In this review, we will be comparing Sub E-12 F and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI 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 DALI Sub E-12 F 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.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both DALI Sub E-12 Fand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub E-12 F's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub E-12 F has a frequency range of 28-190 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Sub E-12 F can go slightly deeper then 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
Both DALI Sub E-12 F and Wharfedale SW-15 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 DALI Sub E-12 F's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. DALI Sub E-12 F has external dimensions of 385 x 339 x 391 mm () 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 154mm wider, 185mm taller and 224mm deeper than DALI Sub E-12 F.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Wharfedale SW-15 needs about 129% more floor or shelf area. Wharfedale SW-15 is 224mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Wharfedale SW-15 is 185mm taller.
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 DALI Sub E-12 F is approximately 1325.5cm2 / 205.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Sub E-12 F requires 56% less surface area than the SW-15 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.