In this review, we will be comparing R-101SW and PSW125, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Polk 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 Polk PSW125 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 Polk PSW125 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.Both Klipsch R-101SWand Polk PSW125 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-101SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk PSW125 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz whereas PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go slightly deeper then the PSW125's min frequency of 32Hz.
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
Both Klipsch R-101SW and Polk PSW125 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 Polk PSW125'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 Polk PSW125 has external dimensions of 424.0 x 413.0 x 520.0mm ( 16-11/16 x 16-1/4 x 20-7/16inch) .
Klipsch R-101SW is 55mm narrower and 54mm shorter than Polk PSW125 but it is also 9mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-101SW and Polk PSW125 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-101SW and Polk PSW125 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 Polk PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2. The R-101SW requires 12% less surface area than the PSW125 which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs. This makes the PSW125 31% heavier than the R-101SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-101SW and PSW125'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 Polk PSW125?
Here are the items that come with the PSW125:
Black powered subwooferGrille (installed)8-feet Detachable power cord4 Rubber insert feetOwners ManualOnline registration cardRubber feet installation diagram
 Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
370mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1893cm2
vs
2147cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
225k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29.5-160 Hz |
32-225 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
DB Composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
424.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
520.0mm (20.5") |
| Weight |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |