In this review, we will be comparing R-8SW and R-121SW, 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-8SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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-8SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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-8SWand Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch R-8SW's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
R-8SW has a frequency range of 38-120 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 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 R-8SW's min frequency of 38Hz.
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-8SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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-8SW's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Klipsch R-8SW has external dimensions of 335.0 x 299.0 x 345.0mm ( 13-3/16 x 11-3/4 x 13-9/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 108mm wider, 88mm taller and 187mm deeper than Klipsch R-8SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-8SW and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-8SW and Klipsch R-121SW 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-8SW is approximately 1031.6cm2 / 159.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The R-8SW requires 52% less surface area than the R-121SW which gives it a small advantage 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-8SW weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the R-121SW 135% heavier than the R-8SW.
Here is a comparison of how R-8SW and R-121SW'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-8SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-8SW:
Powered sub6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Sheet
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
335mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1031cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-8SW |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
38-120 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper IMG |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
299.0mm (11.8") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
345.0mm (13.6") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |