In this review, we will be comparing ForceField 40 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 40 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 GoldenEar ForceField 40 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.GoldenEar ForceField 40and Klipsch R-100SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
ForceField 40 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 40 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 40 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
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 GoldenEar ForceField 40's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. GoldenEar ForceField 40 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 339.0 x 485.0mm ( 14-7/8inch x 13-5/16inch x 19-1/16inch ) 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) .
GoldenEar ForceField 40 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19mm wider, 6mm taller and 26mm deeper than Klipsch R-100SW.
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 40 is approximately 1644.2cm2 / 254.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The ForceField 40 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 40 weighs 18.41kg / 40.5lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the ForceField 40 69% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how ForceField 40 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 40?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ForceField 40:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
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
 Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
372mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
1644cm2 (339x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar ForceField 40 |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
14-250 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-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 and bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
378.0mm (14.9") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
339.0mm (13.3") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
18.41kg (40.5lbs) |
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 |