Klipsch Synergy Sub-12
Starting at: $615.96
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Klipsch Synergy Sub-12 is a full-size subwoofer that offers a down-firing 12-inch woofer, a 300-watt amplifier, and connectivity options that cover all bases.
The bad: A real wood veneer would look nicer.
The bottom line: The Klipsch Synergy Sub-12, the company's most affordable 12-inch subwoofer, sounds great on music and movies.
When it comes to subwoofers, size still matters. While smaller 6- or 8-inch subs can produce credible bass, once you experience what a well-designed 12-inch model can deliver, you won't want to settle for less. Most big subs come with hefty price tags, but Klipsch's mighty Synergy Sub-12 retails for just $499.
There's no denying that the Klipsch Synergy Sub-12 is big; its black vinyl dimensions measure up at 18 inches high, 15 wide, and almost 20 deep, and it tips the scales at 40 pounds. As heavy as it is, the medium-density-fiberboard box felt rather hollow ... Expand full review
When it comes to subwoofers, size still matters. While smaller 6- or 8-inch subs can produce credible bass, once you experience what a well-designed 12-inch model can deliver, you won't want to settle for less. Most big subs come with hefty price tags, but Klipsch's mighty Synergy Sub-12 retails for just $499.
There's no denying that the Klipsch Synergy Sub-12 is big; its black vinyl dimensions measure up at 18 inches high, 15 wide, and almost 20 deep, and it tips the scales at 40 pounds. As heavy as it is, the medium-density-fiberboard box felt rather hollow and resonant when we rapped our knuckles against the cabinet. The woofer is a 12-inch, down-firing unit that's matched with a digital amplifier that delivers 300 watts of continuous power and as much as 650 watts of dynamic power. The Sub-12's adjustable feet can be used to eliminate cabinet rocking motions when the sub is positioned on hardwood or tiled floors.
In addition to a large venting port, the back panel includes the Sub-12's ample connectivity options: stereo RCA line-level inputs and stereo speaker-level inputs and outputs. The subwoofer's crossover is continuously adjustable from 40Hz to 120Hz. The LED on the front baffle of the subwoofer glows red when the amp is in standby mode and blue when the amp is turned on.
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Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Home Theater, Inner Fidelity, Tone Audio, and Stereophile. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 4 of 4 users found this review helpful
"Impressive Clarity, Power to Spare..." By SteelerPete
Pros Very powerful. BIG sound without being boomy
Cons Large, but on par with other 12's
Summary This sub rumbles! I was worried about one sub being enough because I have a fairly large room and I matched this sub up to some large Klipsch floorstanding speakers. I was and am completely impressed at how this sub is able to rock the foundation of my house! One ... Expand full review
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Specifications
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- Speaker type: Subwoofer
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Color: Black
