In this review, we will be comparing Alpha S10 and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB 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 PSB Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10 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.
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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.PSB Alpha S10and Klipsch R-100SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Alpha S10 has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10 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 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 PSB Alpha S10's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. PSB Alpha S10 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 358.0 x 472.0mm ( 14-1/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-9/16inch) 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) .
Klipsch R-100SW is 38mm narrower and 13mm less deeper than PSB Alpha S10 but it is also 14mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha S10 and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10 is approximately 1689.8cm2 / 261.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Alpha S10 requires 15% more surface area than the R-100SW 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 PSB Alpha S10 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Alpha S10 25% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha S10:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
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 |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
358mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
1689cm2 (358x472mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
275USD
vs
699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB Alpha S10 |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-150 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
358.0mm (14.1") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |