Bowers & Wilkins ASW610
A compact sealed 10-inch subwoofer with a 200W Class D amp and a rated ±3 dB response of 27–140 Hz. Fidelity is limited mainly by modest maximum output and the lack of onboard DSP/room tools versus modern rivals. With a current street price of 1,000 USD and a strong cheaper alternative available, cost-performance is 0.5.
Overview
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 is a sealed (closed-box) powered subwoofer using a long-throw 250 mm (10-in) paper/aramid fiber cone and a 200 W Class-D amplifier. The manufacturer rates frequency response at ±3 dB: 27 Hz–40/140 Hz (adjustable), with a −6 dB range down to 20 Hz depending on bass-extension setting. Dimensions are 310×310×347 mm (H×W×D, without grille) and 12.5 kg. US list price is 1,000 USD. [1][2]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Independent comprehensive measurements (CEA-2010 output, distortion vs SPL) are scarce; therefore we rely on clearly labeled manufacturer specifications and public documentation. Within that evidence, the sealed design and rated ±3 dB to 27 Hz indicate competent bandwidth for a compact 10-inch unit, but maximum output is inherently limited versus larger/ported designs. No claims beyond what is supported by specs are made here. We will incorporate third-party data when available. [1][2]
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]ASW610 uses a rational sealed alignment, long-throw driver, and a stable Class-D amp with standard controls (low-pass, phase, extension). However, it omits today’s common conveniences—built-in DSP, app control, or parametric EQ—which are widely adopted by peers. The engineering is solid but conservative. [1]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Cheapest equivalent-or-better alternative identified: RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII. It provides equal or better user-facing performance (deeper rated extension to 22 Hz in LFE mode, higher 400 W RMS power, built-in wireless receiver; 10-inch driver, modern DSP platform). Current direct price observed: 501 USD. [4][5]
Explicit calculation (CP rule: cheapest equivalent price ÷ review target price):
501 USD ÷ 1000 USD = 0.501 → 0.5 (rounded to one decimal place).
Why equivalent-or-better: deeper published extension (22 Hz vs 27 Hz), higher RMS power, comparable cabinet size, and strong third-party coverage confirming capability for its size. [4][5][6]
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]Bowers & Wilkins provides a 2-year warranty for powered loudspeakers (passive speakers are 5 years). The brand maintains a global distributor/service network and clear documentation, which supports above-average confidence for long-term ownership. [2][3]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]The product’s design choices (sealed box, straightforward amp) are technically reasonable and avoid occult claims. However, at 1,000 USD it forgoes integrated DSP/app-based room tools that can deliver audible improvements in-room; this reduces rationality relative to peers that allocate cost to such features. [1][7]
Advice
In small to mid-size rooms prioritizing compactness and “tight” bass, ASW610 can integrate well—especially in pairs for smoother response. If you need more feature depth or value, consider RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII (cheaper, deeper extension) or SVS SB-1000 Pro (sealed 12-inch with app/DSP; 20–270 Hz ±3 dB, typically 599 USD). Choose based on room size/output needs and whether you want built-in EQ/app control. [4][5][7]
References
- Bowers & Wilkins — “ASW610 – Performance 10-in subwoofer” (product page, specs & price). https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/product/subwoofers/asw-series/asw610/150059.html (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- Bowers & Wilkins — “ASW608 / ASW610 / ASW610XP Owner’s Manual” (PDF; size/weight, connections). https://www.bowerswilkins.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-bowers_northamerica_shared/default/dwb612ea32/downloads/asw608-asw610-and-asw610xp-manual0.pdf (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- Bowers & Wilkins — “Warranty” (support page; 2 years for powered loudspeakers). https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en/support/warranty.html (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- Rogersound Labs — “Speedwoofer 10S MKII” (product page; 400 W RMS, platform/features). https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s-mkii (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- Rogersound Labs — “Speedwoofer 10S MKII Landing Page” (price observed 501 USD, 22 Hz LFE mode). https://rslspeakers.com/pages/landing-page-10s-mkii (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- Audioholics — “RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII Sub” (independent review/coverage). https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/rsl-10s-mkii-sub (Accessed 2025-08-26).
- SVS — “SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer” (specs: 20–270 Hz ±3 dB, DSP/app). https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer (Accessed 2025-08-26).
(2025.8.26)