They nailed it! Klipsch RP1200SW Subwoofer Review!

Test Equipment:

Preamp & Power Amplifiers:

Source: Bluesound Node 2i or Cambridge MXN10 Streamer
(all music is hi-res streamed from Tidal)

DAC: Denafrips Ares II

Speaker & Power Cables: Maze Audio Ref4
(rest in peace Kent)

Interconnect Cables:
Analysis Plus Oval One RCA
Oyaide Tunami Terzo XX V2 XLR

Your results may vary based on your ears, room, and associated equipment.

[JohnScheppler]

I've been running the Klipsch RPW line of front ported subwoofers for a while and really enjoying it. The front port gives you so much more flexibility with room placement.

[michaelwright]

Good review Nemo! Klipsch does make some nice little speakers and subs. And fantastic advice to turn down the crossover settings. As you stated, most folks leave their sub(s) set at 80Hz and the volume cranked up. And then the placement, most folks simply place them next to the speakers. And I have been guilty of all of the above... 

I still have the SB3000 subs, x 2, and found placing them away from the speakers, in two separate but joined rooms, made a significant difference in the bass. Then checking the Hz rating on my speakers, a pair of ZU DW6 Supremes, at around 38Hz, I set the subs at roughly 40Hz as you recommend, and took the volume down into the 40's or lower db. They disappear in the rooms and I cannot "hear" the subs, and they add just enough bass to really make recordings sound outstanding. 

Keep up the good work sir!

[KimmoJaskari]

Klipsch have made a big point about the new slot port, they designed in something they call an aerofoil design. The lack of port chuffing on these is not an accident, it's a result of the literal years they spent designing these units and shaping the entire port length into the sub. Again, compared to the PB 16 Ultra which is over a thousand bucks more, the RP1600SW has less chuffing (according to the single informal comparison I've seen on Youtube) and I see no reason to doubt it, the SVS have several normal simple round ports.

[eltonc]

Good to have another quality product sub $1000 to choose from... and as always a great review, especially the comparison !

[benjaminreverse]

Bought this to replace an SVS SB-3000 and the difference is significant. Huge, billowy, deep bass where the SVS lacks impact and realism. I have them paired with The Nines and crossed over at 55 hz. Klipsch claims their products elicit emotion, and they certainly deliver here.

[michaelwright]

Even their budget line subs are very good. I hooked my buddy up with a pair of their Black Label 12 inch, and he throughly enjoys them, and they sound damn good.

[SSMan-jotf]

I just purchased the Rp-1600sw, can’t wait for delivery!!

[iansteventon]

Hi, just thought I'd send a BIG thank you for your efforts on the review. I've had this klipsch rp-1200sw for just over a week and it has transformed my audio ! Obviously my last 2 svs sb-1000 pros weren't cutting the mustard.
Tempted to get another, but honestly don't know if it would even improve anything as it sounds amazing.
Anyways, thank you mate for the time and effort you take on your work 👌 🔊

[lijay]

The klipsch RP14s are on sale now for $899.

[Nick_i]

These are now on sale for $800. Seems like a pretty great value, especially with the 5 year warranty on driver *and* electronics.

[robk]

Great subwoofer especially for the money. You’ll be wanting another one real quick haha

[Audiomainia]

Interesting. I had bought a while back the R12SW - rear ported, and I hated it immediately and returned it. This is completely different and the slotted port like the RSL eliminates port chuffing. I may give this a shot in the future, but still loving my sealed JBL S550P sub. I've gotten so accustomed to the tight transient response ( I bought it cause you gave it a thumbs up brother, and I totally dig it )
Thanks brother for a good review - and yeah, I felt the way you did about Klipsch. Gotta rethink it b!

[NeilRussell-mr]

We have a 12 inch in the basement man cave, also towers, side speakers, and rear speakers. I’ve never heard a sub hit that low even at low volume? I’ve never heard that before.😘

[wh]

Instead comparing this to the pb1000 pro you should compare to the pb 2000 pro size wise and

[sleeper]

Very compelling. I might pick up a pair.

[KimmoJaskari]

Glad to see some reviews start filtering out of the new Reference Premiere subs. Their other subs have all been eeeh, but these new RP subs seem to be monstrosities, in the best way possible. I've seen one video on here where after a casual comparo they arrived at the conclusion that the RP1600SW seems to outperform an SVS PB 16 Ultra.

[john]

I wish that Klipsch would make a Heritage Series subwoofer to match my Heresy IV's.

[pobinr]

Even the RW1200 goes down to 16.5Hz. Amazing
But are they good for Hi Fi music. Or mainly for cinema ?

[roccofilippi]

So I just ordered the RP16sw. Actually 2 of them. Where do I start before I run Audissey? Set the sub to full range, gain to half, Hook up to the LFE, and set the reciever to LFE + Main. Sound right?

[JR-hoqm]

Good job Klipsh! How would this compare to a Emotiva RS11 ? Thanks for the content, you are by far the most detailed Sub woofer reviewer out there!