In this review, we will be comparing DB4S and DB3D, 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 DB4S and B&W DB3D 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 B&W DB3D 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 DB4S and B&W DB3D have a totally different setup: the B&W DB4S features 1 x 10-inch drivers whereas the DB3D features 2 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas DB3D has a frequency range of 10-350Hz.
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 DB4S and B&W DB3D 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 DB4S's and B&W DB3D'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 B&W DB3D has external dimensions of ( ) .
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 362mm wider, 375mm taller and 434mm deeper than B&W DB3D.
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 B&W DB3D weighs 25.05kg / 55.1lbs. This makes the DB4S 4% heavier than the DB3D.
Here is a comparison of how DB4S and DB3D'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 B&W DB3D?
Here are the items that come with the DB3D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
2199USD
vs
3499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Height |
0mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2 (0x0mm)
vs
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
Bowers & Wilkins DB3D |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
10-350Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
0-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
mm (0") |
| Width |
362.0mm (14.3") |
mm (0") |
| Depth |
434.0mm (17.1") |
mm (0") |
| Weight |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
25.05kg (55.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |