In this review, we will be comparing Alpha S8 and CW8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB and Monitor Audio . 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 S8 and Monitor Audio CW8 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 S8 and Monitor Audio CW8 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.PSB Alpha S8and Monitor Audio CW8 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
Alpha S8 has a frequency range of 35-150 Hz whereas CW8 has a frequency range of 35-135 Hz.
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 S8 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 Monitor Audio CW8 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 S8's and Monitor Audio CW8's external dimensions. PSB Alpha S8 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 293.0 x 413.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 16-1/4inch) whereas Monitor Audio CW8 has external dimensions of 274.0 x 262.0 x 326.0mm ( 10-3/4 x 10-5/16 x 12-13/16inch) .
PSB Alpha S8 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31mm wider, 44mm taller and 87mm deeper than Monitor Audio CW8.
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 S8 is approximately 1210.1cm2 / 187.6inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio CW8 is approximately 854.1cm2 / 132.4inch2. The Alpha S8 requires 42% more surface area than the CW8 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 S8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs and the Monitor Audio CW8 weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha S8 and CW8'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 S8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha S8:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Hex-nutsQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio CW8?
Here are the items that come with the CW8:
Powered subwooferGrille (pre-installed)4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)6-feet AC power cord10-feet Mono-minijack cableOwners ManualWarranty CardSafety Instructions
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
135k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
274mm
vs
318mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
854cm2
vs
1210cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
PSB Alpha S8 |
Monitor Audio CW8 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
150 watts |
350 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-150 Hz |
35-135 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
350-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
C-CAM |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
318.0mm (12.5") |
274.0mm (10.8") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
413.0mm (16.3") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
5 Years |