Klipsch R-120SW vs BIC America F12

Best Active Subwoofer: Klipsch R-120SW vs BIC America F12

You don’t have to go deep in the BIC America F12 vs Klipsch R-120SW comparison to find out that these subwoofers differ considerably in some aspects: they were released with a difference of more than 10 years and have significant price distinction. The BIC America F12 costs at around $200, so it’s a quite affordable offering for a floorstander. However, the presence of inputs for both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS is a significant advantage for such a budget model. Especially in comparison with its opponent, which is more expensive (around $350) having only standard RCA inputs. However, the Klipsch model is powered with a great all-digital amplifier that has 400 W of working power and is much more powerful than the amp integrated into the BIC America F12 (150 W).

Features & performance

After comparing the Klipsch R-120SW vs BIC America F12 sound performance, I noticed that despite the fact that both subwoofers are equipped with similar 12-inch driver, they’re quite different regarding bass reproduction. For more demanding users, I’d recommend the Klipsch R-120SW. It’s powerful enough to fill the middle-sized room with great bass which penetrates in your chest. Being honest, if used to its fullest, this sub produces even more bass than an average home theater actually needs.

The BIC America F12 has more moderate bass versus the Klipsch R-120SW, but it's not so bad. As a budget subwoofer for home use, it fully does the job. However, it requires some efforts for proper crossover and volume adjustment. After that, the sub will give out its best: the bass will become tight and deep, making the sound more realistic.

Design

Both subs are made of solid MDF and have black-colored cabinet — these are all common features of their external look. The Klipsch R-120SW has spun-copper woofer in the middle of its front panel, while the BIC America F12 goes with injection-molded long-throw woofer. Despite the fact that they look quite different, both woofers are made from polymer.

The dimensions of the subs is another point to compare: the Klipsch model, with its 16.5 x 14 x 19.2 inches of size and 31 lbs of weight appears to be much bigger than the BIC America F12 which has only 21 x 19 x 22 inches in size and weighs 20 lbs.

Klipsch R-120SW pros & cons

BIC America F12 pros & cons