Short answer: the Klipsch R-10SW for better sound quality, the Sony SA-CS9 for the lower price. The Klipsch R-10SW ranks #14 of 42 subwoofers at $399. The Sony SA-CS9 ranks #15 at $200, $199 cheaper.
What the Sony SA-CS9 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 77.7 dB at 20 Hz and 106.7 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 344.9H x 294.9W x 399.8D mm cabinet and 11.5 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
What the Klipsch R-10SW offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 106.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver is a compact way to add useful midbass support to a modest system. Watch for: Without a published 20 Hz result, deep-bass capability is less certain than the midbass figure. The 355.6H x 317.5W x 398.8D mm cabinet and 11.6 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Buy the Sony SA-CS9 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Klipsch R-10SW if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SA-CS9 | Klipsch R-10SW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $399 |
| Ranked | #15 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #14 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 77.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 89.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 92.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 98.3 dB | 103.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 106.4 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 111.2 dB | 109.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.9 dB | 108.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.7 dB | 106.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 11.6"W x 15.7"D (344.9 x 294.9 x 399.8 mm) | 14"H x 12.5"W x 15.7"D (355.6 x 317.5 x 398.8 mm) |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg | 25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg |
| Warranty | 1? | 5/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | Japan | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 107.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 104.1 dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SA-CS9: $200 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 77.7 dB at 20 Hz and 106.7 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 344.9H x 294.9W x 399.8D mm cabinet and 11.5 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Full Sony SA-CS9 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.7 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Japan |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 11.6"W x 15.7"D (344.9 x 294.9 x 399.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 77.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 89.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 98.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 106.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 111.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.9 dB |
| Warranty | 1? |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Klipsch R-10SW: $399 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 106.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver is a compact way to add useful midbass support to a modest system.
Cons: Without a published 20 Hz result, deep-bass capability is less certain than the midbass figure. The 355.6H x 317.5W x 398.8D mm cabinet and 11.6 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Full Klipsch R-10SW review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14"H x 12.5"W x 15.7"D (355.6 x 317.5 x 398.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 10" (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | ErinsAudioCorner |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 103.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 109.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 108.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 107.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 104.1 dB |
| Warranty | 5/2 |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons