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Klipsch Reference R-101SW vs ELAC SUB3070 Comparison
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Klipsch R-101SW

Powered Subwoofer | 29.5-160 Hz

Klipsch Reference R-101SW
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ELAC SUB3070

Powered Subwoofer | 18-180 Hz

ELAC SUB3070
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Klipsch R-101SW Klipsch R-101SW
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ELAC SUB3070 ELAC SUB3070
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Klipsch R-101SW
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ELAC SUB3070
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Klipsch R-101SW vs ELAC SUB3070 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and SUB3070, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and ELAC. 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 ELAC SUB3070 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch R-101SW Key Specs

  • 10" Spun-Copper TCP Woofer
  • 29.5-160 Hz Frequency Response
  • 150 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:13.91kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 370.0" x 14-1/16" x 20-13/16"( 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm )

ELAC SUB3070 Key Specs

  • 12" Aluminum Woofer
  • 18-180 Hz Frequency Response
  • 1200 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:35.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 435.0" x 20-7/16" x 18-3/4"( 435.0 x 520.0 x 477.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-101SW and ELAC SUB3070 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my 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-101SWand ELAC SUB3070 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the ELAC SUB3070 features a 12-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas SUB3070 has a frequency range of 18-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the SUB3070 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-101SW's min frequency of 30Hz.

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-101SW
ELAC SUB3070
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Klipsch R-101SW
ELAC SUB3070
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

The Klipsch R-101SW has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the ELAC SUB3070 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 ELAC SUB3070'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 ELAC SUB3070 has external dimensions of 435.0 x 520.0 x 477.0mm ( 17-1/8 x 20-7/16 x 18-3/4inch) .

Klipsch R-101SW is 162mm narrower and 65mm shorter than ELAC SUB3070 but it is also 52mm deeper.

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 ELAC SUB3070 is approximately 2480.4cm2 / 384.5inch2. The R-101SW requires 24% less surface area than the SUB3070 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-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs and the ELAC SUB3070 weighs 35.00kg / 77lbs. This makes the SUB3070 152% heavier than the R-101SW.

Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and SUB3070's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-101SW
ELAC SUB3070
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-101SW?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-101SW:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of ELAC SUB3070?

    Here are the items that come with the SUB3070:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • AC power cord
  • 2 Steel bottom plates
  • 4 Spikes
  • 4 Locking-knobs
  • 4 Protective discs
  • Operating Instructions

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-101SW over ELAC SUB3070
    Height 370mm vs 435mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1893cm2 vs 2480cm2 Takes less floor space
    Reasons to choose ELAC SUB3070 over Klipsch Reference R-101SW
    Woofer Size 12 inches vs 10 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 18 Hz vs 30 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 180k Hz vs 160k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Wireless Operation Yes vs No Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless
    Klipsch R-101SW vs ELAC SUB3070 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-101SW ELAC SUB3070
    Brand Klipsch ELAC
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 150 watts 1200 watts
    Frequency Response 29.5-160 Hz 18-180 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 150-watt RMS 1200-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 10" 12"
    Woofer Composition Spun-Copper TCP Aluminum
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction front side
    Physical Specs
    Height 370.0mm (14.6") 435.0mm (17.1")
    Width 358.0mm (14.1") 520.0mm (20.5")
    Depth 529.0mm (20.8") 477.0mm (18.8")
    Weight 13.91kg (30.6lbs) 35.00kg (77lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Acoustic Suspension
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 2 Years 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 2 Years 1 Year

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