In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and A100P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and JBL. 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 JBL Stage A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P 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.Klipsch R-101SWand JBL Stage A100P have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas A100P 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 A100P'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
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 JBL Stage A100P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 JBL Stage A100P'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 JBL Stage A100P has external dimensions of 359.0 x 337.0 x 435.0mm ( 14-1/8 x 13-1/4 x 17-1/8inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 11mm taller and 94mm deeper than JBL Stage A100P.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and JBL Stage A100P in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and JBL Stage A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P is approximately 1466.0cm2 / 227.2inch2. The R-101SW requires 29% more surface area than the A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P weighs 13.66kg / 30.1lbs. This makes the R-101SW 2% heavier than the A100P.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and A100P'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 JBL Stage A100P?
Here are the items that come with the A100P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
359mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1466cm2 (337x435mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
240USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
JBL Stage A100P |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
359.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
13.66kg (30.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |