In this review, we will be comparing Stage 200P and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL 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 JBL Stage 200P 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 JBL Stage 200P 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.JBL Stage 200P and B&W DB4S have a totally different setup: the JBL Stage 200P features x 10-inch drivers whereas the DB4S features 1 x 10-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Stage 200P has a frequency range of 32-150 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 Stage 200P's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 JBL Stage 200P 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 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 JBL Stage 200P's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. JBL Stage 200P has external dimensions of 362.0 x 351.0 x 388.0mm ( 14-1/4inch x 13-13/16inch x 15-1/4inch ) 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) .
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 11mm wider, 13mm taller and 46mm deeper than JBL Stage 200P.
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 JBL Stage 200P is approximately 1361.9cm2 / 211.1inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The Stage 200P requires 13% less surface area than the DB4S 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 JBL Stage 200P weighs 14.45kg / 31.8lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 80% heavier than the Stage 200P.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 200P and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
362mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1361cm2 (351x388mm)
vs
1571cm2 (362x434mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
| General |
JBL Stage 200P |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
JBL |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-150 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
362.0mm (14.3") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
351.0mm (13.8") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
14.45kg (31.8lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
2 Years |