In this review, we will be comparing DB4S and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Audioengine. 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 DB4S and Audioengine S8 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 DB4S and Audioengine S8 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 B&W DB4Sand Audioengine S8 have a single woofer setup however the B&W DB4S's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Audioengine S8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S8's min frequency of 27Hz.
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
The B&W DB4S 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 Audioengine S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed 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 DB4S's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. 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) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 69mm wider, 41mm taller and 97mm deeper than Audioengine S8.
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 DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The DB4S requires 59% more surface area than the S8 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 DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the DB4S 91% heavier than the S8.
Here is a comparison of how DB4S and S8'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 DB4S?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-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 Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
334mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
0-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Treated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
362.0mm (14.3") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
434.0mm (17.1") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |