In this review, we will be comparing Radius 390 and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Monitor Audio 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 and Klipsch R-100SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Radius 390 and Klipsch R-100SW compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Monitor Audio Radius 390and Klipsch R-100SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Radius 390 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Radius 390 can go slightly deeper then the R-100SW's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Klipsch R-100SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 Monitor Audio Radius 390's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Radius 390 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 331.0 x 385.0mm ( 13-11/16 x 13 x 15-1/8inch) whereas Klipsch R-100SW has external dimensions of 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Radius 390 is 24mm shorter and 74mm less deeper than Klipsch R-100SW but it is also 11mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Radius 390 and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Radius 390 and Klipsch R-100SW 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 is approximately 1274.4cm2 / 197.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Radius 390 requires 13% less surface area than the R-100SW 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 Monitor Audio Radius 390 weighs 13.77kg / 30.3lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Radius 390 26% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how Radius 390 and R-100SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Radius 390?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Radius 390:
Powered sub6-feet AC power cord10.75-feet Mono minijack cableOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
Powered subGrille (installed)6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
348mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1274cm2 (331x385mm)
vs
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
1150USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Radius 390 |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
220 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
220-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
348.0mm (13.7") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
331.0mm (13") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
13.77kg (30.3lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |