Bowers & Wilkins DB4S

Martins Hi-Fi is the second oldest Bowers & Wilkins dealer in the world — and the DB4S is the entry point into Bowers & Wilkins' reference subwoofer range. Do not mistake entry point for compromise — the DB4S draws directly on technologies developed for the flagship 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers and delivers bass that is powerful, articulate, and extraordinarily well-controlled. Whether anchoring a home cinema system or extending the low-frequency reach of a high-quality stereo setup, the DB4S sets a standard that few subwoofers at any price can match.

Aerofoil Cone Technology

At the heart of the DB4S is a single 10-inch Aerofoil cone driver — the identical technology found in the 800 Series Diamond flagship loudspeakers. The Aerofoil cone is a profiled composite construction, varying in thickness across its surface to eliminate the resonant breakup modes that afflict conventional cone designs and rob bass of its precision and articulation. The result is a driver that moves with extraordinary composure — delivering bass that is not merely loud, but genuinely controlled and musically honest at every dynamic level.

1000 Watts of Digital Amplification

The DB4S is driven by 1000 watts of digital amplification — an output that ensures the Aerofoil driver is never starved of current, even at the lowest frequencies and most demanding dynamic peaks. This combination of an acoustically superior driver and a high-efficiency amplifier is what distinguishes the DB4S from lesser subwoofers that rely on brute force alone — the DB4S delivers authority and precision in equal measure.

Digital Preamplifier and Dynamic EQ

The DB4S incorporates a digital preamplifier featuring Dynamic EQ — a system that continuously optimises audio performance across the available frequency range as listening levels change. Conventional subwoofers lose low-frequency authority at lower volumes; the DB4S compensates automatically, ensuring that bass weight and definition remain consistent whether the system is playing quietly in the background or filling a room at full cinema levels.

Dedicated Control App

Calibration and room correction are handled through a dedicated smartphone app, allowing precise adjustment of the DB4S to suit the specific acoustic conditions of your room. Setup is straightforward and the results are immediately audible — the DB4S integrates cleanly into a wide variety of rooms and system configurations without the need for external measurement equipment. Those considering a step up in the range should explore the Bowers & Wilkins DB3D or the larger DB2D, whilst those seeking a more compact entry-level subwoofer may find the Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 worth considering.

Who Is It For?

The DB4S is for those who want genuine high-performance bass without occupying the floor space that a larger subwoofer demands. It has the power and precision to transform a home cinema system — delivering the impact and weight of a full-scale cinema experience in a domestic room — and the musical composure to integrate seamlessly with a quality stereo system, adding low-frequency extension without disturbing the timing and coherence of the original recording. If you are building or upgrading a system around the 700 Series loudspeakers, the DB4S is the natural companion subwoofer.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. As the second oldest Bowers & Wilkins dealer in the world, we have a depth of knowledge and experience with the brand that very few retailers can match. Dave or Chris will be happy to demonstrate the DB4S in our Norwich showroom — and to advise on integration with your existing system, whether stereo or home cinema.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.