Overview

The Klipsch RP-1200SW is a 12-inch powered subwoofer from the Reference Premiere series, pairing an ultra long throw spun-copper Cerametallic woofer with a 400 W RMS (800 W peak) Class D amplifier. It reaches down to 16.5 Hz and Klipsch rates its maximum output at 121 dB, giving movies and music deep, physical bass. It's built for living rooms and home theatres that need more low-end than a 10-inch sub delivers, and it matches Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers.

The front-firing Cerametallic woofer is light and very rigid, which keeps cone breakup and distortion low for cleaner output on less amplifier power. Its amplifier uses an analog preamp stage to keep the signal path clean, and a front-firing Aerofoil slot port with internal flare geometry minimizes port noise. Because both the driver and port face forward, you have more freedom in where the subwoofer goes.

Low-pass crossover and variable phase controls let you blend the sub with your speakers and room, and dual RCA/LFE line inputs connect to any home theatre receiver's subwoofer output. A built-in port accepts the Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit (sold separately), and the RCA and wireless inputs can be used at the same time, for example one for a home theatre and one for a stereo system. A ½-watt standby mode keeps idle power draw low.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Start with the sub near the front of the room, then try the "subwoofer crawl": put it at your seat, play bass-heavy content, and walk the room to find where the bass sounds smoothest, since that's usually the best spot for the sub. Run your receiver's room correction afterward to set level and distance. Plan for the footprint as well: the RP-1200SW is 17 inches wide and nearly 26 inches deep, so measure before choosing a spot beside furniture.

More Info

Why the Klipsch RP-1200SW Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Larger Rooms: Want more output than a 10" sub.
• Reference Premiere Owners: Want a sub that matches RP speakers.
• Movie Fans: Want deep, clean low-frequency effects.

How It Compares

The RP-1000SW uses a 10" woofer and 300 W RMS (600 W peak) amplifier, rated at 19 Hz to 131 Hz with 118.5 dB maximum output, in a 16.64" x 15" x 24.96" cabinet. The RP-1200SW steps up to a 12" woofer and 400 W RMS (800 W peak), reaching 16.5 Hz to 138 Hz with 121 dB maximum output, in an 18.89" x 17" x 25.92" cabinet. Choose the RP-1000SW for average rooms, and the RP-1200SW when you want deeper extension and more output.