In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN8 and ProSub 800, 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 DN8 and Definitive ProSub 800 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Definitive DN8and Definitive ProSub 800 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 ProSub 800 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the ProSub 800 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
Both Definitive DN8 and Definitive ProSub 800 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Definitive ProSub 800'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 Definitive ProSub 800 has external dimensions of 328.0 x 262.0 x 423.0mm (12-7/8 x 10-5/16 x 16-5/8inch).
Definitive ProSub 800 is 45mm narrower and 4mm shorter than Definitive DN8 but it is also 62mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN8 and Definitive ProSub 800 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive DN8 and Definitive ProSub 800 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 Definitive ProSub 800 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2.
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 Definitive ProSub 800 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the Descend DN8 5% heavier than the ProSub 800.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN8 and ProSub 800'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 subwoofer
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive ProSub 800?
Here are the items that come with the ProSub 800:
- 8-inch Powered subwoofer
- Detachable grille (installed)
- 7-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration card
 High Frequency Response |
200 Hz
vs
150 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
328mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
Near-identical footprints. Definitive ProSub 800 stands 62mm further into the room.
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN8 |
Definitive Technology ProSub 800 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-200 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polymer |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Width |
307.0mm (12.1") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Weight |
12.41kg (27.3lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Both are Definitive Technology, so the design approach is shared and the differences are mostly in output, size and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | Definitive ProSub 800 goes deeper - 20Hz against 35Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Amplifier power | B | Definitive ProSub 800 has the bigger amplifier - 300W against 200W RMS, about 1.8dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (8" against 8"). |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are passive radiator designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Phase control | A | Definitive DN8 has a phase control. Without one, the only way to fix a cancellation at the crossover is to move the box. |
| Price | B | Definitive ProSub 800 costs less - $399 against $499, about 20% less. |
A Definitive DN8 B Definitive ProSub 800
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Definitive ProSub 800 has the edge on paper, though not by much. The "depends" rows are more likely to decide this than the score is.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.