In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN15 and Descend DN12, 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 DN15 and Definitive DN12 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 DN15 and Definitive DN12 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 DN15and Definitive DN12 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the Definitive DN12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Descend DN15 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas Descend DN12 has a frequency range of 25-150 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
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
Both Definitive DN15 and Definitive DN12 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 DN15's and Definitive DN12's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas 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 ) .
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 DN15 and Definitive DN12 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive DN15 and Definitive DN12 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 DN15 is approximately 3814.4cm2 / 591.2inch2 and base area of the Definitive DN12 is approximately 2350.1cm2 / 364.3inch2. The Descend DN15 requires 62% more surface area than the Descend DN12 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 DN15 weighs 52.09kg / 114.6lbs and the Definitive DN12 weighs 33.23kg / 73.1lbs. This makes the Descend DN15 57% heavier than the Descend DN12.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN15 and Descend DN12'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 DN15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN15:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordRemote controlCR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive DN12?
Here are the items that come with the Descend DN12:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordRemote controlCR2032 3V battery (pre-installed in remote)Owners Manual
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 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) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN15 |
Definitive Technology Descend DN12 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
634.0mm (25") |
488.0mm (19.2") |
| Width |
596.0mm (23.5") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
640.0mm (25.2") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
52.09kg (114.6lbs) |
33.23kg (73.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |