In this review, we will be comparing Sub V-16 F and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI and Bowers Wilkins. 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 V-16 F and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the DALI Sub V-16 F and B&W DB4S 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.Both DALI Sub V-16 Fand B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub V-16 F's woofer is 16-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub V-16 F has a frequency range of 19-200 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sub V-16 F's min frequency of 19Hz.
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 DALI Sub V-16 F 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 B&W DB4S have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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.
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 DALI Sub V-16 F's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. DALI Sub V-16 F has external dimensions of ( ) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 362mm wider, 375mm taller and 434mm deeper than DALI Sub V-16 F.