The Klipsch Reference subwoofers line on Speaker Ranking spans 3 generations and 7 models, from the Klipsch R-10SW, Klipsch R-12SW and Klipsch R-115SW to the Klipsch Reference R-101SW and Klipsch R-121SW. Ratings run from 3.2/5 to 4.2/5. Of these, 4 are still sold.
Each column below is one generation, oldest on the left. Each row follows one model into the model that replaced it; a long arrow means a model skipped a generation. Ratings are out of 5, and an estimated rating comes from measured models in the same family.
More from this brand: every Klipsch speaker ranked.
Generation by generation
R-10SW to R-100SW
The Klipsch R-100SW replaced the Klipsch R-10SW. Both rate 3.2/5.
| Spec | R-10SW | R-100SW |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 10” (254mm) driver | 1x 10” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) | 24 lbs (10.9 kg) |
R-100SW to Reference R-101SW
The Klipsch Reference R-101SW replaced the Klipsch R-100SW. Both rate 3.2/5.
| Spec | R-100SW | Reference R-101SW |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1x 10” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer | 10” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Weight | 24 lbs (10.9 kg) | 30.6 lbs (13.9 kg) |
R-12SW to Reference R-120SW
The Klipsch Reference R-120SW replaced the Klipsch R-12SW. It rates higher, 3.4/5 against 3.3/5.
| Spec | R-12SW | Reference R-120SW |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS | 200W RMS, 400W peak Class D |
| Weight | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) |
Reference R-120SW to R-121SW
The Klipsch R-121SW replaced the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. It rates higher, 3.6/5 against 3.4/5.
| Spec | Reference R-120SW | R-121SW |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 12” front-firing spun-copper IMG woofer | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS, 400W peak Class D | 200W RMS |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generations of the Klipsch Reference subwoofers are there?
Speaker Ranking covers 3 generations of the Klipsch Reference subwoofers, from the Klipsch R-10SW, Klipsch R-12SW and Klipsch R-115SW to the Klipsch Reference R-101SW and Klipsch R-121SW.
What replaced the Klipsch R-10SW?
The Klipsch R-100SW replaced the Klipsch R-10SW. Both are rated 3.2/5.
What replaced the Klipsch R-100SW?
The Klipsch Reference R-101SW replaced the Klipsch R-100SW. Both are rated 3.2/5.
What replaced the Klipsch R-12SW?
The Klipsch Reference R-120SW replaced the Klipsch R-12SW. It is rated 3.4/5, against 3.3/5 for the Klipsch R-12SW.
What replaced the Klipsch Reference R-120SW?
The Klipsch R-121SW replaced the Klipsch Reference R-120SW. It is rated 3.6/5, against 3.4/5 for the Klipsch Reference R-120SW.