In this review, we will be comparing SuperSub X and ForceField 40, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 GoldenEar SuperSub X and GoldenEar ForceField 40 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 SuperSub X and GoldenEar ForceField 40 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.GoldenEar SuperSub X and GoldenEar ForceField 40 have a totally different setup: the GoldenEar SuperSub X features 2 x 8-inch drivers whereas the ForceField 40 features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz whereas ForceField 40 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 12Hz, the SuperSub X can go slightly deeper then the ForceField 40's min frequency of 14Hz.
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 GoldenEar SuperSub X and GoldenEar ForceField 40 have Passive Radiator type cabinets. 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 GoldenEar SuperSub X's and GoldenEar ForceField 40's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm ( 12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch ) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 40 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 339.0 x 485.0mm ( 14-7/8inch x 13-5/16inch x 19-1/16inch ) .
GoldenEar SuperSub X is 54mm shorter and 97mm less deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 40 but it is also 17mm wider.
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 SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 40 is approximately 1644.2cm2 / 254.9inch2. The SuperSub X requires 16% less surface area than the ForceField 40 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 GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 40 weighs 18.41kg / 40.5lbs. This makes the ForceField 40 1% heavier than the SuperSub X.
Here is a comparison of how SuperSub X and ForceField 40'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 SuperSub X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperSub X:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of GoldenEar ForceField 40?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 40:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
12 Hz
vs
14 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
two 10.5-inch x 9.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
324mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2 (356x388mm)
vs
1644cm2 (339x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
GoldenEar ForceField 40 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1400 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
12-250 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1400-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
| Width |
356.0mm (14") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
18.41kg (40.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |