Klipsch SPL 120 Subwoofer Review – Enjoy The Ultimate Bass

Do you need the best SPL Subwoofer to upgrade the bass Performance? If yes, Klipsch SPL-120 subwoofer is the best addition to your home theater.

This handsome subwoofer is not only durable but also lightweight. The premium ebony finish offers the ultimate scratch resistance. Its full-range, dynamic bass will add up the crisp to your favorite music and movies. Its 300W (Peak 600W) class D amplifier will let you feel every beat in your chest.

So, is it the best addition to your copper Klipsch gears? Check our in-depth Klipsch spl 120 subwoofer review for further details right now!

Specifications

Let’s read about the specifications of the Klipsch SPL-120 subwoofer. These Specs basically express the quality of this subwoofer.

Frequency 25 Hz to 125 Hz
Amplifier ClassD
Amplifying Power300 W (Peaks 600 W)
MaterialCerametallic
FinishEbony vinyl
Subwoofer Length12 inches
Dimensions (H×W×D)(451× 374 × 506) mm

Klipsch SPL 120 Subwoofer Review: Check Out For Further Details!

We have reviewed the Klipsch SPL-120 subwoofer based on some crucial features. Here are the features that help you to make a decision.

Build Quality

Do you need a subwoofer for the Reference Premier series? If yes, Klipsch SPL-120 is indeed the perfect match.

At first glance, the subwoofer may seem like a classy wooden sub. But it is actually a light black subwoofer with distinctive grain printing. The classy ebony finish can protect the woofer from accidental scratches.

I really love the 12″ inches subwoofer for its perfect size. You can easily set it up in the corner or in between furniture. The 15″ one may offer better amplification. But in comparison, it also consumes more floor space.

Durable & Lightweight Design

Cerametallic subwoofers are pretty durable, compact, and yet lightweight. The cones feature a double-layer copper voice coil. This unit is secured in a stamped-steel, non-vibrating box with a magnet motor. Thus, the signal conduction will be highly efficient with low frequency and distortion.

Sound Performance

The overall sound quality of Klipsch SPL-120 is just remarkable. Its classic pre-amp and D-amplifier design can maintain the original tone and original signal transduction pathway. Thus, the sound output will be low frequency, true to the source, yet super detailed.

Efficient Port System

Are you concerned about exaggerated port noise and unwanted vibration? Don’t worry! The Klipsch has already sorted it out.

Underneath the Klipsch SPL-120, you will find efficient rubber feet. It can easily absorb extra vibrations and resonance. The front-firing design also safeguards the surface at the back of the subwoofer from unwanted vibrations. This front-firing design, along with internal flare geometry, also plays a significant role in noise reduction. Thus, the portal low-frequency sounds will be clean and undistorted.

Effective Control System

Klipsch SPL-120 subwoofer features a variable phase control with a low pass filter. So, you can set up an ideal bass level while tuning it with other Klipsch speakers. Use the RCA inputs to connect it with your home theater system.

The R/L inputs also feature a gain knob and a WA port. You can also invest in a WA wireless subwoofer kit as well. Its WA port will let you set up the subwoofer with different sound systems in the same room.

Read More: Klipsch SPL-150 Subwoofer Review.

How To Set Up The Klipsch SPL 120 Subwoofer?

Now, let’s try to set up the SPL-120 subwoofer with your home theater system.

Placement

First, fix a suitable location where you would prefer to place the subwoofer. You have to consider multiple factors, including – listening areas, acoustics, and surrounding areas.

Connectivity

Use a subwoofer cable to connect the 12″ Klipsch sub to the AV receiver or amplifier. Carefully connect one end to the LFE input of the subwoofer. The other end will be plugged into the output A-V receiver.

Power

Once the subwoofer is plugged, turn on the power. On the back of the sub, the R/L line features a 3-mode (On/ Standby / Off) switch.

Crossover Settings

Now, match up the subwoofer’s crossover frequency with the low-pass filter of the A-V receiver. Thus, the sound blending between the speaker and the subwoofer will be super smooth and seamless.

Volume Level

Try to Adjust the subwoofer volume on the A-V receiver or subwoofer itself. Once you reach a proper balance, the sound will be absolutely immersive.

Phase Control

You can adjust the phase control knob to optimize the timing alignment between your subwoofer and main speakers. We usually prefer to set it at 0 degrees. But you can alter it as per the acoustic needs of your room.

Fine-Tuning

Tweak the equalization settings as per your sound requirements and room characteristics.

Test and Adjust

Now Play some deep bass music and test the subwoofer. If you still haven’t reached your desired sound, go for further adjustments.

Are you still confused? Check out the provided user manual for specific instructions!

Klipsch SPL 120 Subwoofer Pros & Cons

Klipsch SPL 120 is indeed a noteworthy addition to your sound system. But is it really worth it? Let’s check out the pros and cons.

Klipsch SPL-120 Pros

  • Klipsch SPL – 120 is highly durable and compact.
  • You can use the standby 0.5W mode to enjoy powerful bass with minimum electricity consumption.
  • The internal flare geometry has significantly reduced the port noise.
  • Its rubber feet, steel, and woven cloth grille have enhanced the overall aestheticism.
  • This unit is really affordable.

Klipsch SPL-120 Cons

  • It offers the best low-frequency response within an affordable range. But its pricey competitors offer more bass and better frequency response.
  • In order to connect to multiple sound systems, you have to invest in the wireless WA 2 kit separately.

Klipsch SPL-120 vs. Klipsch Large 15″ Subwoofer: Which One Is Better?

Klipsch 15-inch subwoofers are specifically well-known for their powerful bass performance. The 15″ R-115SW Klipsch subwoofer features a class D amplification of 400 watts. But its amplification can even peak at 800 W.

It can easily handle low frequencies down to 18Hz. In contrast, the 12″ Klipsch can only handle frequencies of 25 Hz or more. Thus, the 15″ subwoofer offers more impactful low-frequency reproduction.

Like the 12″ subwoofers, the large 15-inch subs are also very durable. But they obviously consume more floor space. Thus, setting it up in the corners is a bit of a hassle. However, both of them feature front-firing and internal-flare technology. So, the resonance on the wall will be minimal.

Let’s compare the 15-inch and 12-inch Klipsch subwoofers in tabulated form.

12″ Klipsch SPL-120Large Klipsch 15″ Subwoofer
Minimum Frequency Response
25 Hz or more18 Hz
Amplification Type
Classic D AmpClass D amplifier
Amplification Power
300W (Peaks 600 W)400W (Peaks 800W)
Floor Space Consumption

LessMore
WA 2 Wireless Compatibility

YesYes
Price
AffordableRelatively pricey

FAQ

1. Is Klipsch a high-end brand?

-Klipsch is an American brand that started its journey in 1946. It has been working in this field for more than 50 years to produce speakers and subwoofers with ultimate durability and sound quality.

2. SPL vs. SQ Subwoofers: Which one is better?

-Honestly, it’s really hard to choose between the SPL and SQ Subwoofers. After all, it totally depends on personal preferences.

Do you wish to go for the loudest subwoofer in the market? If yes, SPL subs are the best choice. However, SQ lineups focus more on improving sound quality. Their bass is also pretty good. But they are more concerned about clarity and fidelity.

3. Does Klipsch SPL-120 offer any warranty?

Yes. It offers a limited warranty support of 5 years. So you can invest in it without worries.

Final Verdict

After going through our Klipsch spl 120 subwoofer review, you already know by now that – it is the best sub within budget. If you can increase your budget, you may find woofers with more bass and frequency response. However, it is the most compact unit out there. You can easily set it up in between your furniture. Its overall aestheticism is also pretty appealing. Thus, the 12″ SPL subwoofer won’t really disappoint you. In fact, its advantages are really overwhelming.

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