When it comes to adding deep bass to your home audio system, Klipsch offers two very different approaches with the compact $239 Flexus SUB 100 and the massive $1,236 Reference Premiere RP-1600SW. Let's explore how these subwoofers compare and who each model is best suited for.
Today's powered subwoofers have come a long way from the boomy boxes of the past. They now combine sophisticated amplifiers, advanced driver materials, and smart cabinet designs to reproduce the lowest frequencies of music and movies with precision. A good subwoofer should blend seamlessly with your main speakers while adding impact and depth that you can feel.
The key technological advances in recent years include more efficient Class D amplifiers (which run cooler and use less power), improved driver materials that reduce distortion, and better cabinet designs that minimize unwanted resonances. Both of these Klipsch models incorporate these advances, but in very different ways.
The Flexus SUB 100, released in 2023 as part of Klipsch's new wireless audio lineup, is remarkably compact at just 13 inches in each dimension. Weighing only 20.7 pounds, it's easy to position or even move between rooms. This compact size comes from its sealed cabinet design and efficient 10-inch driver.
In stark contrast, the RP-1600SW is a beast, measuring nearly two feet in each dimension and weighing a back-straining 110.9 pounds. Released in 2023 as part of Klipsch's Reference Premiere refresh, it represents their flagship consumer subwoofer technology. The massive size accommodates its 16-inch Cerametallic driver (a lightweight, ultra-rigid ceramic-coated aluminum cone) and large front-firing port.
The Flexus SUB 100's frequency response of 26-250Hz is impressive for its size. The sealed cabinet design helps deliver tight, controlled bass that works well for both music and movies. However, physics dictates that it can't move as much air as its larger sibling.
The RP-1600SW reaches down to a subterranean 14.5Hz, which means you'll feel the lowest pipe organ notes and movie effects that smaller subs simply miss. Its ported design and massive driver allow it to pressurize even large rooms with ease. The Cerametallic cone maintains its shape under extreme stress, reducing distortion when playing at high volumes.
With an 80-watt RMS amplifier (160 watts peak), the Flexus SUB 100 can reach 103.7dB - plenty loud for most situations. The sealed cabinet design helps control the driver movement, preventing overworship at the limits.
The RP-1600SW's 800-watt RMS amplifier (1600 watts peak) and 125.5dB maximum output put it in a different league entirely. This massive power reserve means it can handle the most demanding movie soundtracks without strain. The front-firing Aerofoil slot port uses advanced internal flaring to reduce port noise and compression at high outputs.
For music, the Flexus SUB 100 excels at reproducing bass lines and kick drums with good definition. Its sealed design provides excellent transient response - meaning quick bass notes start and stop precisely. While it won't rattle your windows, it adds natural warmth and depth to music.
The RP-1600SW delivers reference-level home theater performance. When a movie calls for extreme low-frequency effects (like explosions or earthquake scenes), it can create pressurization you feel in your chest. For music, it can reproduce the lowest organ pipes and electronic bass with authority, though some might find its capabilities excessive for purely musical use.
The Flexus SUB 100 shines in its wireless integration with Klipsch's Flexus soundbar system. The included wireless transmitter connects via USB to compatible soundbars, providing low-latency audio transmission. Traditional RCA inputs are also available for wired connections.
The RP-1600SW takes a more traditional approach with dual RCA/LFE inputs and comprehensive controls including variable crossover (40-160Hz) and phase adjustment. An optional WA-2 wireless kit is available for wireless connectivity. The more extensive controls allow precise integration with any speaker system.
At $239, the Flexus SUB 100 represents excellent value for those wanting to add meaningful bass to a smaller room or soundbar system. Its wireless capability and compact size make it particularly appealing for modern living spaces.
The $1,236 RP-1600SW is a serious investment, but its performance capabilities justify the price for dedicated home theater enthusiasts or those with large rooms to fill. It's built to reference standards and can deliver bass that smaller subs simply cannot match.
Consider your space first. In rooms under 300 square feet, the Flexus SUB 100 will likely provide all the bass you need, especially if you're primarily watching TV and listening to music at moderate volumes. Its wireless capability makes it particularly attractive for clean installations with soundbars.
The RP-1600SW makes sense for larger rooms, dedicated home theaters, or when absolute bass performance is the priority. Its massive output capability and extremely low frequency extension create visceral experiences that smaller subs can't match. However, you need both the space to accommodate its size and the budget for its premium price.
Remember that subwoofer placement can significantly impact performance. The Flexus SUB 100's smaller size gives you more placement options, while the RP-1600SW's mass means you'll likely need to plan its location carefully - and maybe get help moving it into position.
Both subwoofers excel at their intended purposes. The Flexus SUB 100 brings practical, wireless bass reinforcement to smaller spaces at an accessible price point. The RP-1600SW delivers reference-level performance for serious home theater enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in low-frequency reproduction.
Choose based on your room size, budget, and performance needs rather than specs alone. A well-placed Flexus SUB 100 will serve most users better than an RP-1600SW that's too large for their space or needs. Conversely, serious home theater fans will find the RP-1600SW's premium price justified by its outstanding capabilities.
| Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 ($239) | Klipsch RP-1600SW ($1,236) |
|---|---|
| Driver Size - Larger drivers generally produce deeper bass | |
| 10" paper cone | 16" Cerametallic cone (ceramic-coated aluminum) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum output and headroom | |
| 80W RMS / 160W peak | 800W RMS / 1600W peak |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass | |
| 26Hz - 250Hz (±3dB) | 14.5Hz - 175Hz (±3dB) |
| Maximum Output - Higher numbers mean louder capabilities | |
| 103.7 dB | 125.5 dB |
| Cabinet Design - Affects bass character and room placement | |
| Sealed (tighter bass, more placement flexible) | Ported with Aerofoil slot (deeper bass, needs more space) |
| Dimensions - Consider your available space | |
| 13.2" x 13.2" x 13.9" (compact) | 23.4" x 23.5" x 27.4" (requires planning) |
| Weight - Impacts installation and mobility | |
| 20.7 lbs (easily moveable) | 110.9 lbs (permanent placement) |
| Connectivity - Affects system integration | |
| Wireless via included transmitter + RCA input | Dual RCA/LFE inputs, optional wireless adapter |
| Key Features - Special capabilities worth noting | |
| Can pair two subs wirelessly, app control, sealed design for placement flexibility | Variable crossover (40-160Hz), phase control, auto power, premium Cerametallic driver |
| Best Use Case - Who should buy this model | |
| Apartments, smaller rooms, soundbar systems, basic home theater | Large rooms, dedicated home theaters, premium audio systems, serious bass enthusiasts |
The $239 Flexus SUB 100 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact 13-inch cube size. The $1,236 RP-1600SW would be overkill and too large for most small spaces.
The main difference is size and power. The Flexus SUB 100 is a compact 10" subwoofer with 80W RMS, while the RP-1600SW is a massive 16" subwoofer with 800W RMS, resulting in significantly more bass output.
The RP-1600SW is superior for dedicated home theater due to its deeper bass extension (14.5Hz) and higher output (125.5dB). The Flexus SUB 100 works well for casual home theater in smaller rooms.
Only if you have a large room (over 300 sq ft), want reference-level home theater performance, or are a serious audiophile. Most users will be very satisfied with the more affordable Flexus SUB 100.
The Flexus SUB 100 includes wireless connectivity out of the box with its transmitter. The RP-1600SW requires an optional WA-2 wireless adapter purchased separately.
Both work well for music, but differently. The Flexus SUB 100 provides tight, accurate bass for music, while the RP-1600SW offers more powerful, deeper bass that some might find excessive for music-only listening.
The Flexus SUB 100 costs $239, while the RP-1600SW is priced at $1,236 - roughly five times more expensive.
The Flexus SUB 100 weighs only 20.7 lbs and is easily moveable. The RP-1600SW weighs 110.9 lbs and requires significant effort to move - it's designed for permanent placement.
The Flexus SUB 100 is better suited for apartments due to its smaller size, easier placement options, and more neighbor-friendly output levels.
The Flexus SUB 100 works best with Klipsch Flexus soundbars but can connect to other systems. The RP-1600SW works with any audio system using standard RCA/LFE connections.
The RP-1600SW reaches deeper bass (14.5Hz) compared to the Flexus SUB 100 (26Hz), making it better for reproducing the lowest frequencies in movies and music.
The Flexus SUB 100 allows wireless pairing of two identical units. The RP-1600SW can be used in multiple configurations but requires proper wiring or additional wireless adapters.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - listenup.com - bestbuy.com - forum.planetofthevapes.co.uk - cnet.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - av-connection.com - greentoe.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - audioholics.com - hifiheaven.net - listenup.com - soundandvision.com - adorama.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - dreamaudio.co.ke - apollohifi.com.au - assets.klipsch.com
