In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and Radius 390, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Monitor 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 Radius 390 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz.
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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390'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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 331.0 x 385.0mm ( 13-11/16 x 13 x 15-1/8inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 27mm wider, 22mm taller and 144mm deeper than Monitor Audio Radius 390.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and Monitor Audio Radius 390 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 is approximately 1274.4cm2 / 197.5inch2. The R-101SW requires 49% more surface area than the Radius 390 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 weighs 13.77kg / 30.3lbs. This makes the R-101SW 1% heavier than the Radius 390.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and Radius 390'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 Monitor Audio Radius 390?
Here are the items that come with the Radius 390:
Powered sub6-feet AC power cord10.75-feet Mono minijack cableOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1150USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
348mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1274cm2
vs
1893cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
Monitor Audio Radius 390 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
220 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
220-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
C-CAM |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
13.77kg (30.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |