Short answer: the Sonos Sub Mini. It ranks #47 of 73 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $399; the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 ranks #56, rated 3.0/5, and costs $449.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Sonos Sub Mini: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 82.4 dB at 20 Hz and 106.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. Watch for: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects.
What the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 does well: The smallest Descend subwoofer: an 8” active driver loaded by two 8” passive radiators (Definitive’s 3XR layout) in a cabinet about 33cm on each side, with a 500W Class D amplifier. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Definitive Technology DN10 (110.4dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands) and Definitive Technology Descend DN15.
Buy the Sonos Sub Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Worth knowing: the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.6 to 3.3, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Sub Mini | Definitive Technology Descend DN8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #47 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #56 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) Estimated |
| Enclosure | sealed | passive radiator |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 82.4 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 89.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 97.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 103.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 104.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 108.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 109.5 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.4 dB | - |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 9.1”W x 9.1”D (305.1 x 230.1 x 230.1 mm) | 13.1”H x 12.1”W x 14.2”D (332 x 307 x 361 mm) |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 5/3 |
| Cabinet Color | black, white | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | - |
| Drivers | 2x 6” (152mm) driver | 8” active driver, 2 x 8” passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | - | 500W Class D |
| Frequency Response | - | 35-200Hz (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Sub Mini: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Sonos Sub 4 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3.7/5). See every Sonos Sub generation.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 82.4 dB at 20 Hz and 106.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 6” (152mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.
Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 305.1H x 230.1W x 230.1D mm cabinet and 6.4 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.
Full Sonos Sub Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.4 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, white |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 9.1”W x 9.1”D (305.1 x 230.1 x 230.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6” (152mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 82.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 89.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 97.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 103.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 104.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 108.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 109.5 dB |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Definitive Technology Descend DN8: $449.99 Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Definitive Technology DN10 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.4/5), the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.6/5) and the Definitive Technology Descend DN15 (larger subwoofer, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: The smallest Descend subwoofer: an 8” active driver loaded by two 8” passive radiators (Definitive’s 3XR layout) in a cabinet about 33cm on each side, with a 500W Class D amplifier. It reaches 35Hz, fits beside a TV stand or under a desk, and has level, low pass and phase controls.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from the measured Definitive Technology DN10 (110.4dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands) and Definitive Technology Descend DN15. With a single 8” driver it will play noticeably quieter than either, and Definitive rates it only to 35Hz.
Full Definitive Technology Descend DN8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W Class D |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 13.1”H x 12.1”W x 14.2”D (332 x 307 x 361 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” active driver, 2 x 8” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 35-200Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons