In this review, we will be comparing R-10SWi and ASW608, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins. 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-10SWi and B&W ASW608 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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-10SWiand B&W ASW608 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-10SWi's woofer is 10-inch whereas the B&W ASW608 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-10SWi has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz whereas ASW608 has a frequency range of 32-140 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-10SWi 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 B&W ASW608 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.
Klipsch R-10SWi Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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-10SWi's and B&W ASW608's external dimensions. Klipsch R-10SWi has external dimensions of 370.0 x 318.0 x 462.0mm (14-9/16 x 12-1/2 x 18-3/16inch) whereas B&W ASW608 has external dimensions of 272.0 x 261.0 x 350.0mm (10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch).
Klipsch R-10SWi is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 57mm wider, 98mm taller and 112mm deeper than B&W ASW608.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-10SWi and B&W ASW608 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-10SWi and B&W ASW608 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-10SWi is approximately 1469.2cm2 / 227.7inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW608 is approximately 913.5cm2 / 141.6inch2. The R-10SWi requires 61% more surface area than the ASW608 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-10SWi weighs 11.59kg / 25.5lbs and the B&W ASW608 weighs 8.86kg / 19.5lbs. This makes the R-10SWi 31% heavier than the ASW608.
Here is a comparison of how R-10SWi and ASW608'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-10SWi?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-10SWi:
- Powered sub
- Wireless transmitter (attached 12
What's in the Box of B&W ASW608?
Here are the items that come with the ASW608:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spike feet
- 4 Lock-nuts
- Manual
- Bowers & Wilkins brochure
- Warranty Information
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
274USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
140k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
272mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
913cm2
vs
1469cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-10SWi |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-120 Hz |
32-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper IMG |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
272.0mm (10.7") |
| Width |
318.0mm (12.5") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
462.0mm (18.2") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
11.59kg (25.5lbs) |
8.86kg (19.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |