I'm confused between a Deftech DN15 and a REL HT1510 for my home theatre. The REL has more power (1000W RMS) in a sealed enclosure, whereas the DN15 has lower power (500W RMS) but a larger enclosure with two 15-inch passive radiators. Here in India, the REL is $500 USD more expensive. Given REL's reputation, it seems like the safer option, but is it worth paying the extra money?
In general, with all other things being equal, a larger cabinet usually means more bass output.
Where you live, what's the customer support like with both of them? If the built-in subwoofer amplifier fails, which can happen with any powered sub regardless of price (even $10K subs), which company would be more likely to take care of you? You can call both companies and see what they say.
Another option to consider is to get a passive/externally-powered subwoofer so that you can easily hook up almost any amplifier to the subwoofer, just like how you can hook up your passive speakers with any amplifier.
When I started this hobby as a teenager, my first subwoofer was a passive subwoofer which came with an external 80 Watt subwoofer amp. This subwoofer and external sub-amp still work after 33 years.
