Klipsch SPL-120 12” Powered Subwoofer

Description

About the Klipsch SPL-120 12” Powered Subwoofer

The Klipsch SPL-120 12” Powered Subwoofer has a long-throw Cerametallic woofer that combines with a high-efficiency Class D amplifier. This delivers 300 watts RMS and up to 600 watts peak.

Klipsch specifies a frequency response of 24Hz to 125Hz. Maximum acoustic output is rated at 118dB. Therefore, the SPL-120 offers considerably greater bass extension and output than the smaller SPL-100.

A front-firing slot port helps reduce turbulence while making room placement more flexible. Dual RCA and LFE inputs provide conventional wired connectivity. In addition, the optional Klipsch WA-2 kit enables wireless signal transmission.

What We Think

The SPL-120 delivers the scale and impact many buyers expect when moving to a proper 12-inch subwoofer.

Its 300-watt RMS amplifier provides useful headroom. Meanwhile, the front-firing Cerametallic driver can move substantially more air than the 10-inch SPL-100. The result is stronger impact during explosions, deep sound effects, drums, and bass-heavy music.

The SPL-120 also reaches lower than its smaller sibling. Its published 24Hz extension is well suited to mainstream home theatre. However, buyers wanting the strongest possible output below 20Hz should consider a newer premium model such as the Klipsch RP-1200SW or an SVS ported subwoofer.

We like the straightforward controls. Gain, crossover, and continuously variable phase make conventional setup easy. The optional WA-2 connection is useful when running a long RCA cable is impractical.

There is no app control, built-in room correction, or parametric EQ. Therefore, best results depend on careful positioning and calibration through the connected AV receiver.

Overall, the SPL-120 offers powerful, lively bass and classic Klipsch styling. It makes particular sense for buyers building an energetic Reference or Reference Premiere home theatre system.

 

 

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The Klipsch SPL-120 is ideal for:

• Medium to large home theatres
• Film, television, gaming, and concert playback
• Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere speaker systems
• Listeners wanting strong cinematic impact
• Buyers upgrading from an entry-level 8-inch or 10-inch subwoofer
• AV receivers with an RCA LFE output
• Stereo amplifiers with a compatible subwoofer output
• Rooms where front-firing porting offers useful placement flexibility
• Systems needing optional wireless signal connectivity
• Dual-subwoofer installations
• Buyers who prefer simple physical controls
• Systems that do not require onboard app control or room correction

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Klipsch SPL-120?
   The SPL-120 is a powered home audio subwoofer. It combines a front-firing 12-inch Cerametallic driver, ported MDF cabinet, and 300-watt RMS Class D amplifier.
2. How powerful is the Klipsch SPL-120?
   Its amplifier is rated at 300 watts RMS and 600 watts peak. Klipsch also publishes maximum acoustic output of 118dB. Real output will depend on the room, placement, settings, and source material.
3. How deep does the SPL-120 play?
   Klipsch specifies a frequency response of 24Hz to 125Hz. This provides strong home theatre and musical bass. However, newer premium subwoofers may deliver greater output below 20Hz.
4. What room size suits the SPL-120?
   It is best suited to medium and large rooms. It can also work in a smaller room because its gain can be reduced. However, the 506mm cabinet depth must be considered before purchase.
5. Can the SPL-120 connect to an AV receiver?
   Connect the receiver’s subwoofer or LFE output to the SPL-120 using a shielded RCA cable. The receiver can then manage crossover, distance, level, and room correction.
6. Does the SPL-120 work with a stereo amplifier?
   Yes, provided the amplifier has a compatible variable subwoofer output or pre-out. The SPL-120 does not include speaker-level inputs, so it cannot connect directly to ordinary speaker terminals.
7. Can the SPL-120 operate wirelessly?
   The optional Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit transmits the audio signal without a long RCA cable. However, the subwoofer still requires mains power.
8. Is the Klipsch WA-2 kit included?
   The WA-2 wireless kit is sold separately.
9. Can the wired and wireless inputs operate together?
   Klipsch states that both input methods can be active. For example, the wired input could serve a stereo system while the wireless input serves a home theatre receiver in the same room.
10. What crossover should I use with the SPL-120?
    An 80Hz crossover is a practical starting point for many bookshelf and home theatre speakers. Large floorstanders may integrate well at 60Hz or 70Hz. Small satellite speakers may require a higher crossover.
11. How should I set the phase control?
    Begin at 0 degrees and listen from the main seat. Then adjust the phase until bass around the crossover frequency sounds strongest and most even. Room-correction software may also assist with timing and distance.
12. Can the SPL-120 be placed close to a wall?
    Its driver and port both face forward, which provides useful placement flexibility. However, placing it near a wall or corner can increase bass output and may exaggerate particular frequencies.
13. Is the SPL-120 suitable for music?
    It can add weight and scale to drums, bass guitar, orchestral recordings, and electronic music. For natural results, keep the gain controlled and select a crossover that blends smoothly with the main speakers.
14. What is the difference between the SPL-120 and RP-1200SW?
    The RP-1200SW is Klipsch’s newer Reference Premiere 12-inch subwoofer. It provides substantially more amplifier power, deeper published extension, a larger cabinet, and upgraded engineering. The SPL-120 remains attractive when value and straightforward operation matter most.

 

Key Features

12-Inch Cerametallic Woofer

The SPL-120 uses a front-firing 12-inch long-throw Cerametallic woofer.

The spun-copper cone is designed to be both light and rigid. This helps control cone breakup and distortion while allowing the driver to respond quickly to demanding bass signals.

The larger surface area also moves more air than a 10-inch driver. As a result, the SPL-120 produces greater bass weight and room-filling impact.

300-Watt RMS Class D Amplifier

A built-in Class D amplifier delivers 300 watts RMS and up to 600 watts peak.

Class D operation offers high electrical efficiency and strong output from a relatively compact amplifier section. An analogue preamplifier stage maintains a conventional signal path ahead of the Class D output stage.

Because the amplifier is built in, the SPL-120 does not take bass power from the main amplifier or AV receiver.

Up to 118dB Maximum Output

Klipsch publishes maximum acoustic output of 118dB.

This provides substantial headroom for action films, gaming effects, live concerts, drums, and electronic music. However, real-world output depends on room size, placement, settings, source content, and listening distance.

24Hz to 125Hz Frequency Response

The published frequency response extends down to 24Hz.

Therefore, the SPL-120 can reproduce substantial low-frequency effects and musical bass. It delivers deeper extension than the SPL-100, which is rated down to 27Hz.

Front-Firing Slot Port

The MDF cabinet uses a front-firing slot port with Klipsch’s internal flare geometry.

The port is designed to reduce turbulence and audible chuffing during demanding bass passages. Its front-facing orientation also makes placement less dependent on generous clearance behind the cabinet.

Room boundaries will still influence bass response. Therefore, positioning remains important.

Adjustable Low-Pass Crossover

The rear low-pass control helps blend the SPL-120 with different main speakers.

When using an AV receiver’s LFE output, bass management should normally be handled by the receiver. For a compatible stereo system, the subwoofer’s onboard crossover can help integrate it with the speakers.

An 80Hz setting is a sensible starting point for many systems.

Continuously Variable Phase

The phase control is adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees.

This helps align the subwoofer with the main speakers at the listening position. Correct phase adjustment can strengthen bass around the crossover region and reduce cancellation.

Dual RCA and LFE Inputs

The SPL-120 provides dual RCA line-level inputs. One input also supports a conventional mono LFE connection.

This makes the subwoofer compatible with most AV receivers, processors, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifiers that provide a suitable subwoofer output.

Speaker-level inputs are not included.

Optional WA-2 Wireless Connectivity

A dedicated connection supports the optional Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit.

This allows the audio signal to be transmitted without a long RCA cable. It can simplify installation where the subwoofer sits away from the equipment cabinet.

The WA-2 kit is sold separately. Also, the SPL-120 still requires a nearby mains power socket.

Simultaneous Wired and Wireless Inputs

Klipsch states that the RCA and wireless inputs can be used simultaneously.

For example, one SPL-120 could receive a wired signal from a stereo system and a wireless signal from a home theatre receiver. Both systems should not play simultaneously unless their levels and signals are carefully managed.

Automatic Standby

The amplifier provides automatic standby operation when no signal is detected.

Klipsch publishes standby power consumption of approximately 0.5 watts. Therefore, the subwoofer can remain ready for use without continuously drawing its full operating power.

Durable Ebony Finish

The MDF cabinet is covered in scratch-resistant ebony vinyl.

A removable woven-cloth grille, steel grille posts, and shock-absorbing rubber feet complete the design. Removing the grille reveals the distinctive copper-coloured driver.

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Suggested System Match

The SPL-120 is a natural match for a Klipsch Reference Premiere home theatre system.

Pair it with Klipsch RP-8000F II floorstanding speakers, an RP-504C II centre speaker, matching surrounds, and a capable Onkyo AV receiver.

Connect the receiver’s subwoofer output to the SPL-120’s LFE input. Then let the receiver manage crossover, distance, level, and room correction.

An 80Hz crossover is a useful starting point. However, large floorstanding speakers may integrate well at 60Hz or 70Hz. The best setting will depend on the room, speaker positioning, and listening distance.

For smoother bass across several seats, consider two matching SPL-120 subwoofers. Correctly positioned dual subs can reduce seat-to-seat variation and provide more even room coverage.

 

Specifications

Brand: Klipsch
Series: SPL
Model: SPL-120
Product Type: Powered subwoofer
Woofer Size: 12 inches, 305mm
Woofer Type: Long-throw spun-copper Cerametallic
Driver Orientation: Front-firing
Enclosure Type: Bass reflex
Port Type: Front-firing slot port with internal flare
Enclosure Material: MDF
Frequency Response: 24Hz to 125Hz
Maximum Acoustic Output: 118dB
Amplifier Type: Class D with analogue preamplifier stage
Continuous Amplifier Power: 300W RMS
Peak Amplifier Power: 600W
RCA Inputs: Dual RCA line-level inputs
LFE Input: Yes
Speaker-Level Inputs: No
Wireless Capability: Optional through Klipsch WA-2 kit
Wireless Kit Included: No
Simultaneous Wired and Wireless Use: Supported
Gain Control: Yes
Low-Pass Crossover Control: Yes
Phase Control: Variable, 0 to 180 degrees
Power Control: On, Auto, and Off
Standby Power Consumption: Approximately 0.5W
App Control: No
Built-In Room Correction: No
Finish: Scratch-resistant ebony vinyl
Grille: Removable woven cloth
Grille Posts: Steel
Feet: Shock-absorbing rubber
Height: 451mm
Width: 374mm
Depth: 506mm
Weight: 20.4kg
Production Introduced: 2018

Published Package Contents:

• Klipsch SPL-120 powered subwoofer
• Detachable woven-cloth grille
• Power cable
• Documentation

Package contents can vary by market. The WA-2 wireless kit and RCA subwoofer cable are sold separately.

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Practical advice from experienced New Zealand audio specialists
✔ Help matching the SPL-120 with your speakers and room
✔ Guidance on crossover, phase, gain, and placement
✔ Assistance integrating the subwoofer with an AV receiver
✔ Advice on single and dual-subwoofer systems
✔ Help choosing between wired and WA-2 wireless connection
✔ Carefully selected receivers, speakers, cables, and accessories
✔ New Zealand-based service and after-sales support
✔ Secure nationwide delivery
✔ Support before and after your purchase