In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries BP8 and ForceField 40, 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 40 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 40 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 40 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries BP8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 40 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries BP8 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas ForceField 40 has a frequency range of 14-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the ForceField 40 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 40 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 40's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries BP8 has external dimensions of 355 x 330 x 330mm ( 14 x 13 x 13 inch) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 40 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 339.0 x 485.0mm ( 14-7/8inch x 13-5/16inch x 19-1/16inch ) .
GoldenEar ForceField 40 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 9mm wider, 23mm taller and 155mm deeper than PSB SubSeries BP8.
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 40 is approximately 1644.2cm2 / 254.9inch2. The SubSeries BP8 requires 34% less surface area than the ForceField 40 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 40 weighs 18.41kg / 40.5lbs. This makes the SubSeries BP8 4% heavier than the ForceField 40.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries BP8 and ForceField 40'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 40?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 40:
Powered subwoofer10-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideOwners Manual
 Height |
355mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1089cm2
vs
1644cm2
|
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 |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB SubSeries BP8 |
GoldenEar ForceField 40 |
| Brand |
PSB |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
14-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
1000-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 and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
355.0mm (14") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
330.0mm (13") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
19.10kg (42lbs) |
18.41kg (40.5lbs) |
| 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 |