In this review, we will be comparing Bluesound PULSE SUB and R-101SW, 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-101SW 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-101SW 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.Bluesound PULSE SUB and Klipsch R-101SW have a totally different setup: the Bluesound PULSE SUB features 2 x 6.5-inch drivers whereas the R-101SW features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Bluesound PULSE SUB has a frequency range of whereas R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of Hz, the Bluesound PULSE SUB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-101SW's min frequency of 30Hz.
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
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-101SW's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB has external dimensions of 330 x 292 x 315 mm ( ) whereas Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 66mm wider, 40mm taller and 214mm deeper than Bluesound PULSE SUB.
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 919.8cm2 / 142.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2. The Bluesound PULSE SUB requires 51% less surface area than the R-101SW 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 10.00kg / 22lbs and the Klipsch R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs. This makes the R-101SW 39% heavier than the Bluesound PULSE SUB.
Here is a comparison of how Bluesound PULSE SUB and R-101SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 App-Based Control |
BluOS Controller (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
330mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
919cm2
vs
1893cm2
|
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 |
10 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
|
29.5-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
330.0mm (13") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
292.0mm (11.5") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
315.0mm (12.4") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Matte satin paint |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White/Tan |
n/a |
| Grille |
Removable magnetic |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |