In this review, we will be comparing NS-SW050 and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Yamaha 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 Yamaha NS-SW050 and B&W DB4S 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.Both Yamaha NS-SW050and B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the Yamaha NS-SW050's woofer is 8-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
NS-SW050 has a frequency range of 28-200 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 NS-SW050's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 Yamaha NS-SW050 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the B&W DB4S have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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
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 Yamaha NS-SW050's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Yamaha NS-SW050 has external dimensions of 292.1 x 292.1 x 339.7mm (11.5 x 11.5 x 13.375inch) 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).
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 69.9mm wider, 82.9mm taller and 94.3mm deeper than Yamaha NS-SW050.
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 Yamaha NS-SW050 is approximately 992.3cm2 / 153.8inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The NS-SW050 requires 37% less surface area than the DB4S 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 Yamaha NS-SW050 weighs 8.48kg / 18.7lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 207% heavier than the NS-SW050.
Here is a comparison of how NS-SW050 and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Height |
292mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
992cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
220USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
| General |
Yamaha NS-SW050 |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Yamaha |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-200 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
n/a |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
100-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cone |
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
292.1mm (11.5") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
292.1mm (11.5") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
339.7mm (13.4") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
8.48kg (18.7lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |