In this review, we will be comparing R-100SW and Debut 2.0 SUB3010, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and ELAC. 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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.Klipsch R-100SWand ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas Debut 2.0 SUB3010 has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Debut 2.0 SUB3010 can go slightly deeper then 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 have Passive radiator 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 Klipsch R-100SW's and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010'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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 has external dimensions of 374.0 x 355.0 x 383.0mm (14-11/16 x 13-15/16 x 15-1/16inch).
Klipsch R-100SW is 35mm narrower and 2mm shorter than ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 but it is also 76mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-100SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-100SW and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 is approximately 1359.7cm2 / 210.8inch2. The R-100SW requires 8% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 weighs 14.59kg / 32.1lbs. This makes the Debut 2.0 SUB3010 34% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-100SW and Debut 2.0 SUB3010'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 sub
- Grille (installed)
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 SUB3010:
- Powered subwoofer
- 9-feet AC power cord
- 4 Spikes
- 4 Hex-nuts
- Operating Instructions
 Height |
372mm
vs
374mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
650USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150 Hz
vs
120 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1359cm2
vs
1468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch R-100SW |
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Doped Paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
374.0mm (14.7") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
459.0mm (18.1") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
14.59kg (32.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
A ported subwoofer against a passive radiator one. That is the most consequential line on this page: it decides how the bass rolls off, how it behaves in a small room, and how much output you get for the size of the box.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 goes deeper - 28Hz against 32Hz. A real difference, though most music has little content below 32Hz. |
| Amplifier power | B | ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 has the bigger amplifier - 200W against 150W RMS, about 1.2dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (10" against 10"). |
| Enclosure | depends | Klipsch R-100SW is ported - a ported box gives more output low down for its size, at the cost of a steeper roll-off below tuning; ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 is passive radiator - a passive radiator behaves like a port without the pipe noise, and suits a slim cabinet. Neither is better in the abstract; ported tends to suit films and sealed tends to suit music, and both generalisations have exceptions. |
| Warranty | A | Klipsch R-100SW carries 2 years on parts against 1 years. A subwoofer amplifier works harder than anything else in the system, so this is not a throwaway line. |
| Price | A | Klipsch R-100SW costs less - $275 against $650, about 58% less. |
A Klipsch R-100SW B ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 136% more. Klipsch R-100SW is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $275 each, two Klipsch R-100SW cost about $550 against $650 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.