Overview

The Klipsch R-101SW is a 10-inch powered subwoofer from the Klipsch Reference series, built around a front-firing, high-excursion spun-copper woofer and an all-digital amplifier rated at 150 W continuous (300 W peak). It reaches down to 29.5 Hz with 115 dB maximum output, adding the low-end weight that TV, bookshelf and smaller tower speakers can't reach on their own. It's a good fit for living rooms and smaller home theatres, and it's designed to blend with Klipsch speakers.

The Thermoformed Crystalline Polymer (TCP) woofer is light, rigid and tightly packed, giving strong low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion. The all-digital amplifier is efficient and accurate, and a rear-firing port supports the bass. Because the driver faces forward, you have more flexibility in where the sub goes.

Volume, low-pass crossover and 0/180° phase controls let you blend the R-101SW with your main speakers and room, and line-level/LFE RCA inputs connect to a home theatre receiver's subwoofer output. Auto power-on wakes it when a signal arrives, and a front-mounted LED shows when it's on. The reinforced ¾-inch MDF cabinet uses an all-new bracing design to reduce vibration, finished in scratch-resistant black textured wood grain vinyl with a low-profile grille.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Since the port fires out the back, leave a few inches between the R-101SW and the wall so it can breathe. When connecting to an AV receiver, set the sub's own low-pass control to its highest setting and let the receiver's crossover (often 80 Hz) handle the split, then run room correction to set level and distance. Try a few spots along the front of the room before settling on one; small moves can make bass noticeably smoother at your seat.

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Why the Klipsch R-101SW Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Living Rooms: Want deeper bass for movies and music.
• Klipsch Reference Systems: Want a sub that matches R-series speakers.
• Bookshelf Speaker Owners: Want to fill in the low end.

How It Compares

The R-121SW is the larger Klipsch Reference subwoofer, with a 12" woofer and 200 W continuous (400 W peak) amplifier, rated at 28 Hz to 120 Hz with 118 dB maximum output, in a 16.6" x 16" x 19.7" cabinet. The R-101SW uses a 10" woofer and 150 W continuous (300 W peak), reaching 29.5 Hz with 115 dB maximum output, in a smaller 14.6" x 14" x 19.7" cabinet. Choose the R-101SW for average rooms, and the R-121SW for more output in larger spaces.