In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 450 and SubSeries 150, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by PSB. 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 PSB SubSeries 150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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 PSB SubSeries 150 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries 450's woofer is 12-inch whereas the PSB SubSeries 150 features a 6.5-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas SubSeries 150 has a frequency range of 26-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SubSeries 450 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SubSeries 150's min frequency of 26Hz.
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 SubSeries 450 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the PSB SubSeries 150 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 PSB SubSeries 150'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 PSB SubSeries 150 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 447.0 x 143.0mm (11 x 17-9/16 x 5-5/8inch).
PSB SubSeries 150 is 121mm shorter and 310mm less deeper than PSB SubSeries 450 but it is also 34mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 450 and PSB SubSeries 150 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 450 and PSB SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 is approximately 639.2cm2 / 99.1inch2. The SubSeries 450 requires 193% more surface area than the SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 weighs 6.05kg / 13.3lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 238% heavier than the SubSeries 150.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 450 and SubSeries 150'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 subwoofer
- Detachable grille
- 8-feet Power cord
- Owners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)
- Specifications sheet
- Warranty Card
What's in the Box of PSB SubSeries 150?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 150:
- Powered subwoofer
- 6-feet AC power cord
- 2 Mounting feet
- Wall-mount bracket
- Quick Start Subwoofer Guide
- Limited Warranty sheet
- Important Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
26 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
280mm
vs
401mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
639cm2
vs
1870cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
PSB SubSeries 150 |
| Brand |
PSB |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
100 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
26-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
401.0mm (15.8") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
447.0mm (17.6") |
| Depth |
453.0mm (17.8") |
143.0mm (5.6") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
6.05kg (13.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |