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Klipsch Reference R-101SW vs Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW Comparison
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Klipsch R-101SW

Powered Subwoofer | 29.5-160 Hz

Klipsch Reference R-101SW
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Klipsch RW-100SW

Powered Subwoofer | 27-125 Hz

Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW
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Klipsch R-101SW vs Klipsch RW-100SW Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and RW-100SW, 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-101SW and Klipsch RW-100SW 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 )

Klipsch RW-100SW Key Specs

  • 10" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 27-125 Hz Frequency Response
  • 225 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:17.73kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 383.0" x 15-1/16" x 18-9/16"( 383.0 x 383.0 x 472.0mm )

R-101SW and RW-100SW are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of subwoofers. Below you can find other subs from this series.

Klipsch Reference (R) 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-112SW
  
24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts
Klipsch R-8SW
  
38-120k Hz 8" 50 watts
Klipsch R-10SWi
  
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts
Klipsch RW-100SW
27-125k Hz 10" 225 watts

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-101SW and Klipsch RW-100SW 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.Klipsch R-101SWand Klipsch RW-100SW 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 RW-100SW has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go slightly deeper then the RW-100SW's min frequency of 27Hz.

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
Klipsch RW-100SW
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Klipsch R-101SW
Klipsch RW-100SW
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

Both Klipsch R-101SW and Klipsch RW-100SW 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 Klipsch RW-100SW'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 Klipsch RW-100SW has external dimensions of 383.0 x 383.0 x 472.0mm ( 15-1/16inch x 15-1/16inch x 18-9/16inch ) .

Klipsch R-101SW is 25mm narrower and 13mm shorter than Klipsch RW-100SW but it is also 57mm deeper.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and Klipsch RW-100SW in scale.

Klipsch R-101SW vs Klipsch RW-100SW Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and Klipsch RW-100SW 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 Klipsch RW-100SW is approximately 1807.8cm2 / 280.2inch2. The R-101SW requires 5% more surface area than the RW-100SW 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 Klipsch RW-100SW weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the RW-100SW 27% heavier than the R-101SW.

Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and RW-100SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-101SW
Klipsch RW-100SW
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 Klipsch RW-100SW?

    Here are the items that come with the RW-100SW:
  • Wireless powered sub
  • Grille (installed)
  • 5-feet AC power cord
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information


  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-101SW over Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW
    High Frequency Response 160k Hz vs 125k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 370mm vs 383mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW over Klipsch Reference R-101SW
    Low Frequency Response 27 Hz vs 30 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Base Surface Area 1807cm2 (383x472mm) vs 1893cm2 (358x529mm) Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 350USD vs 499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Wireless Operation Yes vs No Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless


    Klipsch R-101SW vs Klipsch RW-100SW Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-101SW Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 150 watts 225 watts
    Frequency Response 29.5-160 Hz 27-125 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 150-watt RMS 225-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 10" 10"
    Woofer Composition Spun-Copper TCP Copper-spun IMG
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction front front
    Physical Specs
    Height 370.0mm (14.6") 383.0mm (15.1")
    Width 358.0mm (14.1") 383.0mm (15.1")
    Depth 529.0mm (20.8") 472.0mm (18.6")
    Weight 13.91kg (30.6lbs) 17.73kg (39lbs)
    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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