In this review, we will be comparing Reference Sub 2023 and Subsonic, two Passive Subwoofer speakers from Canton and Wilson Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Canton Reference Sub 2023 and Wilson Audio Subsonic 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 2023 and Wilson Audio Subsonic have a totally different setup: the Canton Reference Sub 2023 features x -inch drivers whereas the Subsonic features 3 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Reference Sub 2023 has a frequency range of 18-200 Hz whereas Subsonic has a frequency range of 10-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the Subsonic can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reference Sub 2023's min frequency of 18Hz.
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
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Reference Sub 2023 features Binding post type posts and Subsonic has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type
Both Canton Reference Sub 2023 and Wilson Audio Subsonic have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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
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 Wilson Audio Subsonic'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 Wilson Audio Subsonic has external dimensions of 1653.0 x 459.0 x 691.0mm (65-1/16 x 18-1/16 x 27-3/16inch).
Canton Reference Sub 2023 is 1063.7mm shorter and 162.7mm less deeper than Wilson Audio Subsonic but it is also 28.7mm 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 Wilson Audio Subsonic is approximately 3171.7cm2 / 491.6inch2. The Reference Sub 2023 requires 19% less surface area than the Subsonic 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 Canton Reference Sub 2023 weighs 36.74kg / 80.8lbs and the Wilson Audio Subsonic weighs 229.00kg / 503.8lbs. This makes the Subsonic 523% heavier than the Reference Sub 2023.
Here is a comparison of how Reference Sub 2023 and Subsonic's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Canton Reference Sub 2023
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
589mm
vs
1653mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2576cm2
vs
3171cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
6300USD
vs
47250USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Canton Reference Sub 2023 |
Wilson Audio Subsonic |
| Brand |
Canton |
Wilson Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Passive Subwoofer |
Passive Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
n/a |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
18-200 Hz |
10-150 Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
3 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Paper pulp |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
589.3mm (23.2") |
1653.0mm (65.1") |
| Width |
487.7mm (19.2") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
528.3mm (20.8") |
691.0mm (27.2") |
| Weight |
36.74kg (80.8lbs) |
229.00kg (503.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |