In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN12 and ForceField 40, 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 DN12 and GoldenEar ForceField 40 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 GoldenEar ForceField 40 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 Definitive DN12and GoldenEar ForceField 40 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 40 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas ForceField 40 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 40 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
Both Definitive DN12 and GoldenEar ForceField 40 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 GoldenEar ForceField 40'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 GoldenEar ForceField 40 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 339.0 x 485.0mm ( 14-7/8inch x 13-5/16inch x 19-1/16inch ) .
Definitive DN12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 120mm wider, 110mm taller and 27mm deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 40.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 40 is approximately 1644.2cm2 / 254.9inch2. The Descend DN12 requires 43% more surface area than the ForceField 40 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 GoldenEar ForceField 40 weighs 18.41kg / 40.5lbs. This makes the Descend DN12 80% heavier than the ForceField 40.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN12 and ForceField 40'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 GoldenEar ForceField 40?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 40:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 12-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
378mm
vs
488mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1644cm2 (339x485mm)
vs
2350cm2 (459x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
GoldenEar ForceField 40 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1000-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 and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
488.0mm (19.2") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
512.0mm (20.2") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
18.41kg (40.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |