In this review, we will be comparing ProSub 800 and ASW608, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology and Bowers Wilkins. 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 ProSub 800 and B&W ASW608 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.
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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.Definitive ProSub 800and B&W ASW608 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
ProSub 800 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas ASW608 has a frequency range of 32-140 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 ASW608's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 ProSub 800 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 B&W ASW608 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 ProSub 800's and B&W ASW608's external dimensions. 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) whereas B&W ASW608 has external dimensions of 272.0 x 261.0 x 350.0mm (10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch).
Definitive ProSub 800 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 1mm wider, 56mm taller and 73mm deeper than B&W ASW608.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive ProSub 800 and B&W ASW608 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive ProSub 800 and B&W ASW608 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 ProSub 800 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW608 is approximately 913.5cm2 / 141.6inch2. The ProSub 800 requires 21% more surface area than the ASW608 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 ProSub 800 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the B&W ASW608 weighs 8.86kg / 19.5lbs. This makes the ProSub 800 33% heavier than the ASW608.
Here is a comparison of how ProSub 800 and ASW608'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 ProSub 800?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProSub 800:
- 8-inch Powered subwoofer
- Detachable grille (installed)
- 7-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration card
What's in the Box of B&W ASW608?
Here are the items that come with the ASW608:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spike feet
- 4 Lock-nuts
- Manual
- Bowers & Wilkins brochure
- Warranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
272mm
vs
328mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
913cm2
vs
1108cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProSub 800 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
32-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polymer |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
328.0mm (12.9") |
272.0mm (10.7") |
| Width |
262.0mm (10.3") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
423.0mm (16.7") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
8.86kg (19.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |