Klipsch is an American-based company that was established in 1946. Their excellent reputation is not overstated as they are known for creating excellent and high-standard speakers, drivers, and enclosures. They have various kinds of audio products for different uses be it indoor or outdoor; at home or in public places and the speaker corresponds with stereos, computers, AMC theaters, Hard Rock Cafes, and the likes.
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KLIPSCH R-12SW REVIEW 2021
Paul Klipsch found the Klipsch company in 1945 and for more than seventy-five years, Klipsch has devoted its all to producing quality audio equipment for just an audiophile and music lovers in the best possible form. Klipsch started its inventory with Klipschorn speaker system and since then has been producing amazing audios taking technology to a brand new level which has earned them respect around the globe.
Klipsch R-12SW is part of Klipsch’s Extensive Reference Speaker Lineup that has lots of subwoofers of different sizes. R-12SW is one of the most popular and best-selling subwoofers on the market. It brings amazing spec at an affordable price.
R-12SW has big drivers that make the subwoofer perform better as it helps reproduce low-frequency bass waves better. It comes in a black and copper design with a front covering foam grill that may or may not be removed. R-12SW can easily be placed and moved around as it has a 12-inch sub and a 33 Lbs which is rather light. Klipsch speakers come with a 2-year warranty at an affordable price that still produces high-quality sounds.
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FEATURES
- 12’’ Front-firing Injection Molded Graphite(IMG) design
- Digital built-in amp
- 400 Watts available peak power
- LFE/Line inputs
- Rigid woofer
- Regulator for phase and low pass crossover
- 200 Watt RMS amp
- Low pass variable crossover
- Rear-firing regulator for Low-frequency
- 29Hz to 120Hz Frequency response
- Phase Switch control
- Auto power on and off
- MDF Cabinet
- A five-year woofer warranty and two years for amp
- 14’’ W x 16- ½’’H x 19- ¼’’D
- Powered sub and installed grille
- Weighs 31ibs
- 6.5’’ AC power cord.
Klipsch R-12SW Sound Quality
The subwoofer has an awesome sound quality due to the high-quality built-in amp that comes with it. The all-digital design that comes with it gives the subwoofer extra power to work effectively and make remarkably heavy bass sounds. Since the amp is built-in, the subwoofer doesn’t really need an external power source.
Klipsch R-12SW sound makes it unique and stands out among subwoofers in its same price range. Some other subwoofers in this price range produce distortions especially when the volume is a little bit high. R-12SW plays all frequencies with only a little or no distortion whatsoever which helps bring out a clear deep bass sound.
The copper diaphragm in the subwoofer also partakes in producing a clear sound. The work of the copper spun is to limit coloration and distortion in the subwoofer compared to those that come in other flexible materials. The copper might tend to cause a break in the audio signal while at a higher frequency, thankfully, only clear low-frequency sounds are played on the subwoofer.
The subwoofer can surprisingly help you detect sounds you’ve never heard before since it contains less warmth but crisp and bright sounds. Moreover, the all-digital amp that comes with R-12SW delivers 200W RMS and 400W dynamic power equally impressive, enough power to get the exact bass for any home studio setup. Whenever a low hum is experienced on this subwoofer, it is mainly due to multiple devices being plugged to separate outlets or perhaps, the use of low-end cables. This can be sorted by using quality cables with short lengths.
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Klipsch R-12SW Design
Klipsch R-12SW comes in size 10 and size 12 that signifies it is a compact model but with an amazing look. It always has a black finish that gives it a super sleek look with a cera-metallic woofer which gives the subwoofer an appealing look to correspond to a contemporary setting. There is a cloth grille on the subwoofer which leaves users to choose between leaving or removing it; however, it suits them.
Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer takes the shape of a large cube that measures about 14 x 18.5 x 16 inches ad weighs 30 pounds or a bit above with a stick-in cabinet, producing a luxurious design. The cabinet of the subwoofer is made with an MDF fiber wood enwrapped with a black polymer veneer which adds an increased texture and at the same time giving it a great high-end look.
The removable cloth grille at the front of the subwoofer has little curves around the edges that enhance behind the front panel giving it a more defining look. The cloth grille goes over the LED indicator as well that helps dim the glow in the subwoofer. Moreover, there is a 12-inch driver with an all-digital 400W amp used to highlight the design and features in a stylish way and most importantly, to minimize distortion.
The power chord and the controls of Klipsch R-12SW are at the back panel with a rear-firing port. The subwoofer has a rubber feet bottom that helps limit floor vibrations and sound absorption.
Klipsch R-12SW Controls, Integration, and Connectivity
There are plenty of inputs available at the back of the subwoofer and the subwoofer is compatible with most other audio sound system. This allows users to hook it up to other available sound systems with no stress. The compact design of the subwoofer allows its installation into smaller spaces which makes it suitable for both smaller and bigger room sizes.
The subwoofer once set up allows the use of certain controls which include the phase control switch, gain knob, and the low pass crossover control.
The phase control switch’s main function is to add electrical delay to the audio signal. To reverse the polarity of the subwoofer, it can be set to 180 degrees which may help refine the frequency response.
The gain knob on the other hand allows users to make adjustments to the volume of the audio signal directed by the speaker to the receiver. Audio sounds can be produced at the same level as other connected speakers to the receiver at a gain of 0. The gain can be increased to get a unique subwoofer.
The low-pass crossover control gives adjustment for low bass frequency cutoff that passes through the subwoofer. The frequency response for R-12SW is 29Hz to 120Hz, the low pass filter can let users adjust from 120Hz down to 40Hz. With the low pass crossover control turned to the right, it automatically set the subwoofer to LFE mode. The LFE is meant for connecting the subwoofer to an amp or receiver to the dedicated subwoofer output. This way, the receiver can send low frequencies to the subwoofer rather than the whole audio signal which enhances better clarity.
For users in need of wireless connectivity, the Klipsch company sells wireless kits that can connect to a WA-2 port on the back panel of R-12SW which instantly functions as wireless. All of these allow users to alter low-frequency sounds and correspond with other speakers which boost audio quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speaker type- Ported Powered Loudspeaker Subwoofer
- Brand- Klipsch
- Nominal Power Output- 200W
- Peak Power Output- 400W
- Model Name- R-12SW
- Frequency Response Range- 29 Hz to 120Hz
- Special feature- Built-in elevation
Setting Up R-12SW
Just like every other subwoofer, there are the same power requirements for all. The usual line-in and line-out connectors let you connect the subwoofer to your system as long as all wires are in place. One most important things about setting up the subwoofer is the placement, it just has to be right.
The location is quite important and the front-firing driver that comes with R-12SW allows you to place the subwoofer wherever it suits you in your room as long as the cable can get to it. Once in position, power it up and have a wonderful audio experience with Klipsch R-12SW
- A stylish build quality design that is at the same time durable.
- Detailed and heavy bass that make unique audio sounds.
- Less distortion even at a very high volume.
- The power cable needs to be attached.
- Lack of wireless connectivity.
R-12SW AND THE NEW R-112SW
Klipsch loudspeakers are incontestably awesome speakers and best valued as older generation products are more revered. The new R-112SW has a few upgraded designs and is more powerful than the R-12SW but is considerably expensive even though it has the same limitations as R-12SW. Why not go for the cheaper and conventional R-12SW?
The notable difference is that R-12SW is wireless which advantageously makes cable management cleaner and neater and the placement even easier.
Conclusion
Klipsch R-12SW with its brushed polymer exterior gives a unique and satisfactory look. If you decide to remove the removable grill, the R-12SW exhibits the awesome 12-inch copper driver. The subwoofer produces a high-quality sound; clean deep bass that surpasses its price range. It could lack a wireless connection but has made it up with an attached power cable.
At the very end, R-12SW produces smooth bass, no distortion, and is worth more than what you paid for.
Klipsch R-12SW is designed to be durable, good for users always on the move. It features a sophisticated look and is easy to se-up use, and master giving an excellent audio experience to the et of lucky users.
