In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and Sub Air, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Focal. 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 Focal Sub Air 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 Focal Sub Air 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-121SWand Focal Sub Air have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Focal Sub Air features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas Sub Air has a frequency range of 40-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sub Air's min frequency of 40Hz.
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 Focal Sub Air 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 Focal Sub Air'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 Focal Sub Air has external dimensions of 410.0 x 362.0 x 162.0mm ( 16-1/8 x 14-1/4 x 6-3/8inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 45mm wider, 13mm taller and 370mm deeper than Focal Sub Air.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and Focal Sub Air in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and Focal Sub Air 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 Focal Sub Air is approximately 586.4cm2 / 90.9inch2. The R-121SW requires 269% more surface area than the Sub Air 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 Focal Sub Air weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the R-121SW 107% heavier than the Sub Air.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and Sub Air'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 Focal Sub Air?
Here are the items that come with the Sub Air:
Wireless powered subwooferWireless transmitterAC power adapter (attached 6-feet DC cord)AC power plug insert (2-prong)8-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet2 BracketsFour M4 x 10mm machine screwsFour M4 x 17mm machine screws4 Wood-screws4 Wall-anchorsUser Manual
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
40 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
410mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
586cm2 (362x162mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Focal Sub Air |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
110 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
40-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
110-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Cellulose Pulp |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
162.0mm (6.4") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| 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 |