In this review, we will be comparing Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bluesound and Klipsch. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Klipsch R-121SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Klipsch R-121SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Bluesound PULSE SUB+and Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has a frequency range of 22-150 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-121SW Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has external dimensions of 300 x 457 x 146 mm ( ) whereas Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) .
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is 123mm shorter and 386mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 50mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is approximately 667.2cm2 / 103.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ requires 69% less surface area than the R-121SW which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ weighs 8.28kg / 18.2lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the R-121SW 93% heavier than the Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
Here is a comparison of how Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
BluOS Controller (iOS, Android)
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
300mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
667cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1149USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
22-150 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
457.0mm (18") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
146.0mm (5.7") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
8.28kg (18.2lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Matte |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
Type A (upgrade only), Type B mini (service) |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |