In this review, we will be comparing ISW3 and IWSub 1010, two Passive In-wall speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Bowers Wilkins ISW3 and Definitive IWSub 1010 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.Bowers Wilkins ISW3 and Definitive IWSub 1010 have a totally different setup: the Bowers Wilkins ISW3 features 2 x 6.5-inch drivers whereas the IWSub 1010 features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
ISW3 has a frequency range of 25-222 Hz whereas IWSub 1010 has a frequency range of 16-200Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the IWSub 1010 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ISW3's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ISW3 features Spring post type posts and IWSub 1010 has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Bowers Wilkins ISW3's and Definitive IWSub 1010's external dimensions. Bowers Wilkins ISW3 has external dimensions of 469.9 x 330.2 x 235.0mm () whereas Definitive IWSub 1010 has external dimensions of 505.0 x 366.0 x 97.0mm (19.8750-inch x 14.3750-inch x 3.8125-inch).
Bowers Wilkins ISW3 is 35.8mm narrower and 35.1mm shorter than Definitive IWSub 1010 but it is also 138mm deeper.
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 Bowers Wilkins ISW3 weighs 12.52kg / 27.5lbs and the Definitive IWSub 1010 weighs 10.43kg / 22.9lbs. This makes the ISW3 20% heavier than the IWSub 1010.
Here is a comparison of how ISW3 and IWSub 1010's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive In-wall class.
Weight
All In-wall Speakers
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
222 Hz
vs
200 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
469mm
vs
505mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
1 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Base Surface Area |
355cm2
vs
776cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
3200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
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.
Bowers Wilkins ISW3 needs about 119% more floor area. Bowers Wilkins ISW3 stands 138mm further into the room. Definitive IWSub 1010 is 35mm taller.
| General |
Bowers Wilkins ISW3 |
Definitive Technology IWSub 10/10 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Passive Subwoofer |
Passive Subwoofer |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
25-222 Hz |
16-200Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
469.9mm (18.5") |
505.0mm (19.9") |
| Width |
330.2mm (13") |
366.0mm (14.4") |
| Depth |
235.0mm (9.3") |
97.0mm (3.8") |
| Weight |
12.52kg (27.5lbs) |
10.43kg (22.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
In-wall |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A ported subwoofer against a in-wall one. That is the most consequential line on this page: it decides how the bass rolls off, how it behaves in a small room, and how much output you get for the size of the box.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | Definitive IWSub 1010 goes deeper - 16Hz against 25Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (2 x 6.5" against 10"). |
| Enclosure | depends | Bowers Wilkins ISW3 is ported - a ported box gives more output low down for its size, at the cost of a steeper roll-off below tuning; Definitive IWSub 1010 is in-wall - an in-wall design disappears entirely and borrows the wall cavity for its enclosure. Neither is better in the abstract; ported tends to suit films and sealed tends to suit music, and both generalisations have exceptions. |
| Cabinet size | depends | Definitive IWSub 1010 is about 51% 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 | B | Definitive IWSub 1010 costs less - $999 against $3,200, about 69% less. |
A Bowers Wilkins ISW3 B Definitive IWSub 1010
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?
Definitive IWSub 1010 has the edge on paper, though not by much. The "depends" rows are more likely to decide this than the score is. 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 $999 each, two Definitive IWSub 1010 cost about $1,998 against $3,200 for one of the other, which is worth a thought. If placement is the constraint - a corner, behind a sofa, under a desk - Definitive IWSub 1010 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.