Klipsch RP-1200SW Subwoofer

Klipsch RP-1200SW subwoofer is a highly efficient sub from Klipsch and sits above the RP-1000SW but below the RP-1400SW. This Reference Premier speaker has the optimal balance between amplifier power, driver capability and cabinet volume. As a result the low frequency extension is impressive and the sound is powerful and accurate.  

The 90% efficient class D amplifier drives a newly designed Cerametalic speaker. This made of a metal and ceramic composite that is very light, strong and rigid. The spun copper cone resists cone breakup and lowers distortion. Finally the standby mode only uses 0.5 Watts for even more efficiency.

Class D Amplifiers For High Efficiency

A class D amplifier has 90% efficiency. Unlike linear amplifiers that generate a lot of heat, and need large power supplies. Class D amplifiers are digital in nature and drive fast-switching MOSFET transistors. Consequently, they have a smaller footprint and enormous power for their size. Notably, the RP-1200SW also has an analogue preamp for cleaner reproduction. 

Class D amplifiers work by having a modulated train of digital pulses. The amplitude stays the same but the width and separation are varied to represent the audio signal. This results in the output transistors being either fully on or fully off, dissipating very little heat.

Detailed Design And Front Firing Port

The ultra-durable ebony vinyl finish compliments the rounded corners and woven cloth grille. This premium looking unit also features shock absorbing rubber feet. The removable grille is attached by steel grille posts. 

The curved cabinet helps to prevent edge refraction, for a cleaner sound. Internal bracing uses flare technology for the front firing port. This prevents honking. The front firing Aerofoil slot means that the unit can be placed against a wall without booming or distortion.

Wireless Kit For Versatile Placement

The RP-1200SW has an optional WA-2 wireless subwoofer kit (available separately). Trailing wires can be an inconvenience and this kit allows High-Resolution streaming. You can connect up to four subwoofers for earth shaking bass. Moreover, the wireless connection can be used simultaneously with the wired connection f0r connection to both you normal h-fi system and your TV surround system.

Great Controllability

The subwoofer has two controls, one for the crossover frequency as well as a phase control. Subwoofers usually have a low-pass filter. This removes the sound above a certain frequency, usually around 200Hz. However, this does not always match the drop-off frequency of your main speakers. Hence the control. Additionally, room acoustics can impair the phase relationship, with your main speakers. The result is muddy bass. The RP-1200SW has a phase adjustment to compensate for this.

Why A Subwoofer?

Normal bookshelf or floor-standing speakers have limited low-frequency responses. That is usually due to the size of the cabinet and placement. As a result, subwoofers were developed that go down much lower in frequency. Movies, games, and certain instruments will have part of the spectrum cut off without a subwoofer.

The .1 in a 7.1 surround sound system refers to the subwoofer. Low-frequency sounds are not directional and a subwoofer can be placed anywhere in a room for more bass impact and accuracy.