In this review, we will be comparing Reference Sub 2023 and DWM, two Passive Subwoofer speakers from Canton and Magnepan. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Canton Reference Sub 2023 and Magnepan DWM 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.
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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.Canton Reference Sub 2023and Magnepan DWM have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have x " drivers.
Frequency Response
Reference Sub 2023 has a frequency range of 18-200 Hz whereas DWM has a frequency range of 40-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Reference Sub 2023 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the DWM's min frequency of 40Hz.
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
Canton Reference Sub 2023
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Canton Reference Sub 2023
Cabinet Type
The Canton Reference Sub 2023 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Magnepan DWM have Dipole type enclosure.
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 Canton Reference Sub 2023's and Magnepan DWM's external dimensions. Canton Reference Sub 2023 has external dimensions of 589.3 x 487.7 x 528.3mm (23.2 x 19.2 x 20.8inch) whereas Magnepan DWM has external dimensions of 489.0 x 571.5 x 31.8mm (19.25 x 22.5 x 1.25inch).
Magnepan DWM is 100.3mm shorter and 496.5mm less deeper than Canton Reference Sub 2023 but it is also 83.8mm wider.
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 Canton Reference Sub 2023 is approximately 2576.5cm2 / 399.4inch2 and base area of the Magnepan DWM is approximately 181.7cm2 / 28.2inch2. The Reference Sub 2023 requires 1,318% more surface area than the DWM which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.