In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES8 and R-121SW, 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 Signature Elite ES8 and Klipsch R-121SW 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 Signature Elite ES8 and Klipsch R-121SW 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.Both Polk Signature Elite ES8and Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES8 has a frequency range of 32-180 Hz whereas R-121SW has a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the R-121SW can go slightly deeper then the Elite ES8'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 Signature Elite ES8 and Klipsch R-121SW 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Port
Klipsch R-121SW Port
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 Signature Elite ES8's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES8 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm ( 15-1/8inch x 12-13/16inch x 17-3/16inch ) whereas Klipsch R-121SW has external dimensions of 423.0 x 407.0 x 532.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-121SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 81mm wider, 38mm taller and 95mm deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES8.
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 Signature Elite ES8 is approximately 1424.6cm2 / 220.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Elite ES8 requires 34% less surface area than the R-121SW 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 Signature Elite ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Elite ES8 11% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES8 and R-121SW'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 Signature Elite ES8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES8:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-121SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-121SW:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
385mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1424cm2 (326x437mm)
vs
2165cm2 (407x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES8 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
100 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
385.0mm (15.2") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
437.0mm (17.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| 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 |