Klipsch R-120SW vs. Micca COVO-S

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$600 $80
Dimensions (H × W × D)
16.50” × 14.00” × 19.20”
419mm × 356mm × 488mm
5.10” × 4.20” × 5.10”
130mm × 107mm × 130mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
29-120 Hz 90-20,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the battle of the bass, Klipsch's R-120SW subwoofer offers a thunderous, dedicated low-frequency experience with its 12-inch driver, designed to bring cinematic depth to home audio systems. Conversely, the Micca COVO-S speakers are diminutive 2-way bookshelf contenders, delivering a surprisingly coherent soundstage and decent midrange clarity given their size. While they can't match the sheer rumble of the Klipsch, they shine in space efficiency and overall balance. The choice hinges on preference: immersive, room-filling bass versus a compact, full-range solution for smaller rooms or complementing surround setups.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to setting up a home audio system, the choice of speakers can make or break the listening experience. In the world of high-fidelity audio, the battle is often between the impact of a subwoofer and the clarity of bookshelf speakers. Today, we’re comparing two popular options that cater to different aspects of the sonic spectrum: the Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer and the Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers. These two are hardly direct competitors, but rather complementary components that could potentially round out a home audio system together. Let’s dive into their individual strengths and characteristics.

The Thunderous Heart of Klipsch R-120SW

Klipsch is a brand synonymous with power and precision, and the R-120SW subwoofer is no exception. Boasting a 12-inch spun-copper IMG woofer powered by an all-digital amplifier, this subwoofer promises deep, clean bass free from distortion. With a frequency response as low as 29Hz, the R-120SW is capable of reproducing the kind of low-end rumble that’s felt as much as it’s heard. It’s a component designed to anchor your audio system with weight and authority, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts seeking a cinematic experience or the visceral impact of live music performance.

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

The Delicate Balance of Micca COVO-S

On the flip side, the Micca COVO-S speakers take on a different challenge. These compact bookshelf speakers are engineered to deliver a balanced sound with a surprisingly wide soundstage, given their diminutive size. With a concentric driver design, the COVO-S aims to maintain a coherent phase response, ensuring that vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity. The COVO-S speakers are all about mid-range precision and creating a realistic sound in a small package. Their frequency response starts at a higher 90Hz, which means they won't reach down into the deep bass but can shine in the details of the music.

Integration in a Home Audio System

While the Klipsch R-120SW subwoofer specializes in the low-end, the Micca COVO-S bookshelf speakers focus on the mid to high frequencies. The R-120SW would be an overkill for small rooms if used without discretion, but in the right space, it brings a level of depth and excitement to movies and music alike. The COVO-S, meanwhile, could serve as excellent satellites in a modest stereo setup or as part of a multi-channel system where space is limited. Combined, these two different types of speakers could complement each other to cover a full spectrum of sound, with the R-120SW filling in the bass that the COVO-S naturally lacks.

Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Micca COVO-S arrow (at Amazon.com)

The choice between these two audio solutions isn't necessarily an either/or proposition. Audiophiles often prefer a layered approach to sound, where each speaker is tasked with a specific portion of the frequency range. The Klipsch R-120SW can take the responsibility for the demanding low frequencies, allowing the Micca COVO-S speakers to concentrate on delivering clear mids and highs without the added burden of producing bass.

Room Acoustics and Placement

Room acoustics play a crucial role in the performance of any speaker system. The Klipsch R-120SW, with its powerful output, needs careful placement to avoid overwhelming a space with bass. It thrives in a larger room where it can be positioned to optimize sound distribution. Conversely, the Micca COVO-S speakers, due to their size and sound characteristics, are more forgiving in terms of placement and can function well in smaller spaces or rooms with complex acoustics.

In conclusion, the Klipsch R-120SW and the Micca COVO-S serve different audio purposes but share the common goal of enriching the listening experience. For those seeking to build a system that captures the full breadth of what music and movies have to offer, considering both components can lead to a harmonious blend of power and precision. Whether you’re thumping to the beat of a double bass or straining to hear the soft whispers in a dramatic scene, the synergy between a robust subwoofer and articulate bookshelf speakers can bridge the gap between merely hearing and truly listening.


Check Current Prices:

Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Klipsch R-120SW Subwoofer
Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Micca COVO-S Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.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.