In this review, we will be comparing Alpha S10 and ASW610, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB 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 PSB Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10 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.
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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.PSB Alpha S10and B&W ASW610 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Alpha S10 has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the ASW610 can go slightly deeper then the Alpha S10's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 PSB Alpha S10 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs. On the other hand the B&W ASW610 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 PSB Alpha S10's and B&W ASW610's external dimensions. PSB Alpha S10 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 358.0 x 472.0mm ( 14-1/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-9/16inch) 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) .
PSB Alpha S10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 46mm wider, 37mm taller and 78mm deeper than B&W ASW610.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha S10 and B&W ASW610 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10 is approximately 1689.8cm2 / 261.9inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The Alpha S10 requires 37% more surface area than the ASW610 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 PSB Alpha S10 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the Alpha S10 9% heavier than the ASW610.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha S10 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 PSB Alpha S10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha S10:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
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 |
150k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
699USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
321mm
vs
358mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1229cm2
vs
1689cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
PSB Alpha S10 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-150 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
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 |
358.0mm (14.1") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |