In this review, we will be comparing RW-100SW 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 RW-100SW 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 RW-100SW 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 RW-100SWand Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RW-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RW-100SW has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the RW-100SW can go slightly deeper then the R-121SW's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 RW-100SW 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 RW-100SW's and Klipsch R-121SW'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 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 24mm wider, 40mm taller and 60mm deeper than Klipsch RW-100SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RW-100SW and Klipsch R-121SW in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RW-100SW 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 RW-100SW is approximately 1807.8cm2 / 280.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The RW-100SW requires 17% 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 RW-100SW weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the RW-100SW 11% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how RW-100SW 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 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 Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
125k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
383mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1807cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
350USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
225 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-125 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
225-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
383.0mm (15.1") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
383.0mm (15.1") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| 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 |