In this review, we will be comparing Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Aperion and Wharfedale. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and Wharfedale SW-15 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwooferand Wharfedale SW-15 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 15" drivers.
Frequency Response
Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has a frequency range of 18-400 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SW-15's min frequency of 30Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
Cabinet Type
The Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs. On the other hand the Wharfedale SW-15 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer has external dimensions of 500.4 x 500.4 x 401.3mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 15.8inch) whereas Wharfedale SW-15 has external dimensions of 570.0 x 493.0 x 615.0mm (22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch).
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer is 69.6mm shorter and 213.7mm less deeper than Wharfedale SW-15 but it is also 7.4mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer is approximately 2008.1cm2 / 311.3inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer requires 34% less surface area than the SW-15 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer weighs 35.02kg / 77lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer 11% heavier than the SW-15.
Here is a comparison of how Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
400k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
500mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2008cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Aperion Theatrus TS15 Passive 15" Subwoofer |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Aperion |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
n/a |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
18-400 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
500.4mm (19.7") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
500.4mm (19.7") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
401.3mm (15.8") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
35.02kg (77lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |