In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 B&W DB2D 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 B&W DB2D 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.
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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.B&W DB2D and B&W DB4S have a totally different setup: the B&W DB2D features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the DB4S features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D and DB4S has exactly the same frequency range of 10-350 Hz.
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
Both B&W DB2D and B&W DB4S have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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
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 B&W DB2D's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. B&W DB2D has external dimensions of 386.0 x 431.0 x 410.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 16-15/16inch x 16-1/8inch ) 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 69mm narrower and 11mm shorter than B&W DB2D but it is also 24mm deeper.
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 B&W DB2D is approximately 1767.1cm2 / 273.9inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The DB2D requires 12% more surface area than the DB4S 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 B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB2D 39% heavier than the DB4S.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W DB2D?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB2D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?
Here are the items that come with the DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
Height |
375mm
vs
386mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
vs
1767cm2 (431x410mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
2199USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Bowers Wilkins |
Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1000 watts |
Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Aerofoil |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
Width |
431.0mm (17") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
n/a |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |