In this review, we will be comparing SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X 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.
**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.GoldenEar SuperSub X and Klipsch R-100SW have a totally different setup: the GoldenEar SuperSub X features 2 x 8-inch drivers whereas the R-100SW features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 12Hz, the SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm ( 12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch ) 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 SuperSub X is 48mm shorter and 71mm less deeper than Klipsch R-100SW but it is also 36mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar SuperSub X and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The SuperSub X requires 6% less surface area than the R-100SW 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 GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the SuperSub X 67% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how SuperSub X 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 SuperSub X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperSub X:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners 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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
12 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 10.5-inch x 9.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
324mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2
vs
1468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1400 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
12-250 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1400-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
356.0mm (14") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
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 |