In this review, we will be comparing L10cs and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL 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 JBL L10cs 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 JBL L10cs 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.Both JBL L10csand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the JBL L10cs's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
L10cs has a frequency range of 32-150 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the SW-15 can go slightly deeper then the L10cs's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 JBL L10cs 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
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 JBL L10cs's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. JBL L10cs has external dimensions of 391.0 x 337.0 x 413.0mm ( 15-3/8inch x 13-1/4inch x 16-1/4inch ) 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 156mm wider, 179mm taller and 202mm deeper than JBL L10cs.
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 JBL L10cs is approximately 1391.8cm2 / 215.7inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The L10cs requires 54% 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 JBL L10cs weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 124% heavier than the L10cs.
Here is a comparison of how L10cs 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 JBL L10cs?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L10cs:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord4 SpikesQuick Start GuideImportant Safety 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
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
391mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1391cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
699USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
1-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
JBL L10cs |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-150 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
391.0mm (15.4") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
337.0mm (13.3") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
413.0mm (16.3") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Natural Walnut,Black Walnut |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |