In this review, we will be comparing Sub 3 and ASW608, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Dynaudio 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 Dynaudio Sub 3 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.Both Dynaudio Sub 3and B&W ASW608 have a single woofer setup however the Dynaudio Sub 3's woofer is 9.5-inch whereas the B&W ASW608 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub 3 has a frequency range of 22-175 Hz whereas ASW608 has a frequency range of 32-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Sub 3 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
Both Dynaudio Sub 3 and B&W ASW608 have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 Dynaudio Sub 3's and B&W ASW608's external dimensions. Dynaudio Sub 3 has external dimensions of 277.0 x 269.0 x 366.0mm (10-7/8 x 10-9/16 x 14-3/8inch) 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).
Dynaudio Sub 3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 8mm wider, 5mm taller and 16mm deeper than B&W ASW608.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Dynaudio Sub 3 and B&W ASW608 in scale.
Comparison image of Dynaudio Sub 3 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 Dynaudio Sub 3 is approximately 984.5cm2 / 152.6inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW608 is approximately 913.5cm2 / 141.6inch2. The Sub 3 requires 8% 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 Dynaudio Sub 3 weighs 10.50kg / 23.1lbs and the B&W ASW608 weighs 8.86kg / 19.5lbs. This makes the Sub 3 19% heavier than the ASW608.
Here is a comparison of how Sub 3 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 Dynaudio Sub 3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sub 3:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Extension 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
 Woofer Size |
9.5 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
272mm
vs
277mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
913cm2
vs
984cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Dynaudio Sub 3 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 |
| Brand |
Dynaudio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-175 Hz |
32-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
9.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Magnesium Silicate Polymer |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
50-150Hz and 60Hz/80Hz/FlatHz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
277.0mm (10.9") |
272.0mm (10.7") |
| Width |
269.0mm (10.6") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
366.0mm (14.4") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
10.50kg (23.1lbs) |
8.86kg (19.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |