In this review, we will be comparing 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.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Bluesound PULSE SUB and B&W DB4S have a totally different setup: the Bluesound PULSE SUB features 2 x 6.5-inch drivers whereas the DB4S features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
PULSE SUB has a frequency range of whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of Hz, the PULSE SUB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the DB4S's min frequency of 10Hz.
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
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 Bluesound PULSE SUB's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB has external dimensions of 330 x 292 x 315 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).
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 45mm taller and 119mm deeper than Bluesound PULSE SUB.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
B&W DB4S needs about 71% more floor or shelf area. B&W DB4S is 119mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. B&W DB4S is 45mm taller.
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 919.8cm2 / 142.6inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The PULSE SUB requires 41% 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 10.00kg / 22lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 161% heavier than the PULSE SUB.
Here is a comparison of how PULSE SUB and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
Hz
vs
10 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
330mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
919cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1299USD
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
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
350 Hz
vs
Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
B&W DB4S needs about 71% more floor area. B&W DB4S stands 119mm further into the room. B&W DB4S is 45mm taller.
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
|
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
330.0mm (13") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
292.0mm (11.5") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
315.0mm (12.4") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
Matte satin paint |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White/Tan |
n/a |
| Grille |
Removable magnetic |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |
Different price classes - B&W DB4S costs roughly 1.7x what Bluesound PULSE SUB does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Amplifier power | B | B&W DB4S has the bigger amplifier - 1000W against 350W RMS, about 4.6dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (2 x 6.5" against 10"). |
| Setup and tuning | evenly matched | The same tuning tools on both (app control). |
| Wireless option | depends | Only Bluesound PULSE SUB offers a wireless link. It decides where the sub can go if you cannot run a cable, and is worth nothing if you can. |
| Cabinet size | depends | Bluesound PULSE SUB is about 48% smaller by volume. In a subwoofer that is a real trade rather than a preference: box volume is how you get output low down without a bigger amplifier. |
| Price | A | Bluesound PULSE SUB costs less - $1,299 against $2,199, about 41% less. |
A Bluesound PULSE SUB B B&W DB4S
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
B&W DB4S is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 69% more. Bluesound PULSE SUB is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $1,299 each, two Bluesound PULSE SUB cost about $2,598 against $2,199 for one of the other, which is worth a thought. If placement is the constraint - a corner, behind a sofa, under a desk - Bluesound PULSE SUB is the one that will actually go there, and a well-placed small subwoofer beats a badly-placed big one every time.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.