Choosing Between Klipsch's Powered Subwoofers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to adding impactful bass to your home theater or music system, Klipsch offers two compelling but distinct options: the newer Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 ($239) and the established Klipsch Reference R-120SW ($215). Let's dive deep into how these subwoofers compare and which might be right for your setup.

Understanding Modern Subwoofer Technology

Today's powered subwoofers have evolved significantly from the basic bass boxes of the past. They now incorporate sophisticated amplification, room correction capabilities, and in some cases, wireless connectivity. The key advancements focus on achieving cleaner, more controlled bass while making setup and integration easier.

Core Technology and Design Approaches

The Flexus SUB 100 represents Klipsch's modern approach, developed in collaboration with Onkyo. It features wireless connectivity and app control, showing how subwoofers are becoming more integrated with smart home systems. Meanwhile, the R-120SW follows a more traditional design philosophy, focusing on raw performance through proven engineering.

Driver and Amplifier Design

The size difference between these subwoofers' drivers (10" vs 12") might seem small, but it significantly impacts their capabilities. The R-120SW's larger 12" driver moves more air, naturally producing deeper bass with less effort. Its 200W RMS amplifier provides substantial headroom compared to the Flexus's 80W RMS, allowing for more dynamic punch during intense movie scenes.

The Flexus SUB 100's 10" driver uses newer materials technology and a sophisticated control system to maximize performance from its smaller size. While it can't match the R-120SW's raw output, it often sounds tighter and more controlled in smaller rooms.

Performance Analysis

Bass Extension and Quality

Both subwoofers reach impressive low frequencies:

• Flexus SUB 100: 26Hz-250Hz
• R-120SW: 29Hz-120Hz

The Flexus actually reaches slightly lower, which is impressive for its size. However, the R-120SW will reproduce these frequencies with more authority due to its larger driver and more powerful amplifier. In practical terms, when watching movies with deep bass effects (think spacecraft rumble or explosions), the R-120SW will create a more visceral experience.

Output Capability

The difference in maximum output (103.7dB vs 116dB) is substantial. For context, every 3dB increase requires double the power, making the R-120SW significantly more capable of filling larger spaces. In a typical living room under 300 square feet, both will perform well, but the R-120SW has more headroom for dynamic peaks.

Integration and Setup

Wireless vs. Wired

The Flexus SUB 100 shines in its wireless implementation. Using a USB transmitter with Flexus soundbars, it eliminates cable runs while maintaining low latency. This wireless capability often justifies its higher price for those prioritizing clean installation.

The R-120SW relies on traditional RCA connections but offers more precise control over crossover and phase settings. This can result in better integration with your main speakers, particularly in more complex home theater setups.

Room Placement

Both subwoofers offer flexibility in placement, but the Flexus's wireless capability makes it significantly easier to experiment with different positions. This is particularly valuable since subwoofer placement can dramatically affect performance due to room acoustics.

Value Consideration

At $215, the R-120SW delivers exceptional performance per dollar. Its traditional design focuses investment on core audio performance rather than wireless features. The Flexus SUB 100, while $24 more expensive, includes wireless technology and app control that many users will find worth the premium.

Long-term Ownership Experience

The R-120SW's proven design suggests excellent long-term reliability. Its simple controls and connections have few potential failure points. The Flexus system's reliance on wireless connectivity and app control adds convenience but also complexity that could potentially cause issues over time.

Home Theater Performance

In a home theater context, both subwoofers excel but serve different scenarios:

The R-120SW is ideal for dedicated home theaters where:

• Performance is the top priority
• Cable management isn't an issue
• The room is medium to large sized
• Integration with traditional AV receivers is needed

The Flexus SUB 100 better suits:

• Modern soundbar-based systems
• Multi-purpose living rooms
• Setups where clean aesthetics are paramount
• Situations requiring frequent repositioning

How to Decide

Choose the Flexus SUB 100 if:

• You're using a Klipsch Flexus soundbar
• Wireless connectivity is a must-have feature
• You have a smaller room
• Clean installation is a priority
• You value modern features like app control

Choose the R-120SW if:

• Maximum performance per dollar is your goal
• You're using a traditional AV receiver
• You have a larger room or dedicated home theater
• You prefer simple, proven technology
• You want maximum output capability

Final Thoughts

Both subwoofers represent different approaches to solving the bass equation. The R-120SW delivers impressive performance through traditional means, while the Flexus SUB 100 trades some raw power for modern convenience features. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific setup requirements and how you prioritize performance versus convenience.

For most users seeking maximum performance in a traditional setup, the R-120SW offers exceptional value. However, if you're building around a Flexus soundbar system or prioritize wireless convenience, the Flexus SUB 100's modern features may well justify its slightly higher price.

Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 10" Powered Subwoofer Deals and Prices

Klipsch Reference R-120SW Powered Subwoofer Deals and Prices