In this review, we will be comparing R-100SW and R-8SW, 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-8SW 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-8SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch R-8SW features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas R-8SW has a frequency range of 38-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the R-100SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-8SW's min frequency of 38Hz.
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-8SW 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
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-8SW'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-8SW has external dimensions of 335.0 x 299.0 x 345.0mm (13-3/16 x 11-3/4 x 13-9/16inch).
Klipsch R-100SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 37mm taller and 114mm deeper than Klipsch R-8SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-100SW and Klipsch R-8SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-100SW and Klipsch R-8SW 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-8SW is approximately 1031.6cm2 / 159.9inch2. The R-100SW requires 42% more surface area than the R-8SW 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 Klipsch R-8SW weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the R-100SW 60% heavier than the R-8SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-100SW and R-8SW'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-8SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-8SW:
- Powered sub
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Sheet
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
335mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1031cm2
vs
1468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch R-100SW |
Klipsch Reference R-8SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
38-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Copper IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
299.0mm (11.8") |
| Depth |
459.0mm (18.1") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |