In this review, we will be comparing RW-100SW and SPL-120, 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 SPL-120 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 SPL-120 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 SPL-120 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RW-100SW's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-120 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RW-100SW has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz whereas SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the SPL-120 can go slightly deeper then 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
Both Klipsch RW-100SW and Klipsch SPL-120 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.
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 SPL-120'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 SPL-120 has external dimensions of 450.0 x 375.0 x 540.0mm ( 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch) .
Klipsch RW-100SW is 67mm shorter and 68mm less deeper than Klipsch SPL-120 but it is also 8mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RW-100SW and Klipsch SPL-120 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RW-100SW and Klipsch SPL-120 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 SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The RW-100SW requires 11% less surface area than the SPL-120 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 SPL-120 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the SPL-120 15% heavier than the RW-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how RW-100SW and SPL-120'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 SPL-120?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-120:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
383mm
vs
450mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1807cm2 (383x472mm)
vs
2025cm2 (375x540mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
350USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-100SW |
Klipsch SPL-120 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
225 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
27-125 Hz |
24-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
225-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
600-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
383.0mm (15.1") |
450.0mm (17.7") |
| Width |
383.0mm (15.1") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
540.0mm (21.3") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| 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 |