In this review, we will be comparing R-100SW and ProSub 800, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Definitive Technology. 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 Definitive ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Definitive ProSub 800 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas ProSub 800 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. 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.
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 Definitive ProSub 800'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 Definitive ProSub 800 has external dimensions of 328.0 x 262.0 x 423.0mm ( 12-7/8 x 10-5/16 x 16-5/8inch) .
Klipsch R-100SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 58mm wider, 44mm taller and 36mm deeper than Definitive ProSub 800.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-100SW and Definitive ProSub 800 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-100SW and Definitive ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2. The R-100SW requires 33% more surface area than the ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the ProSub 800 8% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-100SW and ProSub 800'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 Definitive ProSub 800?
Here are the items that come with the ProSub 800:
8-inch Powered subwooferDetachable grille (installed)7-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
328mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1108cm2
vs
1468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch R-100SW |
Definitive Technology ProSub 800 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Polymer |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
459.0mm (18.1") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |