In this review, we will be comparing ForceField 3 and Alpha S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar and PSB. 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 and PSB Alpha S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the GoldenEar ForceField 3 and PSB Alpha S8 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.GoldenEar ForceField 3and PSB Alpha S8 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
ForceField 3 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz whereas Alpha S8 has a frequency range of 35-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha S8's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the PSB Alpha S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 3's and PSB Alpha S8's external dimensions. GoldenEar ForceField 3 has external dimensions of 288.0 x 293.0 x 432.0mm ( 11-5/16inch x 11-1/2inch x 17inch ) whereas PSB Alpha S8 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 16-1/4inch) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar ForceField 3 and PSB Alpha S8 in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar ForceField 3 and PSB Alpha S8 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 is approximately 1265.8cm2 / 196.2inch2 and base area of the PSB Alpha S8 is approximately 1210.1cm2 / 187.6inch2. The ForceField 3 requires 5% more surface area than the Alpha S8 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the PSB Alpha S8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs. This makes the ForceField 3 24% heavier than the Alpha S8.
Here is a comparison of how ForceField 3 and Alpha S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of GoldenEar ForceField 3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ForceField 3:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha S8?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha S8:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
288mm
vs
318mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1210cm2 (293x413mm)
vs
1265cm2 (293x432mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar ForceField 3 |
PSB Alpha S8 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-250 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
288.0mm (11.3") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
432.0mm (17") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Weight |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |