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Klipsch Reference R-101SW vs PSB Alpha S8 Comparison
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Klipsch R-101SW

Powered Subwoofer | 29.5-160 Hz

Klipsch Reference R-101SW
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PSB Alpha S8

Powered Subwoofer | 35-150 Hz

PSB Alpha S8
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Klipsch R-101SW Klipsch R-101SW
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PSB Alpha S8 PSB Alpha S8
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Klipsch R-101SW
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PSB Alpha S8
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Klipsch R-101SW vs PSB Alpha S8 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and Alpha S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and PSB. 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 PSB Alpha S8 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 )

PSB Alpha S8 Key Specs

  • 8" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 35-150 Hz Frequency Response
  • 150 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:9.55kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 318.0" x 11-1/2" x 16-1/4"( 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-101SW and PSB Alpha S8 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 PSB Alpha S8 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the PSB Alpha S8 features a 8-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas Alpha S8 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 Alpha S8'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

Klipsch R-101SW
PSB Alpha S8
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Klipsch R-101SW
PSB Alpha S8
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

Both Klipsch R-101SW and PSB Alpha S8 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 PSB Alpha S8'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 PSB Alpha S8 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 16-1/4inch) .

Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 65mm wider, 52mm taller and 116mm deeper than PSB Alpha S8.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and PSB Alpha S8 in scale.

Klipsch R-101SW vs PSB Alpha S8 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and PSB Alpha S8 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 PSB Alpha S8 is approximately 1210.1cm2 / 187.6inch2. The R-101SW requires 56% more surface area than the Alpha S8 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 PSB Alpha S8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs. This makes the R-101SW 46% heavier than the Alpha S8.

Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and Alpha S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Klipsch R-101SW
PSB Alpha S8
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 PSB Alpha S8?

    Here are the items that come with the Alpha S8:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 5-feet AC power cord
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Hex-nuts
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-101SW over PSB Alpha S8
    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 549USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Reasons to choose PSB Alpha S8 over Klipsch Reference R-101SW
    Height 318mm vs 370mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1210cm2 vs 1893cm2 Takes less floor space
    Klipsch R-101SW vs PSB Alpha S8 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-101SW PSB Alpha S8
    Brand Klipsch PSB
    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
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 10" 8"
    Woofer Composition Spun-Copper TCP Polypropylene
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction front front
    Physical Specs
    Height 370.0mm (14.6") 318.0mm (12.5")
    Width 358.0mm (14.1") 293.0mm (11.5")
    Depth 529.0mm (20.8") 413.0mm (16.3")
    Weight 13.91kg (30.6lbs) 9.55kg (21lbs)
    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

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