One of the top names in the audio industry is the American brand Klipsch. With decades of experience producing high-quality drivers and speakers, the company is well-known for its subwoofers. A Klipsch subwoofer produces a thumping bass that can shake the ground.
Whether recording a song in the studio or throwing a party on the block, you need a quality subwoofer to provide a good bass. You need to choose the sub according to your bass needs.
Our top pick is the Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer. It’s not the best or most expensive of the Klipsch range but it does provide excellent value for what you get. Amazing sound with deep bass makes this subwoofer ideal for most people looking to improve their movie nights.
Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer
A standout pick for those that want something that will turn your home audio from damp and cloudy to vibrant and bouncing. At a great price, the R-121SW Subwoofer is our top pick from Klipsch.
Other great options from Klipsch include their R-80SWI sub, an 8-inch sub suitable for smaller spaces, and the SPL-150SW which also has a bass reflex feature and an all-digital amplifier. The Klipsch SPL-150SW Powered Subwoofer is the best-sounding sub from the company as it’s one of their most powerful subwoofers. It’s made with high-quality components like a front-firing cerametallic port that can be directed according to your acoustics needs. The beautiful ebony finish of the sub makes it a stand-out option.
To make things easier for you, let’s review in detail the top five Klipsch subwoofers to help give you a better understanding of each option.
Let’s get into it and find out the best Klipsch subwoofer for 2024.
Best Klipsch Subwoofer For 2024
Klipsch SPL-150SW Subwoofer
The Klipsch SPL-150SW Powered Subwoofer is a 15-inch sub with an ebony finish enclosure. It’s a powerful sub that reproduces signals as close to the original quality as possible with deep bass.
With minimal distortion, it’s the ideal choice for home theatre systems. It can be paired with other speakers from the same brand or other companies for a holistic home theater experience. It’s the biggest subwoofer in the SPL series.
Specifications
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 18Hz – 125Hz |
| MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT | 122dB |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | All digital |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 400W / 800W |
| WOOFER | 15″ (38.1 cm) long-throw copper spun cerametallic, front-firing woofer |
| ENCLOSURE MATERIAL | MDF |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | L/R line-level/LFE RCA jacks, Wireless WA-2 Port |
| HEIGHT | 21.5″ / 54.61 cm |
| WIDTH | 19.5″ / 49.53 cm |
| DEPTH | 22.3″ / 56.64 cm |
| WEIGHT | 75.4 lbs / 34.2 kg |
| FINISH | Ebony Vinyl |
Key Features
- Maximum output levels producing high-quality sound
- High-efficiency all-digital Class D amplifier
- Front-firing slot port with internal flare technology
- Flexible control options
- Both wired and wireless inputs can be used simultaneously
- Half Watt standby mode for energy efficiency
- Shock absorbing feet
- Ebony finish on MDF enclosure that’s scratch-resistant
The SPL series subs are bigger and better than the R series subs and the SPL-150SW is the biggest of them all. In other words, this is what you need if you’re looking for an impactful bass. This is all thanks to its large 15-inch driver and spun-copper front-firing Cerametallic woofers. These proprietary Cerametallic woofers have low weight, allowing them little distortion and cone breakup.
The Class D digital amplifier has an analog preamp design. As a result, it retains the quality of the original signal, reproducing a much cleaner sound than your average subwoofers and speakers.
It offers more control for audiophiles who don’t settle for anything less than perfect. The Low Pass Crossover and Variable Phase controls allow easy tuning to your relative room setting and audio needs. You can easily use them with home theater receivers with line-level/LFE RCA inputs. But you can also use the wireless input a the same time as RCA.
The body of the subwoofer speaker is made of MDF with a beautiful scratch-resistant ebony finish. On the bottom, it has rubber feet that absorb shock, so the sub doesn’t move from a position even when at the highest sound level.
The steel grille posts and woven grille add a touch of luxury. It will easily fit into the aesthetics of any modern home theater room.
Pros
- High output
- Placement flexibility
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Low distortion even on very low frequencies
Cons
- Too big for small spaces
- Pricey
Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer
The Klipsch R-121SW is one of the two new offerings in the Reference series subwoofers. It has a more modern, streamlined design with some new features to improve the sound experience.
It has revamped spun-copper thermoformed crystalline polymer (TCP) woofers, which further help reduce distortion.
Specifications
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 28Hz – 120Hz |
| MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT | 118dB |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | All digital |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 200W / 400W |
| WOOFER | 12″ high excursion spun-copper TCP woofer |
| ENCLOSURE MATERIAL | MDF |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | Line-level/LFE RCA jacks |
| HEIGHT | 16.6” (421 mm) |
| WIDTH | 16” (406 mm) |
| DEPTH | 19.7” ( 500 mm) |
| WEIGHT | 35 lbs (16.0 kg) |
| FINISH | Black Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
Key Features
- 12-inch high-performance driver
- Spun-copper TCP woofer
- All-digital amplifier
- Reinforced MDF construction
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Low-profile grille
This best Klipsch subwoofer is similar to its predecessor, the R-120SW. However, it has an improved driver and woofer, which allows it to produce an even cleaner base with a frequency response as low as 28 Hz.
The size is also slightly different, as this one is a little bit bigger and heavier. The construction is based on MDF with a vinyl finish that’s scratch-resistant. So in terms of its design, it’s similar to other Reference series subs. Still, the new construction is supposed to reduce cabinet vibrations.
The front-firing driver allows placement flexibility. It also has a front-mounted LED power indicator that tells whether the subwoofer is on or off. However, the inputs and controls are on the back.
Its all-digital amplifier has a 0/180 phase and auto power-on function.
Pros
- Cleaner bass
- Refined design
- Easy tuning
- No degradation or distortion
Cons
- Heavy
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
The Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer from the reference series is the largest in the series with a 12-inch high incursion woofer. It’s a wired sub of 400 Watt peak power, designed for home theater systems. With copper-spun woofers and an all-digital amplifier, this one delivers the quality you would expect in an actual theater.
Specifications
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 29Hz – 120Hz |
| MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT | 116dB |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | All digital |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 200W / 400W |
| WOOFER | 12″ high excursion spun-copper IMG woofer |
| ENCLOSURE MATERIAL | MDF |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | Line-level/LFE RCA jacks |
| HEIGHT | 16.5” (419 mm) |
| WIDTH | 14” (356 mm) |
| DEPTH | 19.2” ( 488mm) |
| WEIGHT | 31 lbs (14.1 kg) |
| FINISH | Black Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
Key Features
- 12-inch spun-copper Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer
- All-digital amplifier
- Front-firing driver
- LED power indicator
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Low-profile grille
- Durable MDF cabinet with a black textured finish
This Klipsch subwoofer is the most powerful in the Reference series, aside from some of the newer models. Its 12-inch front-firing driver produces low frequencies brilliantly with minimal distortion.
Thanks to the all-digital amplifier, it can recreate sound signals without losing quality. So you get the bass and sound just how the engineers have meant for it to be heard. You can place it anywhere in the room per your needs, as the front-firing port allows positioning flexibility.
This one only allows wired input, but you have both line-level and LFE RCA jacks. It’s easy to be paired with other speakers and blends the bass with the sound for a cohesive auditory experience in home theater.
The sub has a streamlined modern aesthetic with LED for on/off state. The body is made of MDF, a sturdy material but not overly heavy. The black finish on the wood makes it a versatile speaker that blends with other components of the home theater system effortlessly.
Pros
- Extraordinary low-frequency response
- Placement flexibility
- High compatibility with home theatre receivers
- Low-profile grille
- Easy to fine-tune
Cons
- Only RCA input
Klipsch R-80SWI Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a subwoofer that offers wireless input, the Klipsch R-80SWI should be your choice. It’s a beautiful subwoofer with a wooden cabinet and dark finish that delivers deep bass without any cable hassle. It’s part of the original Reference series, made for home theater systems.
It connects to other components in the system through a pre-configured transmitter. Then you can place the sub near the transmitter to enjoy dynamic bass. It has a similarly powerful driver as other Reference series subs but is more compact.
Specifications
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 38Hz – 120Hz |
| MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT | 108dB |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | All digital |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 50W / 150W |
| WOOFER | 8″ high excursion IMG down-firing woofer |
| ENCLOSURE MATERIAL | MDF |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | Line-level/LFE RCA jacks, 2.4 GHz wireless |
| HEIGHT | 13.25″ / 33.66 cm |
| WIDTH | 11.75″ / 29.85 cm |
| DEPTH | 11.75″ / 29.85 cm |
| WEIGHT | 31 lbs (14.1 kg) |
| FINISH | Brushed Black Polymer Veneer |
Key Features
- 8-inch down-firing driver
- Spun copper IMG woofer
- All-digital amplifier
- Wireless connectivity with transmitter (2.4 GHz)
- Low-pass crossover and phase control
- Compact built
The Klipsch R-80SWI subwoofer’s most convenient feature is its wireless connectivity. Unlike regularly powered subwoofers, you don’t have to work with so many cables. Although the RCA input option is available, you can wirelessly connect it with the help of the pre-paired transmitter.
The woofer is a spun copper IMG one, like the rest of the subwoofers in the Reference series. However, this one is supposed to be a compact sub, designed for smaller home theater spaces.
Nevertheless, the sound is pretty loud, with low-frequency responses as low as 88 Hz.
It has a cube cabinet shape, constructed with MDF and polished to perfection with a Vinyl covering. The wood texture adds aesthetical value. So it doesn’t just provide ground-shaking bass but also ties into the decor.
This subwoofer can easily blend in with crossover and phase controls if you’re using Klipsch speakers. But compatibility won’t be an issue even if you’re using speakers from another brand.
As the smallest Klipsch subwoofer, this one doesn’t take up much space. So this is ideal for smaller rooms.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Wide frequency response range
- Wireless connection convenience
- Clear sound with heavy bass
- Easy to pair with other speakers
Cons
- Not ideal for large spaces
Klipsch R-12SWI Subwoofer
The Klipsch R-12SWI subwoofer is just the big brother of the R-80SWI, as it has a 12-inch drive instead. This one also offers wireless connectivity through a pre-paired transmitter. It connects via a 2.4 GHz channel, so connecting to an existing sound system is pretty easy.
Specifications
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 29Hz – 120Hz |
| MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT | 116dB |
| AMPLIFIER TYPE | All digital |
| AMPLIFIER POWER | 200W / 400W |
| WOOFER | 12″ high excursion IMG down-firing woofer |
| ENCLOSURE MATERIAL | MDF |
| ENCLOSURE TYPE | Bass Reflex |
| INPUTS | Line-level/LFE RCA jacks, 2.4 GHz wireless |
| HEIGHT | 16″ / 40.64 cm |
| WIDTH | 14″ / 35.56 cm |
| DEPTH | 18.5″ / 47 cm |
| WEIGHT | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| FINISH | Brushed Black Polymer Veneer |
Key Features
- 12-inch front-firing, spun-copper IMG woofer
- All-digital amplifier
- Wireless connectivity Hi-Fi (2.4 GHz) with transmitter
- Low pass crossover and phase control
- Removable grille
The Klipsch R-12SWI Subwoofer is a larger one with a 12-inch driver and 400 W peak power. So this is ideal for larger spaces for more filling bass. The frequency range from 29 Hz to 120 Hz is pretty good. You get the deep bass without distortion.
Its design is similar to other Reference series subwoofers, as it has a similar cabinet design and is made with the same material/finish. However, it has a removable grille.
This one also connects wirelessly with the help of a pre-paired transmitter. All you have to do is plug the transmitter into the component of your choice, and it automatically connects with the sub. This way, you can easily place it anywhere in the room.
This is ideal for those needing to use the subwoofer in more than one space. While it’s not portable, connecting it with any other system would be less complicated, as it’s simply a plug-and-play model.
Pros
- High-quality bass
- Easy connection
- Sturdy built
- Easy to tune
Cons
- A bit heavy
Final Thoughts
Klipsch is a pioneer of speakers and subwoofers, so you can be sure about the quality and reliability when going with their products. It comes down to your needs as to what subwoofer size you need. For larger spaces, go with a 12-inch or bigger Klipsch subwoofer.
Our top pick is the Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer. It’s not the best or most expensive of the Klipsch range but it does provide excellent value for what you get. Amazing sound with deep bass makes this subwoofer ideal for most people looking to improve their movie nights.
Klipsch R-121SW Subwoofer
A standout pick for those that want something that will turn your home audio from damp and cloudy to vibrant and bouncing. At a great price, the R-121SW Subwoofer is our top pick from Klipsch.
The Klipsch SPL-150SW Subwoofer is the biggest and produces the deepest, cleanest bass you’ll hear. But it’s for bigger spaces that can handle that kind of low-frequency response. The Klipsch R-80SWI or R-120SW are also great options. The R-80SWI has a wireless input option in addition to RCA. If you’re after something a little more budget-friendly, the R-12SWI Subwoofer is an ideal choice.
If you’re not sold on the Klipsch subwoofer range, perhaps a Sony wireless subwoofer or an SVS subwoofer would be a better choice for your home.
