In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1000-BG and Varro DS1200-GB, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by ELAC. 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 ELAC Varro DS1000-BG and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro DS1000-BG and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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.Both ELAC Varro DS1000-BGand ELAC Varro DS1200-GB have a double woofer setup however the ELAC Varro DS1000-BG's woofer is 10-inch whereas the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1000-BG has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz whereas Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Varro DS1200-GB can go slightly deeper then the Varro DS1000-BG's min frequency of 18Hz.
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 ELAC Varro DS1000-BG and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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
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 ELAC Varro DS1000-BG's and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB's external dimensions. ELAC Varro DS1000-BG has external dimensions of 372.0 x 431.0 x 372.0mm ( 14-5/8inch x 16-15/16inch x 14-5/8inch ) whereas ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has external dimensions of 423.0 x 483.0 x 418.0mm ( 16-5/8inch x 19inch x 16-7/16inch ) .
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 52mm wider, 51mm taller and 46mm deeper than ELAC Varro DS1000-BG.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1000-BG and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1000-BG and ELAC Varro DS1200-GB 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 ELAC Varro DS1000-BG is approximately 1603.3cm2 / 248.5inch2 and base area of the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2. The Varro DS1000-BG requires 21% less surface area than the Varro DS1200-GB which gives it a small advantage 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 ELAC Varro DS1000-BG weighs 32.45kg / 71.4lbs and the ELAC Varro DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 17% heavier than the Varro DS1000-BG.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1000-BG and Varro DS1200-GB's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1000-BG?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro DS1000-BG:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that come with the Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
 Height |
372mm
vs
423mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1603cm2
vs
2018cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2499USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1000-BG |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
| Brand |
ELAC |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-150 Hz |
17-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2000-watt RMS |
2400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
483.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
372.0mm (14.6") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Weight |
32.45kg (71.4lbs) |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
1 year |