In this review, we will be comparing R-100SW and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Audioengine. 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 Klipsch R-100SW and Audioengine S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-100SW and Audioengine S8 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 Klipsch R-100SWand Audioengine S8 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Audioengine S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 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 Klipsch R-100SW has a Bass reflex type cabinet. On the other hand the Audioengine S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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
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 Klipsch R-100SW's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. 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) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Klipsch R-100SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 27mm wider, 38mm taller and 122mm deeper than Audioengine S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-100SW and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-100SW and Audioengine S8 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 Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The R-100SW requires 49% more surface area than the S8 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 Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the S8 25% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-100SW and S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
334mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2 (293x337mm)
vs
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch R-100SW |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
459.0mm (18.1") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |