In this review, we will be comparing PSW125 and SPL-100, 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 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 Polk PSW125 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 Polk PSW125and Klipsch SPL-100 have a single woofer setup however the Polk PSW125's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-100 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PSW125 has a frequency range of 32-225 Hz whereas SPL-100 has a frequency range of 27-125 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the SPL-100 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the PSW125'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
Both Polk PSW125 and Klipsch SPL-100 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 Polk PSW125's and Klipsch SPL-100'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 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) .
Polk PSW125 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 55mm wider, 6mm taller and 42mm deeper than Klipsch SPL-100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk PSW125 and Klipsch SPL-100 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk PSW125 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 Polk PSW125 is approximately 2147.6cm2 / 332.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The PSW125 requires 26% 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 Polk PSW125 weighs 18.23kg / 40.1lbs and the Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the PSW125 8% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how PSW125 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 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 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 |
 High Frequency Response |
225k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
418mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1711cm2 (358x478mm)
vs
2147cm2 (413x520mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Audio PSW125 |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-225 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
DB Composite |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
424.0mm (16.7") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
520.0mm (20.5") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
18.23kg (40.1lbs) |
16.82kg (37lbs) |
| 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 |