Klipsch RW-12D at 299 vs BIC PL-200

Well both are cheap subs and that's why you dont see a lot of rave remarks about them. You cant beat one cheap sub with another. There are already some 10 threads on Klipsch RW12d, BIC and Polk. There is also a budget sub (< $300) thread at the top. Other than those you are not going to find much on those cheap subs.

I suspect the klipsch would be a better value over the PL-200 at $299

If I were you I would try to ask "capricon kid" as I know he has both subs you are curious about, I'm sure he has some good advise about them. The short time I chatted with him I believe he mentioned the Klipsch was a better sub... I think anyhow. I had a dual Bic Pl-200 set up for my HT area as it worked out quite well! I since sold them but when I had them I have nothing bad to say about them at all.... just remember they are a great sub for only $250-280 as most really like the Pl-200. I have not had a chance to listen to the RD-12 but I can only assume they are just as good if not better. The only thing that I didnt like about the Klipsch ( just going by set up that is as I seen & read that is) is the adjustment. THats just me, I perfer to have a "gain" & "phase" control vs the Klipsch style. Anyhow... I would look into contacting him. Good luck

Good to see you got some feedback on your situation!

So which one did you get and how is it? I am looking at these two, as the Klipsch recently fell into my price range (369 w free shipping on Amazon right now vs 339 for the PL200).

How is it with music? Do you like the digital display vs knobs on the back?
Edited by mfrey0118 - 9/2/12 at 7:25am

mfrey i also have the klipsh sub can to tell me what setting you have it on for movies. flat punch or depth. also i have mine in a corner but the woofer is facing me.are you saying that your woofer is facing the wall and the back of the sub is facing you.what is the reason for that.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1390563/klipsch-rw-12d-omnimic-frequency-response-graphs read this, it seems like Deapth is the flatest.

For movies the RW12 seems to do a better job in the DEPTH setting. I have used all three to find the best for my room. The biggest difference I had was setting it in the PUNCH setting. Using my SMS-1 to see the response, the PUNCH setting increased the 50 to 60hz range just a few dbs. The FLAT and DEPTH setting seemed to show very little difference.

I know this is an old thread, but I did not see a solid answer to the original question of the thread and I wanted to bump it again. I am right now faced with the same question. I can get either for $299. Which should I go with

thanks and apologize again for bumping the thread.

My setup is a denon 2113 ( not yet received), energy take LCR for fronts and center. Energy take classic for surrounds and backs ( have the one center extra - not planning to use for anything right now). Will either of these subs be too much for the rest of my speakers. My room size is about 16 X 21 X 9 opening to dining room and pass though t kitchen and stairs leading upstairs.

The jury is not out on this one. Go with the Klipsch, RW-12D.

Thanks BeeMan458. Any specific reason you suggested the Klipsch. I was just chatting with customer rep at acousticsounddesign.com and they are willig to do 279 for the BIC PL-200 (this matches the prices I have seen for this one in the forums).

Also on Klipsch. How does the digital EQ thing work out. I am kind of concerned about not having knobs and instead using the buttons. I see some positives to it especially with IR and stuff. Also how does this affect the use of Audyssey. If Audyssey tunes my sub, would those EQ settings on the sub still matter.
Edited by neo_whizkid - 10/24/12 at 4:59pm

There's been much discussion regarding the two speakers and based on the discussion and the tests I've looked at, the Klipsch subwoofer comes out on top. Here's what I posted on the matter in another thread:

Post 17 of 25.

"Agreeing with you, you're correct when you post that the RW-12D is no slouch and at a closeout of ~$300.00, it's a killer value. I totally missed the $300.00 price point comment. Newegg is currently showing them for $349.00, but that's a niggle. When we have the money, because of the authoritative lower end grunt, I'm looking at a pair of SVS, PB12-NSD. Again, agreeing with you, what ever direction one goes, they're looking at paying close to twice the price to top the performance of the RW-12D.

Another performer in the lower end of the three hundred dollar price range is the BIC PL-200. Digs a bit deeper but not with as much authority as the Klipsch, RW-12D. Just more information to muddy the waters with; depth or authority in presentation. What's it going be?"

As you can see, at this price point, I like both subs but feel one is getting a better sub, due to the amount of energy Klipsch puts into the output. I feel quality of output trumps depth of output for if the frequency response is not flat, the stronger signals will roll over the weaker end of the range and you'll end up with smeared bass like a wall is between you and the bass you're hearing; a bit muffled. As I posted in my quoted material, with these two subs, one needs to make a decision what's important, depth of response of the authority of the response. If you can, don't let twenty bucks be your deciding factor. At this price point, no matter which sub you choose, for different reasons, you'll be happy with both.

Hope the above helps with your decision.

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Edited by BeeMan458 - 10/24/12 at 6:00pm

The digital EQ on the Klipsch sub is fairly simple. It has crossover, gain, and phase settings (just not knobs) and then some different listening "modes" that change the bass emphasis.

Sure. Audyssey can't always overcome the dips and peaks in frequency response in a room, so the EQ *might* be able to assist with that a little, or a least add emphasis over what Audyssey does for personal preferences (you might like the change in bass response).

I wouldn't expect any miracles, though. And I wouldn't get too excited about the digital EQ settings on the Klipsch as a decision making factor, with or without Audyssey.

Thank you both for your inputs. From everything I hear the Klipsch seems to be a better bet. BeeMan thanks for pointing me to that other post. I must say I do like the smooth roll off for the BIC, but I guess maybe using the depth setting the Klipsch may not be that far off either. I think I am going to sleep on it tonight and just make a pick tomorrow morning. The deal on the klipsch currently only runs till the 26th on Newegg.

Again thank you for your input. Once I make my pick I will put a review on my experience as well.