In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN8 and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology and Audioengine. 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 DN8 and Audioengine S8 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 DN8 and Audioengine S8 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.Definitive DN8and Audioengine S8 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
Descend DN8 has a frequency range of 35-200 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Descend DN8's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 DN8 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 Audioengine S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the 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 DN8's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. Definitive DN8 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 307.0 x 361.0mm ( 13-1/16inch x 12-1/16inch x 14-3/16inch ) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Audioengine S8 is 14mm narrower and 24mm less deeper than Definitive DN8 but it is also 2mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN8 and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive DN8 and Audioengine S8 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 DN8 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The Descend DN8 requires 12% more surface area than the S8 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 DN8 weighs 12.41kg / 27.3lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the S8 10% heavier than the Descend DN8.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN8 and S8'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 DN8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
332mm
vs
334mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2
vs
1108cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN8 |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-200 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
307.0mm (12.1") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
12.41kg (27.3lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |