In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and C-308ASWi, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Klipsch. 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch C-308ASWi features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas C-308ASWi has a frequency range of 28-150 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-121SW 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi'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 Klipsch C-308ASWi has external dimensions of 299.0 x 286.0 x 356.0mm ( 11-3/4 x 11-1/4 x 14inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 121mm wider, 124mm taller and 176mm deeper than Klipsch C-308ASWi.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-121SW and Klipsch C-308ASWi in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-121SW and Klipsch C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi is approximately 1018.2cm2 / 157.8inch2. The R-121SW requires 113% more surface area than the C-308ASWi 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 Klipsch C-308ASWi weighs 12.27kg / 27lbs. This makes the R-121SW 30% heavier than the C-308ASWi.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and C-308ASWi'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 Klipsch C-308ASWi?
Here are the items that come with the C-308ASWi:
Powered subwooferGrille8-feet AC power cordUser Manual
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
299mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1018cm2 (286x356mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Klipsch C Series C-308ASWi |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
299.0mm (11.8") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
12.27kg (27lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |