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Definitive Technology Descend DN12 vs Definitive Technology Descend DN15 Comparison
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Definitive DN12

Powered Subwoofer | 25-150 Hz

Definitive Technology Descend DN12
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Definitive DN15

Powered Subwoofer | 20-150 Hz

Definitive Technology Descend DN15
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Definitive DN12 Definitive DN12
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Definitive DN15 Definitive DN15
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Definitive DN12
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Definitive DN15
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Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN15 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN12 and Descend DN15, 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 DN15 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 DN15 Key Specs

  • 15" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 20-150 Hz Frequency Response
  • 500 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:52.09kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 634.0" x 23-7/16" x 25-3/16"( 634.0 x 596.0 x 640.0mm )

Descend DN12 and Descend DN15 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 DN15 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 DN15 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Definitive DN15 features a 15-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas Descend DN15 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Descend DN15 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

Definitive DN12
Definitive DN15
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Definitive DN12
Definitive DN15
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

Both Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN15 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 DN15'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 DN15 has external dimensions of 634.0 x 596.0 x 640.0mm ( 24-15/16inch x 23-7/16inch x 25-3/16inch ) .

Definitive DN15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 137mm wider, 146mm taller and 128mm deeper than Definitive DN12.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN15 in scale.

Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN15 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Definitive DN12 and Definitive DN15 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 DN15 is approximately 3814.4cm2 / 591.2inch2. The Descend DN12 requires 38% less surface area than the Descend DN15 which gives it a small advantage 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 DN15 weighs 52.09kg / 114.6lbs. This makes the Descend DN15 57% heavier than the Descend DN12.

Here is a comparison of how Descend DN12 and Descend DN15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Definitive DN12
Definitive DN15
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 DN15?

    Here are the items that come with the Descend DN15:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • CR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)
  • Owners Manual

  • Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Descend DN12 over Definitive Technology Descend DN15
    Height 488mm vs 634mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 2350cm2 vs 3814cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 1199USD vs 1799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology Descend DN15 over Definitive Technology Descend DN12
    Woofer Size 15 inches vs 12 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 20 Hz vs 25 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Definitive DN12 vs Definitive DN15 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Definitive Technology Descend DN12 Definitive Technology Descend DN15
    Brand Definitive Technology Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 500 watts 500 watts
    Frequency Response 25-150 Hz 20-150 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 500-watt RMS 500-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 12" 15"
    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") 634.0mm (25")
    Width 459.0mm (18.1") 596.0mm (23.5")
    Depth 512.0mm (20.2") 640.0mm (25.2")
    Weight 33.23kg (73.1lbs) 52.09kg (114.6lbs)
    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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