In this review, we will be comparing SuperSub XXL and SuperSub X, 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 XXL and GoldenEar SuperSub X first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both GoldenEar SuperSub XXLand GoldenEar SuperSub X have a double woofer setup however the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL's woofer is 12-inch whereas the GoldenEar SuperSub X features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SuperSub XXL has a frequency range of 10-250 Hz whereas SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the SuperSub XXL can go slightly deeper then the SuperSub X's min frequency of 12Hz.
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 XXL and GoldenEar SuperSub X 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 XXL's and GoldenEar SuperSub X's external dimensions. 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) whereas GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm (12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch).
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 129mm wider, 123mm taller and 46mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperSub X.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar SuperSub XXL and GoldenEar SuperSub X in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar SuperSub XXL and GoldenEar SuperSub X 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 SuperSub XXL is approximately 2104.9cm2 / 326.3inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2. The SuperSub XXL requires 52% more surface area than the SuperSub X 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 SuperSub XXL weighs 37.27kg / 82lbs and the GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs. This makes the SuperSub XXL 105% heavier than the SuperSub X.
Here is a comparison of how SuperSub XXL and SuperSub X'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 XXL?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperSub XXL:
- Powered Subwoofer
- 10-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperSub X?
Here are the items that come with the SuperSub X:
- Powered Subwoofer
- 10-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
12 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
324mm
vs
447mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2
vs
2104cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL needs about 52% more floor area. GoldenEar SuperSub XXL stands 46mm further into the room. GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is 123mm taller.
| General |
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1600 watts |
1400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-250 Hz |
12-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1600-watt RMS |
1400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber |
Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
447.0mm (17.6") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
485.0mm (19.1") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
434.0mm (17.1") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
37.27kg (82lbs) |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Siblings in GoldenEar's SuperSub range - same design thinking, different size. It comes down to your room and your budget.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | evenly matched | Effectively the same reach (10Hz vs 12Hz). |
| Amplifier power | evenly matched | Much the same amplifier (1600W vs 1400W RMS) - under 1dB apart. |
| Driver area | A | GoldenEar SuperSub XXL moves more air: 2 x 12" against 2 x 8" is 2.25x the cone area, not the 1.5x the diameters suggest. More area means the same output with less excursion, and less distortion with it. |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are passive radiator designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Cabinet size | depends | GoldenEar SuperSub X is about 52% smaller by volume. In a subwoofer that is a real trade rather than a preference: box volume is how you get output low down without a bigger amplifier. |
| Price | B | GoldenEar SuperSub X costs less - $1,499 against $2,499, about 40% less. |
A GoldenEar SuperSub XXL B GoldenEar SuperSub X
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 67% more. GoldenEar SuperSub X is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $1,499 each, two GoldenEar SuperSub X cost about $2,998 against $2,499 for one of the other, which is worth a thought. If placement is the constraint - a corner, behind a sofa, under a desk - GoldenEar SuperSub X is the one that will actually go there, and a well-placed small subwoofer beats a badly-placed big one every time.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.