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Definitive Technology Descend DN12 vs Definitive Technology Descend DN10 Comparison
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Subwoofer to replace
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Definitive DN12

Powered Subwoofer | 25-150 Hz

Definitive Technology Descend DN12
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Definitive DN10

Powered Subwoofer | 30-200 Hz

Definitive Technology Descend DN10
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Definitive DN12 Definitive DN12
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Definitive DN10 Definitive DN10
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Definitive DN12
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Definitive DN10
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Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN10 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN12 and Descend DN10, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Definitive Technology. 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 Definitive DN10 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Definitive DN12 Key Specs

  • 12" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 25-150 Hz Frequency Response
  • 500 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:33.23kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 488.0" x 18-1/16" x 20-1/8"( 488.0 x 459.0 x 512.0mm )

Definitive DN10 Key Specs

  • 10" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 30-200 Hz Frequency Response
  • 200 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:20.73kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 434.0" x 16-1/16" x 18-5/16"( 434.0 x 408.0 x 466.0mm )

Descend DN12 and Descend DN10 are members of Definitive Technology's Descend series of subwoofers. Below you can find other subs from this series.

Definitive Technology Descend Series Subwoofers History
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power
Definitive DN8
  
35-200k Hz 8" 200 watts
Definitive DN12
25-150k Hz 12" 500 watts
Definitive DN15
  
20-150k Hz 15" 500 watts
Definitive DN10
30-200k Hz 10" 200 watts

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN10 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 Definitive DN10 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Definitive DN10 features a 10-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas Descend DN10 has a frequency range of 30-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Descend DN12 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

Definitive DN12
Definitive DN10
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Definitive DN12
Definitive DN10
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

Both Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN10 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 DN12's and Definitive DN10'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 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 ) .

Definitive DN12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 54mm taller and 46mm deeper than Definitive DN10.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN10 in scale.

Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN10 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN10 Size and External Dimensions

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 Definitive DN10 is approximately 1901.3cm2 / 294.7inch2. The Descend DN12 requires 24% more surface area than the Descend DN10 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 Definitive DN10 weighs 20.73kg / 45.6lbs. This makes the Descend DN12 60% heavier than the Descend DN10.

Here is a comparison of how Descend DN12 and Descend DN10's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Definitive DN12
Definitive DN10
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Definitive DN12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN12:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • CR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)
  • Owners Manual
  • What's in the Box of Definitive DN10?

    Here are the items that come with the Descend DN10:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Owners Manual

  • Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Descend DN12 over Definitive Technology Descend DN10
    Woofer Size 12 inches vs 10 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 25 Hz vs 30 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Descend DN10 over Definitive Technology Descend DN12
    High Frequency Response 200k Hz vs 150k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 434mm vs 488mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1901cm2 vs 2350cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 799USD vs 1199USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN10 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Definitive Technology Descend DN12 Definitive Technology Descend DN10
    Brand Definitive Technology Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 500 watts 200 watts
    Frequency Response 25-150 Hz 30-200 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 500-watt RMS 200-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 12" 10"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Polypropylene
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction front front
    Physical Specs
    Height 488.0mm (19.2") 434.0mm (17.1")
    Width 459.0mm (18.1") 408.0mm (16.1")
    Depth 512.0mm (20.2") 466.0mm (18.3")
    Weight 33.23kg (73.1lbs) 20.73kg (45.6lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Passive Radiator
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 3 Years 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 3 Years 3 Years

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