Klipsch R-120SW vs Jamo C 912 Budget Subwoofer Comparison

The Jamo C 912 and Klipsch R-120SW are two of the most popular 12-inch powered subwoofer options for music and home theater in the $200-$300 range. Adding a quality subwoofer to your home audio setup can make a world of difference, providing powerful, deep bass that brings music and movies to life. But which one is the better choice for your needs and budget? This detailed comparative review highlights the key features, performance specs, and the pros and cons of each model.

Subwoofer Comparison Table

Specification	Jamo C 912	Klipsch R-120SW
Dimensions (HxWxD)	17.9″ x 14″ x 18.9″	16.5″ x 14″ x 19.2″
Weight	42 Pounds	31 Pounds
Driver	12″ IMG Woofer	12″ Copper Spun IMG
Enclosure Type	Ported	Ported
Bass Port Location	Front	Rear
Continuous RMS Power	75W	200W
Peak Power	300W	400W
Frequency Response	29Hz – 125Hz	29Hz – 120Hz
Volume/Gain Control	Yes	Yes
Low-Pass Filter	Yes	Yes
Phase Switch	Yes	Yes
Auto/On Feature	Yes	Yes
App Control	No	No
Connectivity	RCA, LFE, and Wireless	RCA & LFE
Typical Price	$200-$250	$250-$300
Warranty (In Years)	5 (Woofer) / 2 (Amp)	5 (Woofer) / 2 (Amp)

Jamo C 912 vs Klipsch R-120SW: Detailed Review

Size and Design

The Jamo C 912 has a medium-large footprint, measuring nearly 18 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and almost 19 inches deep. It uses a bass reflex ported enclosure design with the port firing from the front. This allows for more flexible placement closer to walls without compromising quality. The Klipsch R-120SW is slightly more compact at 16.5” high, but it is deeper at 19.2” deep. It also utilizes a ported design but with a rear-firing port. Both models have a clean, modern aesthetic with detachable grilles.

Both subwoofers have sturdy MDF wood cabinet construction and wood grain finishes. While the C 912 is available in black and white, the Klipsch R-120SW is only available in the signature copper and black Klipsch style. While we expanded on our love of the woofer cover and finish in our Jamo C 912 review, this will come down to preference for many. At 42 pounds, the Jamo is a good bit heavier than the 31-pound Klipsch. Overall, the Jamo has a slightly larger footprint, but both models are somewhat comparable and can fit into most living rooms or home theater setups without dominating the space.

Power and Frequency

With its built-in 300W peak power (75W RMS) amplifier, the Jamo C 912 can deliver impactful, room-filling bass. However, its frequency response only extends down to 29 Hz on the low end, meaning it can’t reach the lowest sub-bass tones below 25 Hz. The R-120SW provides more continuous power from its amp at 200W RMS and 400W peak power. When we reviewed the Klipsch R-120SW, we liked the combination of power and a small footprint at this price. It matches the 29 Hz low-frequency extension of the Jamo. While its frequency range doesn’t reach the lowest of lows, the extra headroom will allow the Klipsch R-120SW to play louder when pushed hard.

The power difference between these two 12-inch subs won’t be as pronounced as it seems. The Jamo C 912 is still capable of couch-shaking, rumbling bass. And the C 912’s bass output is a little smoother and less peaky than the R-120SW. The Klipsch R-120SW still has a slight edge over the Jamo C 912 when it comes to power output capability.

Controls and Connectivity

Both the Jamo C 912 and Klipsch R-120SW include key controls like variable low pass crossovers, gain knobs for volume adjustment, and 0/180 degree phase switches. These help integrate the subwoofers and blend their bass output with other speakers in your system. Both also have a convenient auto-on feature to conserve power.

One surprise feature of the Jamo C 912 is its built-in wireless capability when using the optional WA-2 wireless adaptor kit. This gives it the option of greater placement flexibility in a room without needing to run long cables. Both models also have standard LFE and RCA inputs for wired connection to any subwoofer-out. Overall, the Jamo C 912 nudges ahead of the Klipsch a bit when it comes to controls and connectivity, thanks to the addition of its wireless capability.

Price and Use Case

With a typical price of around $230, the Jamo C 912 provides tremendous value for a 300W 12-inch powered subwoofer. Its combination of performance, features, and design make it one of the best subwoofer options under $300. The Klipsch R-120SW delivers marginally more power and similarly deep bass extension but carries a higher price, typically selling for around $280.

For those trying to add a quality subwoofer with good power on a budget, these are both great options. Both are ideal entry-level options for most home theaters. Larger spaces may require two subs or a more powerful option. Those looking to build a high-end dedicated home theater now will likely want to up their budget for a deeper bass response. The Klipsch R-120SW and Jamo C 912 will both work well for music where a 29 Hz frequency response is all most will need. A smaller or sealed sub may be preferred for an office setup.

In Conclusion: Pick The Right 12″ Sub For You

Klipsch R-120SW vs Jamo C 912: How They Compare

In summary, both the Jamo C 912 and Klipsch R-120SW are excellent 12-inch subwoofers that deliver deep, accurate bass performance for this price point. The Klipsch does have a slight edge when it comes to power output. However, the Jamo C 912 still offers decent power and a less boomy bass response.

Both 12″ powered subs carry similar designs, connectivity, and controls. They do differ in a few other ways. In addition to slightly smaller dimensions, the Klipsch R-120SW is also 11 pounds lighter. The Jamo C 912 also scores a small point for placement flexibility due to its front-facing bass port. And while the prices of home audio are constantly in flux, buyers can typically go get the C 912 sub for about $50 cheaper.

Our Final Verdict

The Klipsch R-120SW makes sense for buyers looking for the most impactful bass or a slightly more manageable footprint. The Jamo C 912 is the best buy for those seeking the best combination of performance and value. Either way, we would expect either of these subs to please most shoppers in this price range. Both are equipped with punchy, powerful bass capable of making your music and movie experience come alive.