In this review, we will be comparing R-120SW and R-100SW, 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-120SW and Klipsch R-100SW 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-120SW and Klipsch R-100SW 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-120SWand Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-120SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-120SW has a frequency range of 29-120 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 29Hz, the R-120SW 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
Both Klipsch R-120SW and Klipsch R-100SW have Bass reflex type cabinets.
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-120SW's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. Klipsch R-120SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 358.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8 x 14-1/16 x 20-15/16inch) whereas 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) .
Klipsch R-120SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 51mm taller and 73mm deeper than Klipsch R-100SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-120SW and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-120SW and Klipsch R-100SW 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-120SW is approximately 1904.6cm2 / 295.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The R-120SW requires 30% more surface area than the R-100SW 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-120SW weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the R-120SW 29% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-120SW and R-100SW'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-120SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-120SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
29 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
372mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
1904cm2 (358x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch R-120SW |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-120 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| 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 |