In this review, we will be comparing SUB80P 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 SUB80P 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 SUB80P 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.
**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.Both JBL SUB80Pand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the JBL SUB80P's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SUB80P has a frequency range of 45-200 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the SW-15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SUB80P's min frequency of 45Hz.
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 JBL SUB80P 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 JBL SUB80P's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. JBL SUB80P has external dimensions of 353.0 x 267.0 x 267.0mm ( 13-7/8 x 10-1/2 x 10-1/2inch) 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 226mm wider, 217mm taller and 348mm deeper than JBL SUB80P.
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 SUB80P is approximately 712.9cm2 / 110.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The SUB80P requires 76% 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 SUB80P weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 251% heavier than the SUB80P.
Here is a comparison of how SUB80P and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
353mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
712cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
JBL SUB80P |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
45-200 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fibre composite |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
353.0mm (13.9") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
267.0mm (10.5") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
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 |