Klipsch caters to a variety of different users for decades. Whether you are looking for something to enhance your gaming or movie watching experience, or want to ease down with a glass of whiskey while listening to your favorite songs, Klipsch has something for you.
In this Klipsch R100SW vs R10SW comparison, we will be discussing all of the details that make them so popular and discuss their sound quality, build and design in detail.
The Klipsch R100SW and R10SW are very similar in sound performance, both offering 300W at peak power and both feature a low pass crossover. The main difference is the R10SW does not feature a line-in for RCA and there is no automatic shut-off feature. However, it is a lot cheaper than the R100SW.
Sound Quality
Klipsch R100SW
Klipsch R100SW is a 10-inch subwoofer that can produce incredibly deep bass and features a digital amplifier. The maximum power output of this monster is 300W so it can handle bass quite well.
It is geared using injected molded graphite that contributes to producing a clear sound. Even if the bass frequency flows at a rapid pace, this woofer can handle it well. And with the inbuilt amplifier, you will hear those high notes with clarity.
It comes with a frequency response ranging from 32Hz to 120Hz those lows and midrange sounds will come out nicely.
The low-frequency response it can generate comes from the lightweight materials used in the construction but they are still rigid.
It produces a clear bass pair well with the fully digital amplifier of this woofer. You will notice some extra bit of detail in your tunes, even when the bass is up at full volume.
If you are looking for a top-quality sound that can handle different types of frequencies very well you do not need to look any further. But of course, you need to have enough budget for it.
Klipsch R10SW
The R10SW is quite strong in terms of sound quality, and quite similar to the R100SW.
The R10SW is also a 300W 10-inch outdoor woofer and just like the R100SW, this one also features a front-firing copper spun woofer. The speaker can handle movies or music as it features phase control as well as low pass crossover.
With the help of phase control, you can conveniently halt the incoming signal. And by doing that you will allow your subwoofer to integrate well with the loudspeakers that are within the setup.
There is a low pass crossover that will allow you to filter out any unwanted low frequencies and direct them to your speakers. It means your woofer can focus more on producing quality bass and syncing it with the speakers. It will not have to focus or deal with any low frequencies at all.
Considering the features and the price tag, it is a better deal to consider because you are only compromising on a couple of features but the price drop is significant.
And both the features you are giving up are not directly associated with its overall sound quality of the speaker.
Build Quality
Klipsch R100SW
This subwoofer comes with a finish that features textured wood. I personally prefer the look of the R100SW. I just think it has a more luxurious design to it, which matches the price tag.
The R100SW is a copper spun font firing woofer. Therefore, the sound comes from its front or sides. It means you can conveniently place it anywhere you like.
This is a huge advantage especially if you compare it with down-firing woofers. There needs to be some space present allowing you to get the best performance and sound output from the woofer.
And the best part is, this woofer has a pretty simple design that houses various controls on it. Phase control with a low-pass crossover is there and of course, you will find the line-level inputs for LFE and RCA.
Klipsch R10SW
There is not much difference between the R100SW and the R10SW. When you compare them in build quality. But despite having a massive grille on the front end, this speaker is half a pound lighter than R100SW. It is not a metal grille and made of fabric material.
But with this grille, if you are not a huge fan of copper in the middle of R100SW, you can go with the more subtle black that is present on this woofer.
It also comes with a finish that resembles the R100SW’s finish of wooden texture, but it looks cheaper at first glance in my opinion.
The front-firing of this woofer is also made of copper spun. And you can comfortably place your subwoofer anywhere you want such as on a shelf, besides your tv, or even beside the couch. You can read here for more information on subwoofer placement.
On the backside, it features various controls. These include line-in for LFE but there is no RCA just like you find in R100SW. You will also find low pass crossover and phase control.
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a subwoofer and a speaker, you can read more here.
Controls
Klipsch R100SW
R100SW comes with phase control and the sub allows you to delay the electric signal. Ultimately, it will align well with the sound that is coming out of your loudspeakers.
And with the help of low pass crossover, you can allow a certain set of low frequencies to pass over to the speakers for even better sound through your subwoofer. It enhances the overall performance of your speakers and your woofer significantly.
On the backside, you will also find line-level inputs for RCA and LFE. These inputs ensure your woofer provides you with maximum receiver compatibility. The subwoofer also comes with an automatic shut-off feature to save power.
Klipsch R10SW
The R10SW is very similar to the R100SW because they both have the same controls available. The only difference is the R10SW does not come with line-in support for RCA. The rest of the controls are all identical.
There is line-in support for LFE and is compatible with most of the receivers you can find on the market. Also featuring phase control to delay the flow of signal so your woofer can conveniently integrate with the audio coming out of the speakers.
It also comes with low pass crossover, that enables you to limit a certain amount of frequencies. These frequencies will be transferred to your speakers. Your sub will only emphasize the bass and high notes to produce high or low music that is clear.
However, the R10SW does not come with automatic shut-off features and you will only find them in the R100SW model by Klipsch.
Other Things to Consider
Price
Klipsch R100SW
When it comes to price, the R100SW is one of the more expensive units on the market. It has great sound quality, and looks the part too.
The primary hike in price here is due to the presence of RCA input and an automatic shut-off feature. But even considering both these features being pretty important the price tag of R100SW is still not justified.
Klipsch R10SW
As we have mentioned above, there is not much difference between R100Sw and R10SW. But when you have a look at the price you will see there is a massive difference.
Klipsch does not take much away in R10SW from R100SW and of course, you get the better looks if you are not a huge fan of copper in the middle of your woofer.
The only major difference you will find here is that the R10SW does not feature a line-in for RCA and there is no automatic shut-off feature.
Additionally, this model comes with a grill cover that you can detach if you want to see the copper IMG just like the one in the case of R100SW. By the way, the grille is a cover made out of fabric type material and it is not made of steel or any other metal.
Size
Klipsch R100SW
When we talk about the size, the R100SW is certainly one of the bigger units. Its dimensions are 14.5-inch x 12.5-inch x 16.4-inch and it weighs around 26 pounds. So it is a heavy unit and a bit difficult to move around.
Being big and heavy also means this woofer can produce a good sound and with a heavy body, it will not move around too much even when the volume is up.
You might think if there is some woodwork in your room the copper color of this woofer will go well with that. Otherwise, it looks out of place with a giant copper IMG right in the middle.
But if you are a huge fan of that vintage-type look and have matching audio devices or instruments as well then it would look stunning.
Klipsch R10SW
The R100SW is a large woofer. Klipsch has trimmed off some of its mass from all sides and made R10SW that is just half a pound lighter than R100SW.
Its dimensions are 15.7-inch x 12.5-inch x 14-inch. And while there is not much difference between the two in size and weight, just a few inches short R10SW does look smaller in size. Therefore, it will fit in better if you are looking to place it inside a shelf.
But again, we will suggest you place these woofers out in the open and as they both are front-firing units you can conveniently place them on the floor in your room.
If space is a concern for you, read my compact subwoofer recommendations here.
Pros and Cons
Klipsch R100SW
Pros
- Phase control for better delay and alignment with speakers.
- Low pass crossover to shift low frequencies to speakers for better bass output.
- Frequency response ranges from 32 Hz to 120 Hz.
- Its total output power is 300W.
- Automatic shut-off feature turns off the woofer when idle.
- Front-firing design allows you to place it anywhere you like.
- RCA and LFE line-in inputs.
Cons
- It is an expensive unit.
- The wooden texture finish with copper-spun is a design that is not for all.
Klipsch R10SW
Pros
- Features phase control to ensure an improved delay and proper alignment with your speakers.
- The woofer features an LFE line-in input.
- It comes with a detachable grille that is of fabric material.
- The woofer also comes with a low pass crossover for shifting certain low frequencies.
- The woofer has a front-firing copper design.
- You can place it anywhere you like even on the floor.
- 300W of total power output.
- Frequency response ranges between 32 Hz and 120 Hz.
- Good choice for gaming and watching movies.
Cons
- The woofer does not come with an automatic shut-off feature.
- Does not feature a line-in input for RCA.
Conclusion:
Both these subwoofers are exceptional in terms of their performance and bass handling. And with their front-firing, you can conveniently place them on the floor. But there is a huge price difference between the two.
The R100SW does have a few extra features such as the line-in input for RCA, automatic shut off for energy saving and a more luxurious design, but it costs a significant amount more for similar sound performance.
If you aren’t too fussed about these extras in the R100SW, I recommend you choose the R10SW as it is much better value for what you are paying. Although, Klipsch like to reduce the price of the R100SW quite often so keep an eye out and you may get a great deal.
