In this review, we will be comparing Q SUB80 and ForceField 3, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Q Acoustics 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 and GoldenEar ForceField 3 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 SUB80 and GoldenEar ForceField 3 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.Q Acoustics Q SUB80and GoldenEar ForceField 3 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
Q SUB80 has a frequency range of 36-250 Hz whereas ForceField 3 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 3 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
The Q Acoustics Q SUB80 has a Infinite Baffle type cabinet. On the other hand the GoldenEar ForceField 3 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80's and GoldenEar ForceField 3's external dimensions. 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) whereas GoldenEar ForceField 3 has external dimensions of 288.0 x 293.0 x 432.0mm ( 11-5/16inch x 11-1/2inch x 17inch ) .
GoldenEar ForceField 3 is 22mm narrower and 27mm shorter than Q Acoustics Q SUB80 but it is also 85mm deeper.
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 SUB80 is approximately 1093.1cm2 / 169.4inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar ForceField 3 is approximately 1265.8cm2 / 196.2inch2. The Q SUB80 requires 14% less surface area than the ForceField 3 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 Q Acoustics Q SUB80 weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs and the GoldenEar ForceField 3 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the Q SUB80 27% heavier than the ForceField 3.
Here is a comparison of how Q SUB80 and ForceField 3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Base Surface Area |
1093cm2
vs
1265cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
36 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
288mm
vs
315mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Q Acoustics Q SUB80 |
GoldenEar ForceField 3 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
36-250 Hz |
18-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper composite |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
315.0mm (12.4") |
288.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
315.0mm (12.4") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
347.0mm (13.7") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Weight |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Infinite Baffle |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |