In this review, we will be comparing IW Sub Reference and IWSub 1010, two Passive In-wall speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive IW Sub Reference and Definitive IWSub 1010 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive IW Sub Reference Key Specs
- 1-way Design
- " Tweeter
- 13" Not given Woofer
- 14-200Hz Frequency Response
- --- Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:up to 275watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 639.0" x 14.3750" x 4.0000"( 639.0 x 366.0 x 102.0mm )
Definitive IWSub 1010 Key Specs
- 1-way Design
- " Tweeter
- 10" Not given Woofer
- 16-200Hz Frequency Response
- 0 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:up to 275watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 505.0" x 14.3750" x 3.8125"( 505.0 x 366.0 x 97.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive IW Sub Reference and Definitive IWSub 1010 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive IW Sub Reference |
Definitive IWSub 1010 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive IW Sub Reference and Definitive IWSub 1010 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both IW Sub Reference and IWSub 1010 are 1-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive IW Sub Reference |
Definitive IWSub 1010 |
|
Driver Setup
|
1-way
|
1-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 13-inch
|
1 x 10-inch
|
IW Sub Reference features a " Tweeter and 1 x 13" Not given Woofer . On the other hand, the IWSub 1010 features a " Tweeter and 1 x 10" Not given Woofer .
Frequency Response
IW Sub Reference has a frequency range of 14-200Hz whereas IWSub 1010 has a frequency range of 16-200Hz. With a minimum frequency of 14Hz, the IW Sub Reference can go slightly deeper then the IWSub 1010's min frequency of 16Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Definitive IW Sub Reference
Impedance and Sensitivity
IW Sub Reference and IWSub 1010 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. IW Sub Reference sensitivity is rated at --- and the IWSub 1010's is at 0 dB. This 0 dB difference makes the Definitive IWSub 1010 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive IW Sub Reference, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the IW Sub Reference and the IW Sub Reference can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
IW Sub Reference and IWSub 1010 has the same power range of up to 275 watts.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
IW Sub Reference features Spring post type posts and IWSub 1010 has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Definitive IW Sub Reference's and Definitive IWSub 1010's external dimensions. Definitive IW Sub Reference has external dimensions of 639.0 x 366.0 x 102.0mm ( 25.1250-inch x 14.3750-inch x 4.0000-inch) whereas Definitive IWSub 1010 has external dimensions of 505.0 x 366.0 x 97.0mm ( 19.8750-inch x 14.3750-inch x 3.8125-inch) .
What's in the Box of Definitive IW Sub Reference?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of IW Sub Reference:
In-wall subwooferGrille (attached)4 Long self-adhesive foam gaskets3 Short self-adhesive foam gaskets8 ScrewsWall-templatePaint maskOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of Definitive IWSub 1010?
Here are the items that come with the IWSub 1010:
In-wall subwooferGrille (attached)7 Self-adhesive foam gaskets6 ScrewsWall-templatePaint maskOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
Woofer Size 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*