In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Audioengine. 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-121SW and Audioengine S8 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-121SW and Audioengine S8 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-121SWand Audioengine S8 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Audioengine S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 can go slightly deeper then the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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-121SW and Audioengine 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.
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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-121SW's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 114mm wider, 89mm taller and 195mm deeper than Audioengine S8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and Audioengine 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-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The R-121SW requires 119% more surface area than the 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-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the R-121SW 17% heavier than the S8.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and S8'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-121SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
334mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2 (293x337mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |