In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN12 and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology 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 Definitive DN12 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 Definitive DN12 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.
**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 DN12and B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 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 Descend DN12's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 Definitive DN12 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. 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. 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 Definitive DN12's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Definitive DN12 has external dimensions of 488.0 x 459.0 x 512.0mm ( 19-3/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) 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) .
Definitive DN12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 97mm wider, 113mm taller and 78mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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 DN12 is approximately 2350.1cm2 / 364.3inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The Descend DN12 requires 50% more surface area than the DB4S 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 DN12 weighs 33.23kg / 73.1lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the Descend DN12 28% heavier than the DB4S.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN12 and DB4S'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 DN12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN12:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordRemote controlCR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?
Here are the items that come with the DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
375mm
vs
488mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
vs
2350cm2 (459x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
488.0mm (19.2") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |