In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and S 808 SUB, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Jamo. 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 Jamo S 808 SUB 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-121SWand Jamo S 808 SUB have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Jamo S 808 SUB features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas S 808 SUB has a frequency range of 39-180 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 S 808 SUB's min frequency of 39Hz.
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 Jamo S 808 SUB 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
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-121SW's and Jamo S 808 SUB'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 Jamo S 808 SUB has external dimensions of 459.0 x 178.0 x 356.0mm (18-1/16 x 7 x 14inch).
Jamo S 808 SUB is 229mm narrower and 176mm less deeper than Klipsch R-121SW but it is also 36mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and Jamo S 808 SUB in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and Jamo S 808 SUB 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 Jamo S 808 SUB is approximately 633.7cm2 / 98.2inch2. The R-121SW requires 242% more surface area than the S 808 SUB 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 Jamo S 808 SUB weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the R-121SW 85% heavier than the S 808 SUB.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and S 808 SUB'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 subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Jamo S 808 SUB?
Here are the items that come with the S 808 SUB:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 5-feet AC power cord
- 6.5-feet Mono-RCA cable
- 4 Rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
39 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
423mm
vs
459mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
633cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Jamo S 808 SUB |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
39-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
100-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Polyfiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
Side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |