In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 450 and ProSub 800, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB and Definitive Technology. 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 SubSeries 450 and Definitive ProSub 800 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 SubSeries 450 and Definitive ProSub 800 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.Both PSB SubSeries 450and Definitive ProSub 800 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries 450's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Definitive ProSub 800 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 450 and ProSub 800 has exactly the same frequency range of 20-150 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
Both PSB SubSeries 450 and Definitive ProSub 800 have Passive Radiator type cabinets. 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.
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 SubSeries 450's and Definitive ProSub 800's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries 450 has external dimensions of 401.0 x 413.0 x 453.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 16-1/4 x 17-13/16inch) whereas Definitive ProSub 800 has external dimensions of 328.0 x 262.0 x 423.0mm ( 12-7/8 x 10-5/16 x 16-5/8inch) .
PSB SubSeries 450 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 151mm wider, 73mm taller and 30mm deeper than Definitive ProSub 800.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 450 and Definitive ProSub 800 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 450 and Definitive ProSub 800 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 SubSeries 450 is approximately 1870.9cm2 / 290.0inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProSub 800 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2. The SubSeries 450 requires 69% more surface area than the ProSub 800 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 SubSeries 450 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs and the Definitive ProSub 800 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 73% heavier than the ProSub 800.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 450 and ProSub 800'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 SubSeries 450?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries 450:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)Specifications sheetWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Definitive ProSub 800?
Here are the items that come with the ProSub 800:
8-inch Powered subwooferDetachable grille (installed)7-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
328mm
vs
401mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1108cm2
vs
1870cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
Definitive Technology ProSub 800 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polymer |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
401.0mm (15.8") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
262.0mm (10.3") |
| Depth |
453.0mm (17.8") |
423.0mm (16.7") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |