In this review, we will be comparing iW 62TS and Reference Sub 2023, two Passive Subwoofer speakers from Tannoy and Canton. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Tannoy iW 62TS and Canton Reference Sub 2023 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.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Tannoy iW 62TSand Canton Reference Sub 2023 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have x " drivers.
Frequency Response
iW 62TS has a frequency range of 29-110 Hz whereas Reference Sub 2023 has a frequency range of 18-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Reference Sub 2023 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the iW 62TS's min frequency of 29Hz.
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
Canton Reference Sub 2023
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Canton Reference Sub 2023
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
iW 62TS features Binding post type posts and Reference Sub 2023 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type
Both Tannoy iW 62TS and Canton Reference Sub 2023 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the 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 Tannoy iW 62TS's and Canton Reference Sub 2023's external dimensions. Tannoy iW 62TS has external dimensions of () whereas Canton Reference Sub 2023 has external dimensions of 589.3 x 487.7 x 528.3mm (23.2 x 19.2 x 20.8inch).
Canton Reference Sub 2023 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 487.7mm wider, 589.3mm taller and 528.3mm deeper than Tannoy iW 62TS.
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 Tannoy iW 62TS weighs 7.39kg / 16.3lbs and the Canton Reference Sub 2023 weighs 36.74kg / 80.8lbs. This makes the Reference Sub 2023 397% heavier than the iW 62TS.
Here is a comparison of how iW 62TS and Reference Sub 2023's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Canton Reference Sub 2023
 Height |
0mm
vs
589mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2
vs
2576cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
129USD
vs
6300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200 Hz
vs
110 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Tannoy iW 62TS |
Canton Reference Sub 2023 |
| Brand |
Tannoy |
Canton |
| Speaker Type |
Passive Subwoofer |
Passive Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
n/a |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
29-110 Hz |
18-200 Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
|
| Woofer Size |
" |
" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
110 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
mm (0") |
589.3mm (23.2") |
| Width |
mm (0") |
487.7mm (19.2") |
| Depth |
mm (0") |
528.3mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
7.39kg (16.3lbs) |
36.74kg (80.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
|
Different price classes - Canton Reference Sub 2023 costs roughly 48.8x what Tannoy iW 62TS does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | Canton Reference Sub 2023 goes deeper - 18Hz against 29Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are ported designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Price | A | Tannoy iW 62TS costs less - $129 against $6,300, about 98% less. |
A Tannoy iW 62TS B Canton Reference Sub 2023
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Canton Reference Sub 2023 is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 48.8x the price. Tannoy iW 62TS is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $129 each, two Tannoy iW 62TS cost about $258 against $6,300 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.