In this review, we will be comparing Gravis II and SuperSub X, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Sonus faber 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 Sonus faber Gravis II and GoldenEar SuperSub X first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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.Sonus faber Gravis II and GoldenEar SuperSub X have a totally different setup: the Sonus faber Gravis II features 1 x 10-inch drivers whereas the SuperSub X features 2 x 8-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Gravis II has a frequency range of 25-120 Hz whereas SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 12Hz, the SuperSub X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Gravis II'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
Both Sonus faber Gravis II and GoldenEar SuperSub X have Passive Radiator type cabinets. 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Sonus faber Gravis II's and GoldenEar SuperSub X's external dimensions. Sonus faber Gravis II has external dimensions of 407.0 x 358.0 x 435.0mm (16inch x 14-1/16inch x 17-1/8inch) whereas GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm (12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch).
Sonus faber Gravis II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 83mm taller and 47mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperSub X.
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 Sonus faber Gravis II is approximately 1557.3cm2 / 241.4inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2. The Gravis II requires 13% more surface area than the SuperSub X 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 Sonus faber Gravis II weighs 21.50kg / 47.3lbs and the GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs. This makes the Gravis II 18% heavier than the SuperSub X.
Here is a comparison of how Gravis II and SuperSub X's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Sonus faber Gravis II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Gravis II:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- 33-feet Speakon cable
- Owners Manual
- Environmental Information
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperSub X?
Here are the items that come with the SuperSub X:
- Powered Subwoofer
- 10-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
12 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
324mm
vs
407mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2
vs
1557cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sonus faber Gravis II |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
| Brand |
Sonus faber |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
1400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-120 Hz |
12-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
1400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated Paper |
Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
407.0mm (16") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
358.0mm (14.1") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
435.0mm (17.1") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
21.50kg (47.3lbs) |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black,Matte White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Yr/3 Yr registered |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Yr/3 Yr registered |
3 Years |