In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 450 and SPL-100, 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 SubSeries 450 and Klipsch SPL-100 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 SubSeries 450 and Klipsch SPL-100 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 PSB SubSeries 450and Klipsch SPL-100 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries 450's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-100 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas SPL-100 has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SubSeries 450 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SPL-100'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
The PSB SubSeries 450 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 SPL-100 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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 PSB SubSeries 450's and Klipsch SPL-100's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries 450 has external dimensions of 401.0 x 413.0 x 453.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 16-1/4 x 17-13/16inch) whereas Klipsch SPL-100 has external dimensions of 418.0 x 358.0 x 478.0mm ( 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch) .
PSB SubSeries 450 is 17mm shorter and 25mm less deeper than Klipsch SPL-100 but it is also 55mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 450 and Klipsch SPL-100 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 450 and Klipsch SPL-100 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 SubSeries 450 is approximately 1870.9cm2 / 290.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The SubSeries 450 requires 9% more surface area than the SPL-100 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 SubSeries 450 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 22% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 450 and SPL-100'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 SubSeries 450?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries 450:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)Specifications sheetWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch SPL-100?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-100:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
401mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1711cm2
vs
1870cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
401.0mm (15.8") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
453.0mm (17.8") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
16.82kg (37lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |