In this review, we will be comparing SW-12 and SPL-100, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12and Klipsch SPL-100 have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-100 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-12 has a frequency range of 35-120 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 SW-12's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12's and Klipsch SPL-100's external dimensions. Wharfedale SW-12 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm ( 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) 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) .
Wharfedale SW-12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 44mm wider, 62mm taller and 34mm deeper than Klipsch SPL-100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-12 and Klipsch SPL-100 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-100 is approximately 1711.2cm2 / 265.2inch2. The SW-12 requires 20% 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 Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs and the Klipsch SPL-100 weighs 16.82kg / 37lbs. This makes the SW-12 28% heavier than the SPL-100.
Here is a comparison of how SW-12 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 Wharfedale SW-12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SW-12:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
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 |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
125k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1711cm2 (358x478mm)
vs
2058cm2 (402x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
999USD
|
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 |
Wharfedale SW-12 |
Klipsch SPL-100 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-120 Hz |
27-125 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
450-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Cerametallic |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
480.0mm (18.9") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
402.0mm (15.8") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Weight |
21.54kg (47.4lbs) |
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 |