In this review, we will be comparing Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and SuperSub X, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Aperion and GoldenEar. 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 Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and GoldenEar SuperSub X 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.Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and GoldenEar SuperSub X have a totally different setup: the Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer features 1 x 15-inch drivers whereas the SuperSub X features 2 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has a frequency range of 18-400 Hz whereas SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 12Hz, the SuperSub X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer's min frequency of 18Hz.
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
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
Cabinet Type
The Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the GoldenEar SuperSub X have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed 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 Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer's and GoldenEar SuperSub X's external dimensions. Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has external dimensions of 500.4 x 500.4 x 401.3mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 15.8inch) whereas GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm (12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch).
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 144.4mm wider, 176.4mm taller and 13.3mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperSub X.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer is approximately 2008.1cm2 / 311.3inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2. The Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer requires 45% more surface area than the SuperSub X which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer weighs 35.02kg / 77lbs and the GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs. This makes the Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer 93% heavier than the SuperSub X.
Here is a comparison of how Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and SuperSub X's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
400k Hz
vs
250k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
1449USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
12 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
two 10.5-inch x 9.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
324mm
vs
500mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2
vs
2008cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
| Brand |
Aperion |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
n/a |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
18-400 Hz |
12-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
1400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
500.4mm (19.7") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
500.4mm (19.7") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
401.3mm (15.8") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
35.02kg (77lbs) |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |