In this review, we will be comparing WH S8E and R-100SW, 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 WH-S8E and Klipsch R-100SW 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 WH-S8E and Klipsch R-100SW 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 WH-S8Eand Klipsch R-100SW have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale WH-S8E's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Klipsch R-100SW features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
WH S8E has a frequency range of 40-200 Hz whereas R-100SW has a frequency range of 32-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the R-100SW can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the WH S8E's min frequency of 40Hz.
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 Wharfedale WH-S8E has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Klipsch R-100SW have Bass reflex type enclosure.
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 WH-S8E's and Klipsch R-100SW's external dimensions. Wharfedale WH-S8E has external dimensions of 330.0 x 268.0 x 327.0mm ( 13 x 10-9/16 x 12-7/8inch) whereas Klipsch R-100SW has external dimensions of 372.0 x 320.0 x 459.0mm ( 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch) .
Klipsch R-100SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 52mm wider, 42mm taller and 132mm deeper than Wharfedale WH-S8E.
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 WH-S8E is approximately 876.4cm2 / 135.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-100SW is approximately 1468.8cm2 / 227.7inch2. The WH S8E requires 40% less surface area than the R-100SW 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 Wharfedale WH-S8E weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Klipsch R-100SW weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the R-100SW 33% heavier than the WH S8E.
Here is a comparison of how WH S8E and R-100SW's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
330mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
876cm2
vs
1468cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
40 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Wharfedale WH-S8E |
Klipsch R-100SW |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
70 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
40-200 Hz |
32-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
70-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
150-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
330.0mm (13") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
268.0mm (10.6") |
320.0mm (12.6") |
| Depth |
327.0mm (12.9") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |