In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries BP8 and R-101SW, 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 BP8 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 PSB SubSeries BP8 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 PSB SubSeries BP8and Klipsch R-101SW have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries BP8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-101SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries BP8 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas R-101SW has a frequency range of 29.5-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the SubSeries BP8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-101SW's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 BP8 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the Klipsch R-101SW 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 BP8's and Klipsch R-101SW's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries BP8 has external dimensions of 355 x 330 x 330mm ( 14 x 13 x 13 inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 28mm wider, 15mm taller and 199mm deeper than PSB SubSeries BP8.
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 BP8 is approximately 1089.0cm2 / 168.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-101SW is approximately 1893.8cm2 / 293.5inch2. The SubSeries BP8 requires 42% 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 PSB SubSeries BP8 weighs 19.10kg / 42lbs and the Klipsch R-101SW weighs 13.91kg / 30.6lbs. This makes the SubSeries BP8 37% heavier than the R-101SW.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries BP8 and R-101SW'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 BP8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries BP8:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners GuideSpecifications sheetWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-101SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-101SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
355mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1089cm2 (330x330mm)
vs
1893cm2 (358x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB SubSeries BP8 |
Klipsch Reference R-101SW |
| Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
29.5-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon Fibre |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Woofer Surround Material |
High Density Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
355.0mm (14") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
330.0mm (13") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
19.10kg (42lbs) |
13.91kg (30.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black, Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |