Skip to Content

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer Review

The Klipsch R-120SW is a passive subwoofer with an 8″ aluminum cone woofer, a 200-watt amplifier, and an adjustable dial for bass boost. The impedance is 8 ohms, which can be connected easily to most receivers. The frequency response of the R-120SW is 25Hz-200Hz +/- 3dB. The Klipsch R-120SW is one of the smallest in its class, but it produces deep and accurate bass with high volumes.

Klipsch R-120SW Specifications

Klipsch R-120SW

Now that we have gotten to know this subwoofer pretty well, we’ve come up with a list of the top five features.

1. Design/Portability

This subwoofer’s overall design and portability is very impressive for its price point. It has a lovely wood finish and looks that do not take away from the rest of your decor in any way, and it easily blends into almost any room.

Klipsch put some thought into making this unit aesthetically pleasing and functional when considering dimensions and placement options.

The included feet offer four different heights, which helps ensure you set them at an angle where your chair or couch will be comfortable (when sitting in front of the TV) while also giving a perfect angle to get the best sound.

The placement of the dials and ports on the back is well thought out and very user-friendly.

2. Pricing and Budget

This unit falls into a sweet spot of affordability, high performance, and portability/ease of use. It has very few flaws or drawbacks, making it a product that delivers at every level, even compared to units costing much more elsewhere.

SALE!!
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer, Black
  • 12" high excursion spun-copper Imp woofer
  • 29 hertz – 120 hertz plus /- 3 dB
  • 400 watt


For example, you can get very similar performance from this unit for under $300, but if you wanted something that performed better than the R-120SW, you would have to spend at least double or triple that price.

If I were going to use one word to describe why Klipsch products are so good for the money, that word would be “value.”

klipsch r-120sw

3. Sound Quality

What surprised me about this unit was how well it sounds (and performs) compared to other units in its price range and even on some more expensive models.

Most people will not have a problem with the sound quality for several reasons: It hits very hard and cleanly, so you get all of the oomph you want from explosions without additional noise or ringing afterward.

You will find your movies, TV shows, and video games come alive with this system underneath my chair – bringing realistic audio effects you have never heard before.

The only issue is if you’re looking for speedy bass response, then you can pick up a compatible equalizer that would give you that little extra control to fine-tune your bass.

4. Connectivity

This unit has everything you need for most situations. You have both RCA-style inputs and outputs, which work fantastic for running the cable from your TV or receiver directly into the subwoofer.

There are also speaker wire ports, so if you have an older setup where it is more difficult to connect, you can easily attach them through the rear of this subwoofer with no issues at all.

The RMS power level is less than what we’d prefer but considering this unit is relatively compact, Klipsch did a great job getting as much power out of this subwoofer as they could without sacrificing sound quality too much, especially considering the price.

There is an automatic standby mode, so if you don’t have it playing loud for a few minutes, it will turn off and save on your power bill – which is excellent.

5. Space Considerations

This subwoofer stands out because of how well Klipsch designed the overall size and dimensions to fit into tight spaces without sacrificing anything that matters (sound Quality or performance).

It makes this unit perfect for TVs that are placed up against a wall or those with narrow spacing between their legs or supports.

The feet make this ideal as they allow you to set the angle at any height from 10-35 degrees and will enable you to place them closer together when needed and keep them far enough apart where you can still fit your feet comfortably in front of the subwoofer.

klipsch r-120sw specifications

Pros of Klipsch R-120SW

  • It’s small enough to blend into your décor but big on delivering powerful low-frequency sound
  • The bass is loud but not disruptive, thanks to its volume control
  • It comes with a wireless remote that makes it easy to adjust the bass levels without getting up
  • The subwoofer is easy to set up since all cables are included
  • It sounds great even when turned up loud
  • It’s very sturdy and durable
  • The design is aesthetically pleasing
  • You don’t have to break the bank purchasing one

Cons of Klipsch R-120SW

  • Poorly designed input ports
  • The speaker/subwoofer arrangement is somewhat awkward.
  • The unit vibrates very slightly when turned up to higher volume levels.

Why Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer Is Better Than Others?

Klipsch has been making products since 1946 and has become one of the leaders in high fidelity sound equipment. Over 60 years later, it is still pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an audiophile company.

One reason that makes Klipsch so great is that its products are made in America. They do this to control the quality of their products better and abide by US labor laws. They aren’t cutting corners, so you can be sure your money is well spent when you invest in one of Klipsch’s sound systems.

The Klipsch R-120SW was designed with acoustics engineers to provide maximum performance for homes using five channels or more. This means that even if you’re beginning to build your home theater system, the R-120SW has got you covered.

It also comes equipped with a 12-inch long-throw woofer. This woofer is powered by a 150-watt amplifier that easily creates powerful bass. When you pair this subwoofer up with other Klipsch products, it will be the best experience you have ever had in your life. It’s not just about quality either, but convenience as well.

Conclusion

The Klipsch R-120SW is an outstanding subwoofer compared to many other smaller ones. It performs as it should, doesn’t sound “boomy,” and adds a lot of depth to your music, movies, or games. The clarity from those horns can be heard very well. We recommend picking up this subwoofer if you need a good one that will not break the bank.