In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries BP8 and ForceField 4, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB and GoldenEar. 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 BP8 and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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 BP8 and GoldenEar ForceField 4 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 BP8and GoldenEar ForceField 4 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries BP8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 4 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries BP8 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas ForceField 4 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 4 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SubSeries BP8'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 BP8 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the GoldenEar ForceField 4 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. 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 BP8's and GoldenEar ForceField 4's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries BP8 has external dimensions of 355 x 330 x 330mm ( 14 x 13 x 13 inch) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 4 has external dimensions of 331.0 x 340.0 x 482.0mm ( 13inch x 13-3/8inch x 18-15/16inch ) .
PSB SubSeries BP8 is 10mm narrower and 152mm less deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 4 but it is also 24mm taller.
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 BP8 is approximately 1089.0cm2 / 168.8inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 4 is approximately 1638.8cm2 / 254.0inch2. The SubSeries BP8 requires 34% less surface area than the ForceField 4 which gives it a small advantage 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 BP8 weighs 19.10kg / 42lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 4 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs. This makes the SubSeries BP8 31% heavier than the ForceField 4.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries BP8 and ForceField 4'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 BP8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries BP8:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners GuideSpecifications sheetWarranty Card
What's in the Box of GoldenEar ForceField 4?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 4:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
Base Surface Area |
1089cm2 (330x330mm)
vs
1638cm2 (340x482mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
14 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
331mm
vs
355mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
PSB SubSeries BP8 |
GoldenEar ForceField 4 |
Brand |
PSB |
GoldenEar |
Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1200 watts |
Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
Woofer Composition |
Carbon Fibre |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
High Density Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
355.0mm (14") |
331.0mm (13") |
Width |
330.0mm (13") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
Depth |
330.0mm (13") |
482.0mm (19") |
Weight |
19.10kg (42lbs) |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
Available Colors |
Satin Black, Satin White |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |