In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and Cub Evo, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Focal. 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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Focal Cub Evo features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas Cub Evo has a frequency range of 35-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Cub Evo's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo'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 Focal Cub Evo has external dimensions of 308.0 x 285.0 x 328.0mm ( 12-1/8 x 11-3/16 x 12-7/8inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 73mm wider, 62mm taller and 201mm deeper than Focal Cub Evo.
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 Focal Cub Evo is approximately 934.8cm2 / 144.9inch2. The R-101SW requires 103% more surface area than the Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo weighs 7.95kg / 17.5lbs. This makes the R-101SW 75% heavier than the Cub Evo.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and Cub Evo'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 Focal Cub Evo?
Here are the items that come with the Cub Evo:
Powered subwoofer8-feet AC power cordUser ManualThank You Card
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
308mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
934cm2 (285x328mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
Focal Cub Evo |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polyflex |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
308.0mm (12.1") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
7.95kg (17.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |