In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS350-BK and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC 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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Klipsch R-100SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Klipsch R-100SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ELAC Varro PS350-BKand Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the ELAC Varro PS350-BK's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro PS350-BK has a frequency range of 24-150 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Varro PS350-BK can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-100SW's min frequency of 32Hz.
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
The ELAC Varro PS350-BK has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Klipsch R-100SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS350-BK has external dimensions of 439.0 x 418.0 x 420.0mm ( 17-1/4inch x 16-7/16inch x 16-1/2inch ) whereas Klipsch R-100SW has external dimensions of 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch) .
Klipsch R-100SW is 98mm narrower and 67mm shorter than ELAC Varro PS350-BK but it is also 39mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Klipsch R-100SW Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK is approximately 1755.6cm2 / 272.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Varro PS350-BK requires 20% more surface area than the R-100SW which gives it a small disadvantage 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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK weighs 21.86kg / 48.1lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Varro PS350-BK 100% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS350-BK and R-100SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro PS350-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS350-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
372mm
vs
439mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
1755cm2 (418x420mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS350-BK |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-150 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
700-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
418.0mm (16.5") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
420.0mm (16.5") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
21.86kg (48.1lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |