In this review, we will be comparing C1SUB Mk2 and ASW608, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ATC and Bowers Wilkins. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ATC C1SUB Mk2 and B&W ASW608 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ATC C1SUB Mk2and B&W ASW608 have a single woofer setup however the ATC C1SUB Mk2's woofer is -inch whereas the B&W ASW608 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
C1SUB Mk2 has a frequency range of whereas ASW608 has a frequency range of 32-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of Hz, the C1SUB Mk2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ASW608's min frequency of 32Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The ATC C1SUB Mk2 has a Sealed type cabinet. On the other hand the B&W ASW608 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ATC C1SUB Mk2's and B&W ASW608's external dimensions. ATC C1SUB Mk2 has external dimensions of () whereas B&W ASW608 has external dimensions of 272.0 x 261.0 x 350.0mm (10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch).
B&W ASW608 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 261mm wider, 272mm taller and 350mm deeper than ATC C1SUB Mk2.