In this review, we will be comparing Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bluesound 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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and B&W DB4S compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Bluesound PULSE SUB+and B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s woofer is 8-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has a frequency range of 22-150 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s min frequency of 22Hz.
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
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has external dimensions of 300 x 457 x 146 mm ( ) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is 75mm shorter and 288mm less deeper than B&W DB4S but it is also 95mm wider.
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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is approximately 667.2cm2 / 103.4inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ requires 58% less surface area than the DB4S which gives it a small advantage 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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+ weighs 8.28kg / 18.2lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 215% heavier than the Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
Here is a comparison of how Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
300mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
667cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1149USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
22-150 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
457.0mm (18") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
146.0mm (5.7") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
8.28kg (18.2lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
Matte |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
Type A (upgrade only), Type B mini (service) |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |