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Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer vs Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

The Klipsch R-121SW is the stronger pick for most people. It has more RMS power, a braced 3/4-inch MDF cabinet, phase control and wireless capability, and it scores higher with owners. The Monoprice is a solid budget alternative with a wider frequency range, a fully adjustable crossover and speaker-level inputs, but its lighter build and lower power show in a less controlled low end.

  • Choose the Klipsch R-121SW if you want more output, a sturdier cabinet and phase control for blending with a home theater system.
  • Choose the Monoprice 12-inch if you need speaker-level inputs for an older stereo receiver or want a crossover that adjusts across the full range.

Prices

  • Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer: $389.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 4)
  • Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer: $186.69 at Walmart (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer is $203.30 cheaper than the Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer at the latest prices (Nov 4 and Nov 10)
Klipsch
Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer

Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer

4.8(659 ratings)
$389.99at Best BuyChecked Nov 4
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • More RMS power for larger rooms
  • Braced 3/4-inch MDF cabinet resists vibration
  • Phase control helps blend with main speakers
  • Wireless option cuts cable runs
  • High owner rating
Cons
  • No speaker-level inputs
  • Crossover tops out at 120 Hz
  • Deep cabinet needs floor space
Monoprice
Monoprice 12-inch Powered Subwoofer

Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

Monoprice 12-inch Powered Subwoofer

4.4(335 ratings)
$186.69at WalmartChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Speaker-level inputs suit older receivers
  • Wide 25–250 Hz range
  • Crossover adjusts across the full 50–150 Hz band
  • Near-cube shape fits tighter spots
Cons
  • Less power at 150 W RMS
  • Lighter cabinet bracing
  • No phase control or wireless
  • Lower owner rating

What separates them

Klipsch R-121SW 12" SubwooferMonoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Amplifier power200 W RMS150 W RMS, 200 W peak
Frequency response28–120 Hz25–250 Hz
Crossover adjustmentLow-pass with phase controlAdjustable 50–150 Hz
InputsRCA line levelRCA line and speaker level
Cabinet3/4-inch MDF with added bracingStandard MDF enclosure
WirelessYesNo
Owner rating4.8 from 659 ratings4.4 from 335 ratings
Footprint16 x 12 x 20.9 in, low and deep17 x 17.3 x 17.5 in, near-cube

Price history

$649.00$389.99
Nov 2Nov 10
  • Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer: lowest $389.99 on Nov 2 at Electronic Express; $649.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer

  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $389.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Best Buy
  • Electronic ExpressNew

    Availability unknown

    $389.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Electronic Express
  • Parts ExpressNew

    Availability unknown

    $389.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Parts Express
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by naytanr86 (100% positive, 97 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $375.00+ $89.11 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

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All 21 stores and price history →

Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by StaplesReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $186.69Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Walmart
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecKlipsch R-121SW 12" SubwooferMonoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
ColorBlackBlack
Size12 inches diameter12"
frequency response28-120 Hz25 ~ 250 Hz
Amplification TypePassive—
Enclosure TypePorted—
RMS Power Rating200 watts RMS—
WirelessYes—
Special PurposeSubwoofer—
Subwoofer TypePowered—
Dolby Atmos EnabledYes—
ConnectivityRCA—
Max Wattage200 W—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKlipsch R-121SW 12" SubwooferMonoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Height12 in high—
Depth20.94 in deep—
Width16 in wide—
Amplifier power output—150 Watts RMS, 200 Watts Peak
Driver—12" Reinforced
Lowpass crossover—Adjustable from 50 ~ 150 Hz
Inputs—High Level (speaker), Line (RCA)
Dimensions—17.0" x 17.3" x 17.5"
Speaker type—12" High Performance Powered Subwoofer
Impedance

What reviewers say

Klipsch R-121SW 12" Subwoofer

  • 4.8 / 5659 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 659 ratings, buyers are largely satisfied. Most praise centers on the bass output and the build of the cabinet. The recurring complaint is the size of the cabinet in smaller rooms.

What people mention
  • Bass outputPraisedOwners say it delivers deep, room-filling bass for the class.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers describe the cabinet as solid with minimal rattle.
  • SizeMixedSome owners find the ported cabinet bulky for small rooms.
  • SetupMixedWiring is simple, but tuning depends on the receiver's crossover and level controls.

Monoprice 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

  • 4.4 / 5335 ratings

Owners rate it well for the money, calling it an easy upgrade that adds real bass to small systems. Some find it runs out of steam in bigger rooms and want more setup controls.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedOwners say it delivers noticeable bass for very little outlay.
  • OutputMixedIt fills small rooms well but struggles to pressurize larger spaces.
  • SetupPraisedThe crossover and gain knobs make blending with small speakers straightforward.
  • ControlsCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large living room?
The Klipsch. Its 200 W RMS amplifier and braced cabinet hold up better at high volume in a big space. The Monoprice works well in small to medium rooms.
Which has the deeper bass?
On paper the Monoprice reaches lower at 25 Hz versus 28 Hz for the Klipsch. In practice the Klipsch's extra power and stiffer cabinet give tighter, more controlled output.
Can I connect either to an older stereo receiver?
Only the Monoprice has speaker-level inputs, so it works with receivers that lack a subwoofer output. The Klipsch needs an RCA sub or pre-out.
Is the Klipsch worth stepping up to?
Yes for home theater use. Phase control, wireless and the heavier cabinet make it easier to integrate and more stable at loud levels. The Monoprice is enough for music in a small room.
Which is easier to place in a room?
The Monoprice's near-cube shape fits into tighter corners. The Klipsch is lower but deeper, so it needs more clearance from the wall.

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  • Monoprice 12-inch Powered Subwoofer vs SVS SB-1000 Pro 12" Driver 820+ Watts Peak Power Sealed Subwoofer
  • SVS PB-2000 Pro vs Monoprice 12-inch Powered Subwoofer

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 12-inch subwoofers
—
8 ohm
Signal-to-noise ratio—87 db
Connectivity technology—RCA
Some wish for auto-on, a phase switch and more tuning options.