In this review, we will be comparing SB-4000 and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Bowers Wilkins. 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 SVS SB-4000 and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS SB-4000 and B&W DB4S 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 SVS SB-4000and B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the SVS SB-4000's woofer is 13.5-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SB-4000 has a frequency range of 19-310 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SB-4000's min frequency of 19Hz.
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 SVS SB-4000 and B&W DB4S have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. 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 SVS SB-4000's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. SVS SB-4000 has external dimensions of 466.0 x 453.0 x 532.0mm ( 18-5/16 x 17-13/16 x 20-15/16inch) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
SVS SB-4000 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 91mm wider, 91mm taller and 98mm deeper than B&W DB4S.
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 SVS SB-4000 is approximately 2410.0cm2 / 373.6inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The SB-4000 requires 53% more surface area than the DB4S 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 SVS SB-4000 weighs 46.50kg / 102.3lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the SB-4000 79% heavier than the DB4S.
Here is a comparison of how SB-4000 and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS SB-4000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SB-4000:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordRemote control4 Elastomer feetOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?
Here are the items that come with the DB4S:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
 Woofer Size |
13.5 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1800USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
19 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
310k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
375mm
vs
466mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1571cm2
vs
2410cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS SB-4000 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
SVS |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1200 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
19-310 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1200-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
13.5" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite/Glass Fiber |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
466.0mm (18.3") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
453.0mm (17.8") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
46.50kg (102.3lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |