In this review, we will be comparing DB2D and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bowers Wilkins 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 B&W DB2D and Wharfedale SW-15 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the B&W DB2D and Wharfedale SW-15 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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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.B&W DB2D and Wharfedale SW-15 have a totally different setup: the B&W DB2D features 2 x 10-inch drivers whereas the SW-15 features 1 x 15-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
DB2D has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB2D 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
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The B&W DB2D 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
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W DB2D's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. B&W DB2D has external dimensions of 386.0 x 431.0 x 410.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 16-15/16inch x 16-1/8inch ) 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 ) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 62mm wider, 184mm taller and 205mm deeper than B&W DB2D.
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 B&W DB2D is approximately 1767.1cm2 / 273.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The DB2D requires 42% 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 B&W DB2D weighs 36.09kg / 79.4lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the DB2D 14% heavier than the SW-15.
Here is a comparison of how DB2D and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W DB2D?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DB2D:
Powered subwoofer2 Grilles6.5-feet AC power cord4 Decoupling feet4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsCleaning clothQuickstart GuideBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty InformationCleaning cloth instructions
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-15?
Here are the items that come with the SW-15:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
386mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1767cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
4499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins DB2D |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-350 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aerofoil |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
431.0mm (17") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
36.09kg (79.4lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black,Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |