In this review, we will be comparing RW-100SW and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins. 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 RW-100SW and B&W DB4S 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 RW-100SW and B&W DB4S 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.Klipsch RW-100SWand B&W DB4S have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
RW-100SW has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RW-100SW's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 RW-100SW 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 B&W DB4S 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.
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 RW-100SW's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Klipsch RW-100SW has external dimensions of 383.0 x 383.0 x 472.0mm ( 15-1/16inch x 15-1/16inch x 18-9/16inch ) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
Klipsch RW-100SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 8mm taller and 38mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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 RW-100SW is approximately 1807.8cm2 / 280.2inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The RW-100SW requires 15% more surface area than the DB4S 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 RW-100SW weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 47% heavier than the RW-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how RW-100SW and DB4S'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 RW-100SW?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RW-100SW:
Wireless powered subGrille (installed)5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?
Here are the items that come with the DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Price per pair* |
350USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
375mm
vs
383mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
vs
1807cm2 (383x472mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
225 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-125 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
225-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
383.0mm (15.1") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
383.0mm (15.1") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |