The Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer boasts an amazing combination of sophisticated design, durability and power that is going to impress your friends and potentially annoy your neighbours.
On paper, this Klipsch subwoofer seems like a great deal, but is it worth the hype? Let’s find out.
Klipsch R-115SW: The Overview
Big and powerful, the Klipsch R-115SW surely packs a punch. The speaker comes with a sturdy but very light 15-inch Cerametallic spun-copper driver, aiming to give you a great low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion.
This highly efficient subwoofer minimizes turbulence and port noise, by means of incredible internal geometry and ingenious flare technology inside the slot port ―so you can have no distortion with your low frequencies. Additionally, there’s a super accurate, built-in, all-digital amplifier.
Klipsch R-115SW: Product Highlights
- Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 19.5″ W x 22.3″ D
- Weight: 75.4 lbs.
- 15″ spun-copper Cerametallic cone woofer
- Front-firing slot port with internal flare technology
- L/R line-level/LFE RCA inputs
- Brushed black polymer veneer, satin painted plinth MDF cabinet
- 400-watt RMS amplifier (800 watts peak power)
- Frequency response: 18-125 Hz
- Variable low-pass crossover
- Phase switch to fine-tune the subwoofer to your main sound system
- Auto on/off & Standby mode
Klipsch R-115SW Sound Overview
Getting a Klipsch R-115SW would be ideal, especially if you also invest in the optional Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit, for an easy wireless connection to your main sound system. The phase control and low pass crossover offer an excellent bass quality and enable you to blend the subwoofer’s low-frequency tones with the other speakers in your home.
However, before buying, you should take into account that only RCA Line-Level input is available with this speaker. There’s no Speaker Level Input to connect the Klipsch R-115SW to any common amplifier; the amp should have RCA Pre-Outs/LFE. Otherwise, you should get an adapter turning the Speaker Levels into Line Levels.
Klipsch R-115SW Design Overview
Following the lines of the stand-out Reference Premiere Series by Klipsch, the R-115sw demands to be seen, as the 15” Cerametallic cone woofer and the copper drivers will instantly draw your attention. This speaker comes in an MDF cabinet, finished with satin painted MDF plinth and black polymer veneer, while a LED power indicator on the front will let you know when the speaker is powered on or off (as it features Auto and Standby modes).
Plus, the base part on the bottom is slightly tilted upwards for better sound quality. Finally, contrary to other subwoofers of this series, the R-115SW features ported design with a slit-port ―not a round one―, offering high efficiency and better, more pervasive sound.
Klipsch R-115sw Durability
The design of the Klipsch R-115sw cone subwoofer allows for simultaneous sturdiness and lightness, enabling the speaker quick responsiveness and low-end extension for excellent quality in the lower frequencies.
The speaker is made up of quality materials, as you can tell just by touching ―or trying to move its 75.4 lbs. It’s extremely heavy, firm and steady, so it’s best if you’ve decided where to put it before bringing it home, as changing your mind and moving it around your house could actually hurt your back ―so be careful, and affirmative!
Of course, besides the sturdy and durable materials, the quality speaks volumes: as noted by numerous users, the base, corners, finishes and the overall design of the Klipsch R-115SW seem like they’re saying Just look at me!
Klipsch R-115SW Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressive design
- Quality, sturdy materials
- Powerful, heart-pounding bass
- Wireless connection (by separately sold adapter)
- Auto & Standby mode
- Phase Control
Cons
- Very large size and weight
- No speaker level inputs, only RCA line-level inputs.
What comes in the box?
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 8.5′ AC power cord
- User Manual
- Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
The Bottom Line
The R-115SW proves that companies like Klipsch can deliver value and efficiency in the subwoofer department. This subwoofer is extremely powerful, though that should perhaps be expected by some, given its high price. Audiophiles and home theatre enthusiasts are likely to be drawn to the R-115SW, due to its amazing punch ―and house and post-punk music fans will especially love the powerful bass.
However, as mentioned above, on the downside of this subwoofer we have the sole RCA line-level inputs, making the R-115SW tough to use without an adapter or the wireless kit that comes for a fair ―but still, extra― price.
Additionally, the size of this device is big enough for potential buyers to ask themselves: Do I really need a subwoofer that huge? But get this: the size of the R-115SW isn’t about extreme volume, but the best possible sound accuracy.
In fact, the lowest-rated frequency is 18Hz at 122db ― sounds you don’t exactly hear, rather than feel.
When watching action movies, the sound of gunshots and explosions will make the overall experience feel like you’re in an actual movie theatre, while when watching atmospheric films with low background sounds, the incredible quality will give you the impression that you’re being transferred into the movie.
As far as music is concerned, the R-115SW can reproduce a lot of nuances of different instruments, with a clean output and minimal distortion. Plus, with the MDF cabinet, front-firing bass reflex slot, and rubberized feet, you’ll get minimal vibrations and rattle.
However, it’s worth mentioning that there are a few users reporting on damages in the built-in amplifier after regular use within a period of a couple of years, which are often and recurrent with most speakers. Fortunately, the company offers a warranty and replacement of damaged internal parts, if proven that the damage was not caused by external factors.
