In this review, we will be comparing Depth 212 and DB3D, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from MartinLogan 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 MartinLogan Depth 212 and B&W DB3D first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Depth 212 and B&W DB3D 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 MartinLogan Depth 212and B&W DB3D have a double woofer setup however the MartinLogan Depth 212's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W DB3D features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Depth 212 has a frequency range of 18-120 Hz whereas DB3D has a frequency range of 10-350Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB3D can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Depth 212's min frequency of 18Hz.
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 MartinLogan Depth 212 and B&W DB3D 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 MartinLogan Depth 212's and B&W DB3D's external dimensions. MartinLogan Depth 212 has external dimensions of 533.0 x 503.0 x 518.0mm ( 21 x 19-13/16 x 20-3/8inch) whereas B&W DB3D has external dimensions of ( ) .
MartinLogan Depth 212 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 503mm wider, 533mm taller and 518mm deeper than B&W DB3D.
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 MartinLogan Depth 212 weighs 57.60kg / 126.7lbs and the B&W DB3D weighs 25.05kg / 55.1lbs. This makes the Depth 212 130% heavier than the DB3D.
Here is a comparison of how Depth 212 and DB3D's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
18 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
0mm
vs
533mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2
vs
2605cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
3499USD
vs
5500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Depth 212 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB3D |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1100 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-120 Hz |
10-350Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1100-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminium |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
35–120Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
533.0mm (21") |
mm (0") |
| Width |
503.0mm (19.8") |
mm (0") |
| Depth |
518.0mm (20.4") |
mm (0") |
| Weight |
57.60kg (126.7lbs) |
25.05kg (55.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |