In this review, we will be comparing Integrator Series IW S10EQ W and IWSub 1010, two Passive In-wall speakers from ELAC and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W and Definitive IWSub 1010 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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.ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ Wand Definitive IWSub 1010 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Integrator Series IW S10EQ W has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz whereas IWSub 1010 has a frequency range of 16-200Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the IWSub 1010 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Integrator Series IW S10EQ W's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Integrator Series IW S10EQ W features Spring post type posts and IWSub 1010 has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W's and Definitive IWSub 1010's external dimensions. ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W has external dimensions of 311.2 x 311.2 x 108.0mm () whereas Definitive IWSub 1010 has external dimensions of 505.0 x 366.0 x 97.0mm (19.8750-inch x 14.3750-inch x 3.8125-inch).
ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W is 54.8mm narrower and 193.8mm shorter than Definitive IWSub 1010 but it is also 11mm deeper.
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 ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W weighs 6.46kg / 14.2lbs and the Definitive IWSub 1010 weighs 10.43kg / 22.9lbs. This makes the IWSub 1010 61% heavier than the Integrator Series IW S10EQ W.
Here is a comparison of how Integrator Series IW S10EQ W and IWSub 1010's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive In-wall class.
Weight
All In-wall Speakers
ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W
 Height |
311mm
vs
505mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
336cm2
vs
355cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200 Hz
vs
150 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
1 x 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W |
Definitive Technology IWSub 10/10 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Passive Subwoofer |
Passive Subwoofer |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
28-150 Hz |
16-200Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
311.2mm (12.3") |
505.0mm (19.9") |
| Width |
311.2mm (12.3") |
366.0mm (14.4") |
| Depth |
108.0mm (4.3") |
97.0mm (3.8") |
| Weight |
6.46kg (14.2lbs) |
10.43kg (22.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
In-wall |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Yr (Sub)/1 Yr (Amp) |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Yr (Sub)/1 Yr (Amp) |
5 Years |
Different price classes - ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W costs roughly 2.2x what Definitive IWSub 1010 does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | Definitive IWSub 1010 goes deeper - 16Hz against 28Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (10" against 10"). |
| Cabinet size | depends | ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W is about 42% smaller by volume. In a subwoofer that is a real trade rather than a preference: box volume is how you get output low down without a bigger amplifier. |
| Warranty | B | Definitive IWSub 1010 carries 5 years on parts against 3 years. A subwoofer amplifier works harder than anything else in the system, so this is not a throwaway line. |
| Price | B | Definitive IWSub 1010 costs less - $999 against $2,199, about 55% less. |
A ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W B Definitive IWSub 1010
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 IWSub 1010 is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W if one of the "depends" rows describes your room. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $999 each, two Definitive IWSub 1010 cost about $1,998 against $2,199 for one of the other, which is worth a thought. If placement is the constraint - a corner, behind a sofa, under a desk - ELAC Integrator Series IW S10EQ W is the one that will actually go there, and a well-placed small subwoofer beats a badly-placed big one every time.
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.