In this review, we will be comparing PSW125 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 PSW125 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 Polk PSW125 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.Both Polk PSW125and Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the Polk PSW125's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz.
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 Polk PSW125 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 PSW125's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. Polk PSW125 has external dimensions of 424.0 x 413.0 x 520.0mm ( 16-11/16 x 16-1/4 x 20-7/16inch) 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 PSW125 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 93mm wider, 52mm taller and 61mm deeper than Klipsch R-100SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk PSW125 and Klipsch R-100SW in scale.
Comparison image of Polk PSW125 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 PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The PSW125 requires 46% 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 Polk PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the PSW125 67% heavier than the R-100SW.
Here is a comparison of how PSW125 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 Polk PSW125?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of PSW125:
Black powered subwooferGrille (installed)8-feet Detachable power cord4 Rubber insert feetOwners ManualOnline registration cardRubber feet installation diagram
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
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
225k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
372mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1468cm2 (320x459mm)
vs
2147cm2 (413x520mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-225 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 |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
DB Composite |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
424.0mm (16.7") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
520.0mm (20.5") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
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 |