In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and BalancedForce 210, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins and MartinLogan. 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 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 DB2Dand MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 2 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas BalancedForce 210 has a frequency range of 20-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB2D can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the BalancedForce 210's min frequency of 20Hz.
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
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
Cabinet Type
Both B&W DB2D and MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210'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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 has external dimensions of 485.0 x 486.0 x 543.0mm ( 19-1/16inch x 19-1/8inch x 21-3/8inch ) .
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 55mm wider, 99mm taller and 133mm deeper than B&W DB2D.
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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 is approximately 2639.0cm2 / 409.0inch2. The DB2D requires 33% less surface area than the BalancedForce 210 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 B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 weighs 43.64kg / 96lbs. This makes the BalancedForce 210 21% heavier than the DB2D.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and BalancedForce 210's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210
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 MartinLogan BalancedForce 210?
Here are the items that come with the BalancedForce 210:
Powered subwooferTop-glass cover2 Grilles8-feet AC power cord4 Spike feet4 CollarsUSB thumbdriveUser-feets ManualOnline Registration Card
 Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
386mm
vs
485mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1767cm2 (431x410mm)
vs
2639cm2 (486x543mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
3499USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
850 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
20-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
850-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
1700-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
486.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
543.0mm (21.4") |
| Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
43.64kg (96lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
Gloss Black, Black Ash |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years w/ Registration |