In this review, we will be comparing ForceField 4 and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 and Klipsch R-100SW 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.
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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.GoldenEar ForceField 4and Klipsch R-100SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
ForceField 4 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 4 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Klipsch R-100SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 4's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. GoldenEar ForceField 4 has external dimensions of 331.0 x 340.0 x 482.0mm (13inch x 13-3/8inch x 18-15/16inch) 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 20mm narrower and 23mm less deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 4 but it is also 41mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar ForceField 4 and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar ForceField 4 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 is approximately 1638.8cm2 / 254.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The ForceField 4 requires 12% 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the ForceField 4 33% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how ForceField 4 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ForceField 4:
- Powered Subwoofer
- 10-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
- Powered sub
- Grille (installed)
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
331mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2
vs
1638cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar ForceField 4 |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14-250 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
331.0mm (13") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
340.0mm (13.4") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
482.0mm (19") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |