftyAV]

Well, then "mash" that like button!

[@tech4life884]

20Hz is rated for normal people. Normal people have bad hearing. Humans can hear below 20Hz. Humans can hear all the way down to 10Hz.

[@bryanguest2807]

Depends what you mean exactly by "hear" We can locate bass down to about 90 hz depending on the room and placement Below that its just vibrations, you can play hide the subwoofer in a room running lower than that and you will have to look for it with your eyes and not ears. The waves at lower frequencies are too large for a living room, the entire room becomes pressurized by the wave. This wave is compunded by "traps" in corners of the walls where reflections amplify the wave. When sound reflects off walls it becomes easier to locate, our brain can use sound to perceive the size of a room. This is why sound diffusers are important for creating larger imaging

[@lindah6954]

Rattles the filling out your teeth. lol

[@805194]

This guy has to be stoned af hahah just bought the wireless version 2 days ago and it sounds good just wish it had a little more power

[@tech4life884]

The 200watts is the minimum. Why did you say it backed off to its maximum 200watts?. You make absolutely no sense. Do you even understand what you're doing?. 400 watts is the maximum. Not 200watts.

[@ThriftyAV]

This subwoofer has 200W RMS, 400W Peak.

[@chaconlouie77]

Robert Adams, the maximum peak is 400 watts and continuous is 200 watts. He said it clear. Do you even pay attention?