In this review, we will be comparing Stage 220P 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 Stage 220P 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 Stage 220P 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.JBL Stage 220P and Wharfedale SW-15 have a totally different setup: the JBL Stage 220P features x 12-inch drivers whereas the SW-15 features 1 x 15-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Stage 220P has a frequency range of 29-150 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 29Hz, the Stage 220P 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
The JBL Stage 220P has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed 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 Stage 220P's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. JBL Stage 220P has external dimensions of 418.0 x 405.0 x 445.0mm ( 16-7/16inch x 15-15/16inch x 17-1/2inch ) 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 88mm wider, 152mm taller and 170mm deeper than JBL Stage 220P.
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 Stage 220P is approximately 1802.3cm2 / 279.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Stage 220P requires 41% 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 Stage 220P weighs 18.73kg / 41.2lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 69% heavier than the Stage 220P.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 220P and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
29 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1802cm2 (405x445mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
JBL Stage 220P |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-150 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 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
405.0mm (15.9") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
445.0mm (17.5") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
18.73kg (41.2lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |