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  1. Home
  2. Powered Subwoofers
  3. Klipsch R-120SW vs Klipsch R-10SWi
Klipsch R-120SW vs Klipsch Reference R-10SWi Comparison
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Klipsch R-120SW

Powered Subwoofer | 29-120 Hz

Klipsch R-120SW
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Klipsch R-10SWi

Powered Subwoofer | 32-120 Hz

Klipsch Reference R-10SWi
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Klipsch R-120SW Klipsch R-120SW
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Klipsch R-10SWi Klipsch R-10SWi
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Klipsch R-120SW
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Klipsch R-10SWi
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Klipsch R-120SW vs Klipsch R-10SWi Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-120SW and R-10SWi, 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-10SWi first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsKlipsch R-120SWKlipsch R-10SWi
Driver12" Copper-spun IMG10" Copper IMG
Amplifier200 watts RMS150 watts RMS
EnclosurePortedPorted
Frequency response29-120 Hz32-120 Hz
Weight14.09kg / 31lbs11.59kg / 25.5lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)16-5/8" x 14-1/16" x 20-15/16"
423.0 x 358.0 x 532.0mm
14-9/16" x 12-1/2" x 18-3/16"
370.0 x 318.0 x 462.0mm

R-120SW and R-10SWi are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) Subwoofer series of subwoofers. Below you can find other subs from this series.

Klipsch Reference (R) Subwoofer Series Subwoofers History
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power
Klipsch R-121SW
  
28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts
Klipsch R-101SW
  
30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts
Klipsch R-100SW
  
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts
Klipsch R-112SW
  
24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts
Klipsch R-8SW
  
38-120k Hz 8" 50 watts
Klipsch R-120SW
29-120k Hz 12" 200 watts
Klipsch R-10SWi
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts

The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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-10SWi have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-120SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-10SWi features a 10-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

R-120SW has a frequency range of 29-120 Hz whereas R-10SWi has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 29Hz, the R-120SW can go slightly deeper then the R-10SWi'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

Klipsch R-120SW
Klipsch R-10SWi
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Klipsch R-120SW
Klipsch R-10SWi
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

The Klipsch R-120SW has a Bass reflex type cabinet. On the other hand the Klipsch R-10SWi 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-10SWi  Port
Klipsch R-10SWi 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-120SW's and Klipsch R-10SWi'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-10SWi has external dimensions of 370.0 x 318.0 x 462.0mm (14-9/16 x 12-1/2 x 18-3/16inch).

Klipsch R-120SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 40mm wider, 53mm taller and 70mm deeper than Klipsch R-10SWi.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-120SW and Klipsch R-10SWi in scale.

Klipsch R-120SW vs Klipsch R-10SWi Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch R-120SW and Klipsch R-10SWi 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-10SWi is approximately 1469.2cm2 / 227.7inch2. The R-120SW requires 30% more surface area than the R-10SWi 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-10SWi weighs 11.59kg / 25.5lbs. This makes the R-120SW 22% heavier than the R-10SWi.

Here is a comparison of how R-120SW and R-10SWi's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-120SW
Klipsch R-10SWi
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-120SW?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-120SW:
  • 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-10SWi?

Here are the items that come with the R-10SWi:
  • Powered sub
  • Wireless transmitter (attached 12


Reasons to choose Klipsch R-120SW over Klipsch Reference R-10SWi
Woofer Size 12 inches vs 10 inches Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response 29 Hz vs 32 Hz Generates deeper bass
Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-10SWi over Klipsch R-120SW
Height 370mm vs 423mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area 1469cm2 vs 1904cm2 Takes less floor space
Wireless Operation Yes vs No Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless

Klipsch R-120SW vs Klipsch R-10SWi Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Klipsch R-120SW Klipsch Reference R-10SWi
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 IMG
Tweeter Size - -
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Firing Direction rear rear
Physical Specs
Height 423.0mm (16.7") 370.0mm (14.6")
Width 358.0mm (14.1") 318.0mm (12.5")
Depth 532.0mm (20.9") 462.0mm (18.2")
Weight 14.09kg (31lbs) 11.59kg (25.5lbs)
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

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