“Do I need a subwoofer, and is it important?” This question is probably one of the most frequently asked questions by audiophiles. The answer is simple. A subwoofer should be a top priority if you need enhanced quality sound from your 5.1 system.
Most of the speakers in your home theater are incapable of reproducing the frequencies they receive from amplifiers. Therefore, you’ll miss out on the crucial bits of the sound you get. For beginners, you can start by buying one subwoofer and get started on this fascinating journey.
Here, we shall review two subwoofers, Klipsch R-12SW VS R-100SW, which deliver impeccable bass. Thus, bringing realistic sound to your music, movies, and gaming experience. Both are good deals, but which subwoofer is perfect for you?
The Complete Summary of Difference between R-12SW VS R-100SW
| Product Title | Klipsch R-12SW | Klipsch R-100SW |
| Sensitivity | 116.0dB | 112.0dB |
| Frequency Range | 29 – 120Hz | 32 – 120Hz |
| RMS Power (watts) | 200 W | 300 W |
| Driver Diameter(inches) | 12 | 10 |
| Width | 14.0 in | 12.52 in |
| Depth | 18.5 in | 16.42 in |
| Height | 16.0 in | 14.49 in |
| Weight | 33.7 lbs. | 24.03 lbs. |
| Materia | MDF | MDF/Vinyl |
Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer
They say first impressions matter. Once you order the sub, it takes a few days to receive the subwoofer in perfect condition. All thanks to the careful wrapping to prevent damage during shipping. Additionally, the sound engineers of this product blended aesthetics and high-quality materials to come up with this mind-blowing subwoofer.
Key Specs
- Sensitivity of 116.0 dB within a frequency range of 29 – 120Hz
- 200 watts RMS power and 400W peak power from the inbuilt amplifier
- Driver diameter of 12.0 inches with medium density fiber wood bound in a brushed polymer veneer
- Bass reflex capability present
Design
The Klipsch R-12SW subwoofer should be your pick if you’re looking for affordability, quality, and appealing design. The copper-spun diaphragm offers a stylish look to your speakers. Additionally, the removable cloth grille covers the LED indicator, thus softening the glow when enjoying your favorite music.
The subwoofer measures 14 x 18.5 x 16 inches, which allows you to use them even in smaller rooms. The weight of 33.7 pounds makes Klipsch R-12SW a sturdy and stable speaker.
Performance
The 12-inch sub has a larger cabinet, driver, and an inbuilt amplifier. Thus, allowing you to get a mind-blowing deep bass response from the power of a 400W amplifier. Something that most of the subwoofers within the same price range can’t offer. All thanks to the front-firing driver and all-digital amplifier.
Features and Connectivity
The Klipsch R-12SW left port in the RCA jacks is used as the low-frequency effect (LFE) input. The back panel has some knobs and switches, such as the on/off/auto-on, gain knob, phase switch, and a low-pass filter.
The gain knob varies the volume of audio signals sent between receivers and speakers. The phase knob adds an electrical delay to the audio signals. Lastly, the low-pass filter knob allows you to filter the deep bass and cut-off frequencies passing through your sub. Adjusting the knobs will offer you the vibe you need.
Pros
The subwoofer offers low pass crossover and phase control. Thus, you can blend the subwoofers’ bass sounds with other Klipsch speakers and establish exemplary bass levels.
Klipsch R-12SW doesn’t experience distortion or break up of audio signals. Courtesy of the powerful copper-spun front-firing driver that offers deep bass and placement flexibility.
The front LED indicator alerts you when the audio system is on or off. The auto on/off is a masterpiece to complement the LED indicator. Therefore, saving on power usage because the sub only works when it detects the flow of audio signals.
Its cabinet has a standard MDF (medium density fiber) wood bound in a brushed polymer veneer. The veneer offers more texture that gives a better-refined look than the traditional flat black wrap.
Cons
Copper metal is rigid. Therefore, it can break more easily than softer metals when you use high frequencies. However, playing high frequencies with the sub can be rare because subs specialize in low-frequencies. But, it won’t hurt to take precautionary measures.
The lack of a Wireless connection capability means incurring some extra cost of acquiring a wireless kit that comes in handy to solve the challenge.
Klipsch R-100SW Subwoofer
Just like the R-12SW series, the Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer is powerful and versatile with excellent wrapping. You always receive the sub in perfect condition! Let’s delve into the specifications that make Klipsch R-100SW worth every dime.
Key Specs
- Sensitivity of 112.0 dB within a frequency range of 32 – 120Hz
- 300 watts RMS power from the inbuilt amplifier
- Driver diameter of 10.0 inches
- It comes with medium density fiber (MDF) or vinyl material
- Dimensions of 12.52 by 16.42 by 14.49 inches and weighs 24.03 pounds.
Design
The subwoofer has a polished, modern look that resembles the Klipsch reference series speakers (R-8SW, R-120SW, and R-100SW subwoofers). Thanks to the exposed fasteners, dust-proof grille, and coarse-grain woven cloth with a grainier layer.
The subwoofer is convenient, flexible, and easy to handle smaller spaces due to the convenience of its size (10 inches).
Spun Copper IMG Woofers
The rigid injection molded graphite (IMG) offers you a low-frequency response and minimal distortion of the woofer cones. It provides high speaker efficiency, especially when coupled with the Tractrix Horn-Loaded LTS Tweeter.
Performance
The all-digital amplifier in the R-100SW subwoofer offers you a peak value of up to 300 watts. The power guarantees accuracy reproduction, maximum output, and clarity of audio signals.
Cabinet Design
Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer construction material (MDF) offers improved sonic accuracy, which gives you a long-lasting listening experience. You, therefore, get the exact sounds even at extreme volumes without the worry of break down!
Pros
The Klipsch, 10-inch subwoofer, delivers clean, deep, and accurate bass from its front-firing driver featuring a spun-copper IMG woofer and all-digital amplifier with 300 Watts Peak Power.
Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer has a good sound combination. The gain, phase controls, and low-pass crossover blend bass sound with other speakers. Therefore, ensure the ideal bass level for your room.
Its small size and light weight make it an ideal sound system for theater sets, minor events, and parties.
Cons
The Klipsch R-100SW reference series subwoofer lacks a futuristic outlook that Klipsch R-12SW prides itself on.
Klipsch R-12SW VS R-100SW Comparison
Choosing between Klipsch R-100SW VS R-12SW can be challenging since both subwoofers deliver quality sound. However, you can narrow it down to your sound needs; overall performance, controls and functionality, sound quality, build design, and value for your money.
Sound Quality
The Klipsch 12 inch subwoofer is our top pick for audiophiles who need deep bass, powerful tones, and clear vocals. The clarity of its bass tones can is because of the larger cabinet, driver, and powerful 400W amplifier.
Build Design
The Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer comes with Bluetooth capability. Thus, saving you the hassle of buying a wireless kit. Klipsch R-100SW offers much-needed portability because it is lighter than R-12SW.
Frequency Response
Both the Klipsch R-100SW VS R-12SW offer phase control to your subwoofer. Additionally, their design increases excursion capability because of enhanced frequency response (29Hz-120Hz +/-3dB). Therefore, producing clean bass at lower frequencies.
Overall Performance
Klipsch R-12SW subwoofers are among the best subwoofers that guarantee you a cinematic vibe while jamming or watching your favorite film. Even in extreme sound volumes, Klipsch R-12SW doesn’t experience distortion or break up of audio signals. The level control, phase control, and low pass crossover allows you to adjust to your perfect sound.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Klipsch R-100SW VS R-12SW subwoofers involves more than just the cost. If you need aesthetics and a booming experience with zero wireless connectivity, settle for the 12 inches Klipsch R-12SW. However, Klipsch R-100SW will be the top pick if you’re looking for portable and cheap subwoofers.
If you still not sure which to go for, you may also read: Klipsch SPL 120 vs R-120SW: Don’t Choose the Wrong One
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