In this review, we will be comparing Q SUB100 and R-121SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Q Acoustics 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100 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.
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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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100and Klipsch R-121SW have a single woofer setup however the Q Acoustics Q SUB100's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch R-121SW features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Q SUB100 has a frequency range of 32-250 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 Q SUB100'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
The Q Acoustics Q SUB100 has a Infinite Baffle type cabinet. On the other hand the Klipsch R-121SW have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100's and Klipsch R-121SW's external dimensions. Q Acoustics Q SUB100 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 350.0 x 382.0mm ( 13-3/4 x 13-3/4 x 15-1/16inch) 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 57mm wider, 73mm taller and 150mm deeper than Q Acoustics Q SUB100.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100 is approximately 1337.0cm2 / 207.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-121SW is approximately 2165.2cm2 / 335.6inch2. The Q SUB100 requires 38% 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB100 weighs 16.70kg / 36.7lbs and the Klipsch R-121SW weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs. This makes the Q SUB100 4% heavier than the R-121SW.
Here is a comparison of how Q SUB100 and R-121SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
350mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1337cm2
vs
2165cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics Q SUB100 |
Klipsch Reference R-121SW |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-250 Hz |
28-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Spun-Copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
350.0mm (13.8") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
350.0mm (13.8") |
407.0mm (16") |
| Depth |
382.0mm (15") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
16.70kg (36.7lbs) |
16.00kg (35.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Infinite Baffle |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |