In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and SubSeries 250, 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 SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 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 SubSeries 250 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the SubSeries 250 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-101SW's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 PSB SubSeries 250 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 SubSeries 250'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 SubSeries 250 has external dimensions of 362.0 x 348.0 x 397.0mm ( 14-1/4 x 13-11/16 x 15-5/8inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 10mm wider, 8mm taller and 132mm deeper than PSB SubSeries 250.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and PSB SubSeries 250 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and PSB SubSeries 250 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 SubSeries 250 is approximately 1381.6cm2 / 214.1inch2. The R-101SW requires 37% more surface area than the SubSeries 250 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 SubSeries 250 weighs 19.09kg / 42lbs. This makes the SubSeries 250 37% heavier than the R-101SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and SubSeries 250'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 PSB SubSeries 250?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 250:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
362mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2 (348x397mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
PSB SubSeries 250 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
50-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
19.09kg (42lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |