In this review, we will be comparing SUB8 v2 and ASW610, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Kanto 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 and B&W ASW610 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Kanto SUB8 v2 and B&W ASW610 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.Both Kanto SUB8 v2and B&W ASW610 have a single woofer setup however the Kanto SUB8 v2's woofer is 8-inch whereas the B&W ASW610 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SUB8 v2 has a frequency range of 35-175 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the ASW610 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB8 v2'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
Both Kanto SUB8 v2 and B&W ASW610 have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 Kanto SUB8 v2's and B&W ASW610's external dimensions. Kanto SUB8 v2 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 281.0 x 326.0mm ( 11-7/8inch x 11-1/16inch x 12-13/16inch ) whereas B&W ASW610 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 312.0 x 394.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch) .
B&W ASW610 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31mm wider, 19mm taller and 68mm deeper than Kanto SUB8 v2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Kanto SUB8 v2 and B&W ASW610 in scale.
Comparison image of Kanto SUB8 v2 and B&W ASW610 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 is approximately 916.1cm2 / 142.0inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The SUB8 v2 requires 25% less surface area than the ASW610 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs and the B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the ASW610 60% heavier than the SUB8 v2.
Here is a comparison of how SUB8 v2 and ASW610's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Kanto SUB8 v2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SUB8 v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord10-feet mono-RCA cableUser ManualUser Manual Language Update Note
What's in the Box of B&W ASW610?
Here are the items that come with the ASW610:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
302mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
916cm2 (281x326mm)
vs
1229cm2 (312x394mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
240USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Kanto SUB8 v2 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
| Brand |
Kanto |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-175 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
300-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
302.0mm (11.9") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
326.0mm (12.8") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Weight |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
2 Years |