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Bowers Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins DB4S Subwoofer Review
B&W DB4S - Image 1

Main Features

  • 10" Aerofoil Woofer
  • 1,000 watts RMS Output
  • 10-350 Hz Frequency Response
  • App Control Feature
  • Weight: 57.30 lbs / 26.05kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 14-3/4" x 14-1/4" x 17-1/16"
MSRP: $2,199 (list price)
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B&W DB4S Subwoofer Review
B&W DB4S B&W DB4S
Check price atAmazon›

DB4S is a Sealed type Powered Subwoofer by Bowers Wilkins with a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. It was released in 2017. It features 1 x 10" Aerofoil Woofer, and powered by a 1000 watts amplifier.

B&W DB4S  Lifestyle
B&W DB4S Lifestyle


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

B&W DB4S has a Frequency response range of 10-350 Hz at ±3dB. Thanks to its 1 x 10-inch driver and 1000 watts RMS amplifier, at 10Hz the DB4S can generate bass levels that is even below 20Hz which is considered to be the bottom limit of Full Range sound (20Hz -20kHz) that human can hear.

Here we have a comparison of how DB4S's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
B&W DB4S
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
B&W DB4S
Min
Average
Max

As you can see from the chart, B&W DB4S with its 10 Hz features the lowest Low Frequency level among the Subwoofer speakers in our database, promising a very good bass range.


Low-Pass Crossover

B&W DB4S has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 25-150 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

B&W DB4S Back View
B&W DB4S Back View

App-Based Control

B&W DB4S can be controlled wirelessly via app available on iOS and Android. Considering the physical buttons are at the backside of the subwoofer, app control comes very handy when you need to change the parameters of the B&W DB4S frequently. Apps also provides settings that can't be placed on the body.

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA, XLR
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

B&W DB4S Connections
B&W DB4S Connections

B&W DB4S External Dimensions and Weight

B&W DB4S has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch (375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how DB4S's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
B&W DB4S
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $3000
B&W DB4S
Min
Average
Max

How does the B&W DB4S compare to the Bowers Wilkins DB3D?

One of the natural alternative to the B&W DB4S is the DB3D which is located one step higher in Bowers Wilkins's Powered Subwoofer selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of B&W DB4S vs DB3D for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

B&W DB4S has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic suspension aka Sealed subwoofers are preferred for music oriented systems whereas the Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems.

Does the B&W DB4S come with a Grille?

DB4S comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

B&W DB4S  with Grille
B&W DB4S with Grille

What's in the Box of B&W DB4S?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB4S:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • 4 Decoupling feet
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Lock-nuts
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Quickstart Guide
  • Bowers & Wilkins brochure
  • Warranty Information
  • Cleaning cloth instructions

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Bowers & Wilkins DB4S.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

B&W DB4S Detailed Specifications

General
BrandBowers Wilkins
Full Model NameBowers & Wilkins DB4S
TypePowered Subwoofer
Release Date2017
Frequency Response10-350 Hz
Enclosure TypeSealed
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
Firing DirectionFront
Amplifier & Driver
Power (RMS)1000 watts
Woofer10-inch Aerofoil

Controls & Connections
Low-pass Crossover25-150 Hz
Phase ControlYes
App ControliOS,Android
WirelessNo
Line-level InputsStereo RCA, XLR
Speaker-level InputsNo
Speaker-level OutputsNo
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)14-3/4" x 14-1/4" x 17-1/16" (375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm)
Weight26.05 kg (57.3 lbs)
GrilleYes
Mounting BracketNo
Parts Warranty2 Years
Labor Warranty2 Years
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
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32-140k Hz 8" 200 watts 10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch"
JBL Stage A120P
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32-150k Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch"
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24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch"
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers & Wilkins DB4S

How low can the B&W DB4S go?

The B&W DB4S has a frequency response of 10-350 Hz. It digs below 20Hz, the bottom limit of human hearing, so you get deep, physical bass you feel as much as hear.

How much power does the B&W DB4S have?

The B&W DB4S has a built-in 1000-watt RMS amplifier.

Is the B&W DB4S sealed or ported?

The B&W DB4S uses a Sealed enclosure. Sealed subwoofers trade a little output for tighter, more accurate bass and a smaller cabinet, which many listeners prefer for music.

What driver does the B&W DB4S use?

The B&W DB4S has a 10-inch Aerofoil driver.

Does the B&W DB4S have app control or room correction?

Yes. The B&W DB4S offers app control (iOS,Android), an adjustable low-pass crossover (25-150 Hz) and phase control, letting you dial the sub into your room and blend it with your speakers.

How do you connect the B&W DB4S?

The B&W DB4S connects via line-level Stereo RCA, XLR inputs.

How big and heavy is the B&W DB4S?

The B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs and measures 14-3/4" x 14-1/4" x 17-1/16" (HxWxD).

How much does the B&W DB4S cost?

The B&W DB4S has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,199.

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