In this review, we will be comparing Varro DS1200-GB and SuperSub XXL, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC and GoldenEar. 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 DS1200-GB and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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 DS1200-GB and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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.ELAC Varro DS1200-GBand GoldenEar SuperSub XXL have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 2 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro DS1200-GB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas SuperSub XXL has a frequency range of 10-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the SuperSub XXL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Varro DS1200-GB's min frequency of 17Hz.
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 ELAC Varro DS1200-GB has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL have Passive Radiator type enclosure. 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
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 DS1200-GB's and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas GoldenEar SuperSub XXL has external dimensions of 447.0 x 485.0 x 434.0mm ( 17-9/16inch x 19-1/16inch x 17-1/16inch ) .
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 24mm taller and 16mm deeper than ELAC Varro DS1200-GB.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro DS1200-GB and GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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 DS1200-GB is approximately 2018.9cm2 / 312.9inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is approximately 2104.9cm2 / 326.3inch2. The Varro DS1200-GB requires 4% less surface area than the SuperSub XXL 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 DS1200-GB weighs 38.00kg / 83.6lbs and the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL weighs 37.27kg / 82lbs. This makes the Varro DS1200-GB 2% heavier than the SuperSub XXL.
Here is a comparison of how Varro DS1200-GB and SuperSub XXL'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 DS1200-GB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro DS1200-GB:
2 Grilles Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperSub XXL?
Here are the items that come with the SuperSub XXL:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
423mm
vs
447mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2018cm2 (483x418mm)
vs
2104cm2 (485x434mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
17 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Passive Radiator |
two 13-inch x 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Price per pair* |
2499USD
vs
2999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro DS1200-GB |
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL |
| Brand |
ELAC |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
1600 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
10-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
1600-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
423.0mm (16.7") |
447.0mm (17.6") |
| Width |
483.0mm (19") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
418.0mm (16.5") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
38.00kg (83.6lbs) |
37.27kg (82lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |