HTD Level TWO vs. Klipsch R-120SW

HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
MSRP
$300 $600
Dimensions (H × W × D)
11.88” × 7.13” × 10.00”
302mm × 181mm × 254mm
16.50” × 14.00” × 19.20”
419mm × 356mm × 488mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 29-120 Hz
HTD.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In a clash of audio gear, the HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers present a balanced, articulate soundscape with a focus on midrange clarity, ideal for intimate listening spaces. Conversely, the Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer delivers room-thumping bass that adds weight and depth to home theater systems. While the HTD excels in precision and vocal nuance, the Klipsch powers through with sheer low-end punch. Choosing between them comes down to personal taste: pristine detail for the audiophile or cinematic rumble for the bass enthusiast. Together, they could complement each other, expanding the aural spectrum of any audiophile's setup.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to comparing speakers, it's crucial to understand that we're often comparing apples to oranges, especially when the speakers in question serve different purposes in our audio systems. For instance, comparing the HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers to the Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer is a bit like comparing a skilled midfielder to a star striker in soccer; both are critical to the game, but they play very different roles. With that important caveat in mind, let's delve into the nuances that set these two contenders apart in the audio arena.

The Role of Bookshelf Speakers vs Subwoofers

The HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers are designed to provide a full range sound that covers most frequencies with clarity and detail. They are engineered to deliver nuanced midrange and crisp highs that bring out the subtleties in vocals and instruments. As bookshelf speakers, they are expected to be versatile, serving well for both music and home theater applications, but their size limits the depths of bass they can produce.

HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers
HTD Level TWO arrow (at HTD.com)

The Klipsch R-120SW, on the other hand, is a dedicated subwoofer, a beast built to dig deep into the lower frequencies. Its sole purpose is to reproduce bass with authority, depth, and power that smaller speakers simply can't match. It’s the foundation of any home theater system, providing the rumble and punch that make action movies thrilling and giving music a full-bodied presence.

Sound Quality and Character

In terms of sound quality, the HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers are known for their warm and balanced sound signature. They provide a pleasing listening experience that doesn't fatigue the ears, even after prolonged sessions. Their soundstage is impressively wide for their size, creating an immersive audio experience that belies their compact form factor.

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch R-120SW arrow (at Amazon.com)

Conversely, the Klipsch R-120SW is all about the low-end impact. Klipsch's proprietary technology ensures that the bass is not just heard but felt. This subwoofer can shake the room without muddying the overall sound profile of your system. It's designed to complement your main speakers by taking on the heavy lifting in the bass department.

Integration and Compatibility

Integrating the HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers into an existing system is fairly straightforward. They are compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers, and their size makes them easy to place within a room. Their acoustic profile is such that they can blend well with many subwoofers if one wishes to extend the low-end response beyond the bookshelf speakers' natural capabilities.

The Klipsch R-120SW subwoofer needs a bit more consideration for placement due to its size and the nature of bass frequencies. Finding the right spot in your room that maximizes its performance can be a trial-and-error process. However, once properly placed and calibrated with a receiver's room correction system, it becomes an indispensable part of your audio setup, seamlessly meshing with your main speakers.

In conclusion, while the HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers and the Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer serve very different functions, they both exemplify excellence in their respective roles. The HTD bookshelf speakers offer a rich and detailed sound that is versatile for many types of listening, while the Klipsch subwoofer provides the depth and power necessary for a truly dynamic home theater experience. When used together, they can form the core of a system that brings out the best in both music and movies.


Check Current Prices:

HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers
HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
HTD.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.