In this review, we will be comparing Sub E-9 F and Sub E-12 F, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by DALI. 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 DALI Sub E-9 F and DALI Sub E-12 F 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.Both DALI Sub E-9 Fand DALI Sub E-12 F have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub E-9 F's woofer is 9-inch whereas the DALI Sub E-12 F features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub E-9 F has a frequency range of 37-200 Hz whereas Sub E-12 F has a frequency range of 28-190 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Sub E-12 F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sub E-9 F's min frequency of 37Hz.
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 DALI Sub E-9 F and DALI Sub E-12 F 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 DALI Sub E-9 F's and DALI Sub E-12 F's external dimensions. DALI Sub E-9 F has external dimensions of 307 x 288 x 311 mm () whereas DALI Sub E-12 F has external dimensions of 385 x 339 x 391 mm ().
DALI Sub E-12 F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 78mm taller and 80mm deeper than DALI Sub E-9 F.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers 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 surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
DALI Sub E-12 F needs about 48% more floor or shelf area. DALI Sub E-12 F is 80mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. DALI Sub E-12 F is 78mm 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 DALI Sub E-9 F is approximately 895.7cm2 / 138.8inch2 and base area of the DALI Sub E-12 F is approximately 1325.5cm2 / 205.5inch2. The Sub E-9 F requires 32% less surface area than the Sub E-12 F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.