In this review, we will be comparing R-100SW and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 Klipsch R-100SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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.Both Klipsch R-100SWand Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW 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 Klipsch R-121SW 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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 Klipsch R-121SW'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 Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm (16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch).
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 87mm wider, 51mm taller and 73mm deeper than Klipsch R-100SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-100SW and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-100SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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 Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The R-100SW requires 32% less surface area than the R-121SW 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 Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the R-121SW 47% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-100SW and R-121SW'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 Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Height |
372mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch R-100SW |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
28-120 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" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
459.0mm (18.1") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |