In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and SX-120, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Cambridge Audio. 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-101SW and Cambridge Audio SX-120 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-101SW and Cambridge Audio SX-120 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-101SWand Cambridge Audio SX-120 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Cambridge Audio SX-120 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas SX-120 has a frequency range of 34-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go slightly deeper then the SX-120's min frequency of 34Hz.
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-101SW and Cambridge Audio SX-120 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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
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-101SW's and Cambridge Audio SX-120's external dimensions. Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) whereas Cambridge Audio SX-120 has external dimensions of 296.0 x 297.0 x 350.0mm ( 11-5/8 x 11-11/16 x 13-3/4inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 61mm wider, 74mm taller and 179mm deeper than Cambridge Audio SX-120.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and Cambridge Audio SX-120 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and Cambridge Audio SX-120 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-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2 and base area of the Cambridge Audio SX-120 is approximately 1039.5cm2 / 161.1inch2. The R-101SW requires 82% more surface area than the SX-120 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-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs and the Cambridge Audio SX-120 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the R-101SW 80% heavier than the SX-120.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and SX-120'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-101SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-101SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio SX-120?
Here are the items that come with the SX-120:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordGrille4 Spiked feetInstallation GuideImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
296mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1039cm2 (297x350mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
319USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
Cambridge Audio SX-120 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Cambridge Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
70 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
34-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Treated Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
297.0mm (11.7") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |