In this review, we will be comparing Nostala FT12 and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Emotiva 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Emotiva Nostala FT12 and B&W DB4S compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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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 Emotiva Nostala FT12and B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the Emotiva Nostala FT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Nostala FT12 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Nostala FT12's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the B&W DB4S 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
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 Emotiva Nostala FT12's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Emotiva Nostala FT12 has external dimensions of 495.0 x 387.0 x 508.0mm ( 19-1/2 x 15-1/4 x 20inch) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
Emotiva Nostala FT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25mm wider, 120mm taller and 74mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 is approximately 1966.0cm2 / 304.7inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The Nostala FT12 requires 25% more surface area than the DB4S 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 Emotiva Nostala FT12 weighs 30.84kg / 67.8lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the Nostala FT12 18% heavier than the DB4S.
Here is a comparison of how Nostala FT12 and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1799USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
375mm
vs
495mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2
vs
1966cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Nostala FT12 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
495.0mm (19.5") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
387.0mm (15.2") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
508.0mm (20") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
30.84kg (67.8lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |