In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES8 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 Signature Elite ES8 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 Signature Elite ES8 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 Signature Elite ES8and Klipsch SPL-100 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-100 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES8 has a frequency range of 32-180 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 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 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES8 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 SPL-100'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 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) .
Klipsch SPL-100 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 32mm wider, 33mm taller and 41mm 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 SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The Elite ES8 requires 17% less surface area than the SPL-100 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 SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the Elite ES8 5% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES8 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 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 SPL-100?
Here are the items that come with the SPL-100:
Powered subGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
125k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
385mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1424cm2 (326x437mm)
vs
1711cm2 (358x478mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES8 |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
100 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
385.0mm (15.2") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
437.0mm (17.2") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
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 |