In this review, we will be comparing Varro RS700-SB and SW-12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC 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 ELAC Varro RS700-SB and Wharfedale SW-12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the ELAC Varro RS700-SB and Wharfedale SW-12 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.ELAC Varro RS700-SBand Wharfedale SW-12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro RS700-SB has a frequency range of 17-150 Hz whereas SW-12 has a frequency range of 35-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the Varro RS700-SB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SW-12's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 ELAC Varro RS700-SB 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-12 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 ELAC Varro RS700-SB's and Wharfedale SW-12's external dimensions. ELAC Varro RS700-SB has external dimensions of 439.0 x 418.0 x 420.0mm ( 17-1/4inch x 16-7/16inch x 16-1/2inch ) whereas Wharfedale SW-12 has external dimensions of 480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm ( 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch ) .
ELAC Varro RS700-SB is 41mm shorter and 92mm less deeper than Wharfedale SW-12 but it is also 16mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro RS700-SB and Wharfedale SW-12 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro RS700-SB and Wharfedale SW-12 Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Varro RS700-SB is approximately 1755.6cm2 / 272.1inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2. The Varro RS700-SB requires 15% less surface area than the SW-12 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 ELAC Varro RS700-SB weighs 25.35kg / 55.8lbs and the Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs. This makes the Varro RS700-SB 18% heavier than the SW-12.
Here is a comparison of how Varro RS700-SB and SW-12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro RS700-SB?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro RS700-SB:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-12?
Here are the items that come with the SW-12:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
17 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
439mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1755cm2
vs
2058cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro RS700-SB |
Wharfedale SW-12 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
700 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
17-150 Hz |
35-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
700-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
418.0mm (16.5") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Depth |
420.0mm (16.5") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
25.35kg (55.8lbs) |
21.54kg (47.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |