In this review, we will be comparing R-121SW and CW10, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Monitor Audio . 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 Monitor Audio CW10 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 Monitor Audio CW10 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 Monitor Audio CW10 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-121SW's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Monitor Audio CW10 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz whereas CW10 has a frequency range of 32-135 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go slightly deeper then the CW10's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Monitor Audio CW10 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-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 Monitor Audio CW10'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 Monitor Audio CW10 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 307.0 x 375.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 12-1/16 x 14-3/4inch) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 100mm wider, 105mm taller and 157mm deeper than Monitor Audio CW10.
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 Monitor Audio CW10 is approximately 1151.3cm2 / 178.5inch2. The R-121SW requires 88% more surface area than the CW10 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 Monitor Audio CW10 weighs 12.61kg / 27.7lbs. This makes the R-121SW 27% heavier than the CW10.
Here is a comparison of how R-121SW and CW10'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 Monitor Audio CW10?
Here are the items that come with the CW10:
Powered subwooferGrille (pre-installed)4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)6-feet AC power cord10-feet Mono-minijack cableOwners ManualWarranty CardSafety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1325USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
135k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
318mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1151cm2 (307x375mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
Monitor Audio CW10 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-120 Hz |
32-135 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Spun-Copper TCP |
C-CAM |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Width |
407.0mm (16") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Weight |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
12.61kg (27.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
5 Years |