My KSW12 Subwoofer blew a voice coil.

Brian Tambe

Active Member
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I ordered a Reference Series Subwoofer to replace my Synergy Series that blew a voice coil. I’m really surprised that a Sub not quite 3 years old did this. I did have it at a high volume, my Klipsch KG4’S handled the power effortlessly, however , the KSW 12 didn’t survive. I replaced my original KSW12 ( purchased in April 2000 ) in March of 2016 with another KSW12 from Amazon!! I noticed the back was set up differently with a different LFE input and the entire rear panel was different than my original one. The amp went out in my original KSW12 and now a voice coil in the next one that isn’t quite 3 years old. I got a really good price on the Reference Series Klipsch R120SW ( Brand New ) I’m hoping this one will hold up better at high volumes and give an overall better listening experience!!
 
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I have one of the original ksw-12s and it's still working. But it doesn't get much usage. I always felt it was good for LFE home theater usage but was not very musical.

I didn't know there was a second generation ksw-12. I wonder if they went class D for the amp.

Let us know how the reference series works out. I think you'll like it better for music, because it's front firing woofer instead of a down-firing
 
I have one of the original ksw-12s and it's still working. But it doesn't get much usage. I always felt it was good for LFE home theater usage but was not very musical.

I didn't know there was a second generation ksw-12. I wonder if they went class D for the amp.

Let us know how the reference series works out. I think you'll like it better for music, because it's front firing woofer instead of a down-firing
I will , for sure , give my review of this new subwoofer. The fact that its front firing has me excited because every review says the sound is improved with the front fire design.
 
I have one of the original ksw-12s and it's still working. But it doesn't get much usage. I always felt it was good for LFE home theater usage but was not very musical.

I didn't know there was a second generation ksw-12. I wonder if they went class D for the amp.

Let us know how the reference series works out. I think you'll like it better for music, because it's front firing woofer instead of a down-firing
I have one of the original ksw-12s and it's still working. But it doesn't get much usage. I always felt it was good for LFE home theater usage but was not very musical.

I didn't know there was a second generation ksw-12. I wonder if they went class D for the amp.

Let us know how the reference series works out. I think you'll like it better for music, because it's front firing woofer instead of a down-firing
Hello TPettenati , I’m getting back to you as promised to give my review of the Klipsch Reference Series R-120SW. Simply put , WOW!! What a difference from the KSW12. The front firing design and digital amplifier gives this sub phenomenal , clean , deep bass for music and movies. I’ve had to play with the the “ Gain “ setting because I set the R120SW to the exact settings as the KSW12 and the R120SW was WAY TO LOUD AND INTENSE!! As I said , Big difference between the 2 subs. I have the gain set at half ( dead center on the dial ) instead of 8 and the frequency at 70hz instead of 75hz. Like I said , been playing around and have it finally set just right, I put it in the same location , corner on the same wall as my Klipsch mains. Best purchase that I’ve made in 19 years and couldn’t be happier!! Next is the center speaker. Synergy SC-1 vs Reference R52C!! I highly recommend getting this sub , especially, while it’s on sale. At $224 plus free shipping. It’s the biggest no brainer!!
 
My Klipsch sub was the boomiest sub I've ever heard. I pulled the driver out and it was the epitome of cheap construction and poor design, but you can't expect much out of a cheap sub.
 
Hello TPettenati , I’m getting back to you as promised to give my review of the Klipsch Reference Series R-120SW. Simply put , WOW!! What a difference from the KSW12. The front firing design and digital amplifier gives this sub phenomenal , clean , deep bass for music and movies. I’ve had to play with the the “ Gain “ setting because I set the R120SW to the exact settings as the KSW12 and the R120SW was WAY TO LOUD AND INTENSE!! As I said , Big difference between the 2 subs. I have the gain set at half ( dead center on the dial ) instead of 8 and the frequency at 70hz instead of 75hz. Like I said , been playing around and have it finally set just right, I put it in the same location , corner on the same wall as my Klipsch mains. Best purchase that I’ve made in 19 years and couldn’t be happier!! Next is the center speaker. Synergy SC-1 vs Reference R52C!! I highly recommend getting this sub , especially, while it’s on sale. At $224 plus free shipping. It’s the biggest no brainer!!
The R-120SW will go to a regular price of $449 very soon. It’s currently being offered at an introductory price @ 50% Off Sale , introducing the new model. I think $449 is a very good price for a good sub , however , $224? I should’ve purchased 2 , however , my house would vibrate off it’s foundation , Lol !!
 
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