Definitive Technology Descend DN15 Review: Rated 3.7/5

The Definitive Technology Descend DN15 is rated 3.7/5 for sound quality, #132 of 143 Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs). See all Subwoofers rankings for every top pick.

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Brand: Definitive Technology

#132 Definitive Technology Descend DN15: $1,439.77 Amazon $1,439.77 eBay

Same family: the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3/5), the Definitive Technology DN10 (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.4/5) and the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.6/5).

Pros: A 15 inch subwoofer with two passive radiators, very low distortion and bass down to 20Hz. Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.9 dB at 20 Hz and 112.9 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure pairs a 15” long-throw woofer with dual 15” passive radiators for very low distortion and true 20Hz extension.

Cons: Output averages 112.9dB from 40 to 80Hz, which is lower than many other 15 inch subwoofers at this price, so very large rooms may want more headroom. The cabinet is about 595mm tall and 613mm wide and weighs 52kg, so it needs a lot of space and two people to move. Output at 16Hz falls to 97.4dB and at 12.5Hz to 83.2dB, so the very deepest rumble is limited. The specs list no XLR input.

Is the Definitive Technology Descend DN15 right for you?

Skip it if

• you need to move it often (52 kg each).
• you want the best value: the higher-rated HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP costs about $391 less.

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power	500W RMS / 1500W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	112.9 dB
Country	United States
Dimensions	23.4”H x 24.1”W x 24.9”D (595.4 x 613.4 x 632.7 mm)
Drivers	15” driver + 2x 15” passive radiators
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	20-150Hz, ±3dB
Measurement Source	Audioholics
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	83.2 dB
Output SPL at 16 Hz	97.4 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	103.9 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	107.3 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	110.9 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	113.6 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	113.5 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	112.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	111.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	111.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	110.6 dB
Warranty	5/3
Weight	114.6 lbs (52.0 kg)

• Links
  • Definitive Technology Descend DN15 Website
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

6 comparisons

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• Definitive Technology Descend DN15 vs HSU Research VTF-15H MK2
• Definitive Technology Descend DN15 vs Rythmik FV15HP
• Definitive Technology Descend DN15 vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra

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