In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN10 and ForceField 30, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology 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 Definitive DN10 and GoldenEar ForceField 30 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Definitive DN10 and GoldenEar ForceField 30 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Definitive DN10and GoldenEar ForceField 30 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 30 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Descend DN10 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz whereas ForceField 30 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Descend DN10's min frequency of 30Hz.
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 Definitive DN10 and GoldenEar ForceField 30 have Passive Radiator type cabinets. 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 Definitive DN10's and GoldenEar ForceField 30's external dimensions. Definitive DN10 has external dimensions of 434.0 x 408.0 x 466.0mm ( 17-1/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 18-5/16inch ) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 30 has external dimensions of 324.0 x 291.0 x 421.0mm ( 12-3/4inch x 11-7/16inch x 16-9/16inch ) .
Definitive DN10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 117mm wider, 110mm taller and 45mm deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 30.
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 Definitive DN10 is approximately 1901.3cm2 / 294.7inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 30 is approximately 1225.1cm2 / 189.9inch2. The Descend DN10 requires 55% more surface area than the ForceField 30 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Definitive DN10 weighs 20.73kg / 45.6lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 30 weighs 14.32kg / 31.5lbs. This makes the Descend DN10 45% heavier than the ForceField 30.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN10 and ForceField 30's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive DN10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN10:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of GoldenEar ForceField 30?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 30:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
324mm
vs
434mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1225cm2 (291x421mm)
vs
1901cm2 (408x466mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN10 |
GoldenEar ForceField 30 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-200 Hz |
18-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
434.0mm (17.1") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
291.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
466.0mm (18.3") |
421.0mm (16.6") |
| Weight |
20.73kg (45.6lbs) |
14.32kg (31.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |