In this review, we will be comparing SUB10 and ForceField 4, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Buchardt and GoldenEar. 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 Buchardt SUB10 and GoldenEar ForceField 4 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Buchardt SUB10 and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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.Buchardt SUB10and GoldenEar ForceField 4 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
SUB10 has a frequency range of 20-300 Hz whereas ForceField 4 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 4 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB10'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
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The Buchardt SUB10 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 GoldenEar ForceField 4 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 Buchardt SUB10's and GoldenEar ForceField 4's external dimensions. Buchardt SUB10 has external dimensions of 490 x 320 x 160 mm ( 19.3 x 12.6 x 6.3 inch) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 4 has external dimensions of 331.0 x 340.0 x 482.0mm ( 13inch x 13-3/8inch x 18-15/16inch ) .
Buchardt SUB10 is 20mm narrower and 322mm less deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 4 but it is also 159mm taller.
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 Buchardt SUB10 is approximately 512.0cm2 / 79.4inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 4 is approximately 1638.8cm2 / 254.0inch2. The SUB10 requires 69% less surface area than the ForceField 4 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 Buchardt SUB10 weighs 14.00kg / 30.8lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 4 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs. This makes the ForceField 4 4% heavier than the SUB10.
Here is a comparison of how SUB10 and ForceField 4's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
300k Hz
vs
250k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
Yes
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
512cm2
vs
1638cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
331mm
vs
490mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Buchardt SUB10 |
GoldenEar ForceField 4 |
| Brand |
Buchardt |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-300 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
490.0mm (19.3") |
331.0mm (13") |
| Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
| Depth |
160.0mm (6.3") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Weight |
14.00kg (30.8lbs) |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black,White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years on woofer and cabinet, 2 years on amp module |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |