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Polk Audio PSW10 vs Klipsch R-100SW Comparison
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Polk PSW10

Powered Subwoofer | 40-160 Hz

Polk Audio PSW10
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Klipsch R-100SW

Powered Subwoofer | 32-120 Hz

Klipsch R-100SW
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Polk PSW10 Polk PSW10
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Klipsch R-100SW Klipsch R-100SW
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Polk PSW10
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Klipsch R-100SW
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Polk PSW10 vs Klipsch R-100SW Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing PSW10 and R-100SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk 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 Polk PSW10 and Klipsch R-100SW first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Polk PSW10 Key Specs

  • 10" Polymer Composite Woofer
  • 40-160 Hz Frequency Response
  • 50 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:11.82kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 366.0" x 14" x 16-3/16"( 366.0 x 356.0 x 412.0mm )

Klipsch R-100SW Key Specs

  • 10" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 32-120 Hz Frequency Response
  • 150 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:10.91kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 372.0" x 12-9/16" x 18-1/16"( 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Polk PSW10 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.Polk PSW10and Klipsch R-100SW have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.

Frequency Response

PSW10 has a frequency range of 40-160 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the R-100SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the PSW10's min frequency of 40Hz.

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

Polk PSW10
Klipsch R-100SW
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Polk PSW10
Klipsch R-100SW
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

The Polk PSW10 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 Polk PSW10's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. Polk PSW10 has external dimensions of 366.0 x 356.0 x 412.0mm ( 14-3/8 x 14 x 16-3/16inch) 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) .

Polk PSW10 is 6mm shorter and 47mm less deeper than Klipsch R-100SW but it is also 36mm wider.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk PSW10 and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.

Polk PSW10 vs Klipsch R-100SW Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk PSW10 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 Polk PSW10 is approximately 1466.7cm2 / 227.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The PSW10 requires 0% 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 Polk PSW10 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the PSW10 8% heavier than the R-100SW.

Here is a comparison of how PSW10 and R-100SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk PSW10
Klipsch R-100SW
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Polk PSW10?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of PSW10:
  • Black powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration card
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch R-100SW?

    Here are the items that come with the R-100SW:
  • Powered sub
  • Grille (installed)
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Polk Audio PSW10 over Klipsch R-100SW
    High Frequency Response 160k Hz vs 120k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 366mm vs 372mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1466cm2 vs 1468cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 249USD vs 275USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Reasons to choose Klipsch R-100SW over Polk Audio PSW10
    Low Frequency Response 32 Hz vs 40 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Polk PSW10 vs Klipsch R-100SW Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Audio PSW10 Klipsch R-100SW
    Brand Polk Audio Klipsch
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 50 watts 150 watts
    Frequency Response 40-160 Hz 32-120 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 50-watt RMS 150-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) n/a 300-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 10" 10"
    Woofer Composition Polymer Composite Copper-spun IMG
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction front front
    Physical Specs
    Height 366.0mm (14.4") 372.0mm (14.6")
    Width 356.0mm (14") 320.0mm (12.6")
    Depth 412.0mm (16.2") 459.0mm (18.1")
    Weight 11.82kg (26lbs) 10.91kg (24lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass reflex
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 3 Years 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 3 Years 2 Years

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