In this review, we will be comparing Sub C-8 D and R-101SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI 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 DALI Sub C-8 D and Klipsch R-101SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both DALI Sub C-8 Dand Klipsch R-101SW have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub C-8 D's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-101SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub C-8 D has a frequency range of 33-200 Hz whereas R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go slightly deeper then the Sub C-8 D's min frequency of 33Hz.
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
Cabinet Type
Both DALI Sub C-8 D and Klipsch R-101SW have Bass Reflex type cabinets. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI Sub C-8 D's and Klipsch R-101SW's external dimensions. DALI Sub C-8 D has external dimensions of 335 x 295 x 310 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 63mm wider, 35mm taller and 219mm deeper than DALI Sub C-8 D.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Klipsch R-101SW needs about 107% more floor or shelf area. Klipsch R-101SW is 219mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch R-101SW is 35mm taller.
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 DALI Sub C-8 D is approximately 914.5cm2 / 141.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2. The Sub C-8 D requires 52% less surface area than the R-101SW which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.