In this review, we will be comparing Q SUB120 and Q SUB80, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Q Acoustics. 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120 and Q Acoustics Q SUB80 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics Q SUB120 and Q Acoustics Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120and Q Acoustics Q SUB80 have a single woofer setup however the Q Acoustics Q SUB120's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Q Acoustics Q SUB80 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Q SUB120 has a frequency range of 28-250 Hz whereas Q SUB80 has a frequency range of 36-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Q SUB120 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q SUB80's min frequency of 36Hz.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120 and Q Acoustics Q SUB80 have Infinite Baffle type cabinets.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120's and Q Acoustics Q SUB80's external dimensions. Q Acoustics Q SUB120 has external dimensions of 400.0 x 400.0 x 432.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 15-3/4 x 17inch) whereas Q Acoustics Q SUB80 has external dimensions of 315.0 x 315.0 x 347.0mm ( 12-3/8 x 12-3/8 x 13-11/16inch) .
Q Acoustics Q SUB120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 85mm wider, 85mm taller and 85mm deeper than Q Acoustics Q SUB80.
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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120 is approximately 1728.0cm2 / 267.8inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics Q SUB80 is approximately 1093.1cm2 / 169.4inch2. The Q SUB120 requires 58% more surface area than the Q SUB80 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB120 weighs 22.50kg / 49.5lbs and the Q Acoustics Q SUB80 weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs. This makes the Q SUB120 50% heavier than the Q SUB80.
Here is a comparison of how Q SUB120 and Q SUB80's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
36 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
315mm
vs
400mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1093cm2
vs
1728cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics Q SUB120 |
Q Acoustics Q SUB80 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-250 Hz |
36-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
600-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Paper composite |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
400.0mm (15.7") |
315.0mm (12.4") |
| Width |
400.0mm (15.7") |
315.0mm (12.4") |
| Depth |
432.0mm (17") |
347.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
22.50kg (49.5lbs) |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Infinite Baffle |
Infinite Baffle |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |