Pros
- Powerful, deep bass output
- Wide frequency response range
- Flexible placement options
Cons
- Bass might be overpowering in smaller rooms
The Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer has been a mainstay in Klipch’s speaker line-up for a number of years and it’s easy to see why. This sub has a combination of brute force and finesse that is uncommon. Right off the bat, you can tell this subwoofer is a beauty, with its exposed fasteners, low profile magnetic grilles, and scratch-resistant, textured wood grain vinyl. It’s got a modern, polished look that fits perfectly with the rest of the Reference series speakers from Klipsch.
The Specs
The Klipsch R-100SW sports a 10-inch front-firing spun-copper IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) woofer, which is designed to be both lightweight and extremely rigid. This combination allows for a remarkable low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion, resulting in some seriously deep, clean bass.
The all-digital amplifier is capable of producing 300 watts of peak power, delivering high efficiency and true-to-source accuracy reproduction. This means that you’ll get maximum output, detail, and power to fill your room with sound. To test this, I paired the R-100SW with a Marantz Cinema 60 AV receiver and Klipsch RP-8000F Floorstanding speakers, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience.
When it comes to frequency response, the R-100SW ranges from 32Hz to 120Hz, which is pretty impressive. It’s also equipped with volume, low-pass crossover, and phase controls, allowing you to customize the bass output to your liking and ensure that it blends seamlessly with your other speakers. The line level/LFE RCA inputs ensure maximum compatibility with standard home theater receivers, making it a breeze to integrate with your existing setup.
Klipsch R-100SW with Movies
To really put the R-100SW through its paces, I decided to watch a few movies and listen to some music to see how it would perform. For the movie “Jurassic Park,” the Klipsch R-100SW really brought the iconic T-Rex scene to life. The subwoofer’s bass response was tight and impactful, capturing the stomping footsteps of the T-Rex with a satisfying rumble that seemed to reverberate through the entire room. The roars were also well-defined and powerful, giving a sense of presence and depth to the movie’s audio that left me feeling like I was right in the middle of the action.
During “The Dark Knight,” the Klipsch R-100SW once again showcased its impressive performance. During the intense car chase scenes, the subwoofer delivered accurate and dynamic bass, effectively conveying the raw power and energy of the Batmobile as it roared through the streets of Gotham. Additionally, the subwoofer did an excellent job of reproducing the movie’s dramatic score, providing a solid foundation for the overall audio experience.
In “Avengers: Endgame,” the Klipsch R-100SW added an extra layer of immersion to the epic battle scenes. The powerful bass allowed me to feel the impact of each punch and explosion, while still retaining clarity and balance within the overall mix. The subwoofer’s ability to handle fast-paced action sequences without becoming muddy or overpowering was truly impressive.
Klipsch R-100SW with Music
For music, I listened to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, “Hotel California” by Eagles, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. In “Uptown Funk,” the bass was punchy and energetic, but there were moments when it felt slightly boomy.
When I played Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” the R-100SW delivered a tight and rhythmic bass response that complemented the track’s funky groove. The subwoofer’s accurate and well-defined low-frequency reproduction helped to bring out the nuances of the bass guitar and kick drum, giving the song an infectious energy that was hard to resist.
Lastly, I tested the subwoofer with Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” The R-100SW was able to capture the song’s signature deep bass notes with impressive depth and control. The bass sounded clean and well-separated from the rest of the mix, showcasing the R-100SW’s ability to handle both the power and subtlety of modern electronic music.
One thing of note is that the front-firing driver, designed to provide deep bass regardless of its position in the room, can still be affected by room placement. I found that moving the subwoofer around led to noticeable changes in bass response, so you may need to spend some time finding the optimal spot in your room to get the best performance.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the Klipsch R-100SW subwoofer is a versatile and customizable addition to any home theater setup. Its strengths lie in its ability to provide deep, clean bass and blend well with other speakers, while its compact size and modern design make it easy to incorporate into your living space. Paired with the Marantz Cinema 60 AV receiver and Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding speakers, it offers an impressive listening experience for both movies and music. Though it has some limitations in terms of bass definition and room placement, overall, the R-100SW is a strong contender in its price range and a worthy consideration for those seeking to enhance their audio setup.
