In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries 450 and SubSeries 250, 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 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 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 PSB SubSeries 250 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries 450's woofer is 12-inch whereas the PSB SubSeries 250 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz whereas SubSeries 250 has a frequency range of 25-150 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 250's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 250 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 SubSeries 450's and PSB SubSeries 250'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 250 has external dimensions of 362.0 x 348.0 x 397.0mm ( 14-1/4 x 13-11/16 x 15-5/8inch) .
PSB SubSeries 450 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 65mm wider, 39mm taller and 56mm deeper than PSB SubSeries 250.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB SubSeries 450 and PSB SubSeries 250 in scale.
Comparison image of PSB SubSeries 450 and PSB SubSeries 250 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 250 is approximately 1381.6cm2 / 214.1inch2. The SubSeries 450 requires 35% more surface area than the SubSeries 250 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 250 weighs 19.09kg / 42lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 7% heavier than the SubSeries 250.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries 450 and SubSeries 250'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 PSB SubSeries 250?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 250:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
362mm
vs
401mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2
vs
1870cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
PSB SubSeries 250 |
| Brand |
PSB |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-150 Hz |
25-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
50-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
401.0mm (15.8") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Width |
413.0mm (16.3") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Depth |
453.0mm (17.8") |
397.0mm (15.6") |
| Weight |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
19.09kg (42lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |