In this review, we will be comparing ZX-12 Sub and R-101SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Mission and 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 Mission ZX-12 Sub and Klipsch R-101SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Mission ZX-12 Sub and Klipsch R-101SW 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 Mission ZX-12 Suband Klipsch R-101SW have a single woofer setup however the Mission ZX-12 Sub's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-101SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
ZX-12 Sub has a frequency range of 35-120 Hz whereas R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the R-101SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ZX-12 Sub's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Mission ZX-12 Sub and Klipsch R-101SW 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 Mission ZX-12 Sub's and Klipsch R-101SW's external dimensions. Mission ZX-12 Sub has external dimensions of 478.0 x 400.0 x 465.0mm ( 18-13/16 x 15-3/4 x 18-5/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-101SW has external dimensions of 370.0 x 358.0 x 529.0mm ( 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-101SW is 42mm narrower and 108mm shorter than Mission ZX-12 Sub but it is also 64mm deeper.
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 Mission ZX-12 Sub is approximately 1860.0cm2 / 288.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2. The ZX-12 Sub requires 2% less surface area than the R-101SW 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 Mission ZX-12 Sub weighs 23.00kg / 50.6lbs and the Klipsch R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs. This makes the ZX-12 Sub 65% heavier than the R-101SW.
Here is a comparison of how ZX-12 Sub and R-101SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
1860cm2
vs
1893cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
370mm
vs
478mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Mission ZX-12 Sub |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
| Brand |
Mission |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-120 Hz |
29.5-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
450-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
30 - 150 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
478.0mm (18.8") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
400.0mm (15.7") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
465.0mm (18.3") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
23.00kg (50.6lbs) |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |