In this review, we will be comparing KC62 and SW-12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from KEF 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 KEF KC62 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 KEF KC62 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.
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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.KEF KC62 and Wharfedale SW-12 have a totally different setup: the KEF KC62 features 2 x 6.5-inch drivers whereas the SW-12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
KC62 has a frequency range of 11-200 Hz whereas SW-12 has a frequency range of 35-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 11Hz, the KC62 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 KEF KC62 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 KEF KC62's and Wharfedale SW-12's external dimensions. KEF KC62 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 258.0 x 281.0mm ( 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch ) 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 ) .
Wharfedale SW-12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 144mm wider, 235mm taller and 231mm deeper than KEF KC62.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF KC62 and Wharfedale SW-12 in scale.
Comparison image of KEF KC62 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 KEF KC62 is approximately 725.0cm2 / 112.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2. The KC62 requires 65% 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 KEF KC62 weighs 14.05kg / 30.9lbs and the Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs. This makes the SW-12 53% heavier than the KC62.
Here is a comparison of how KC62 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 KEF KC62?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KC62:
Powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordSpeaker-level input blockUser ManualImportant Safety InformationWarranty Information
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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
11 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
245mm
vs
480mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
725cm2 (258x281mm)
vs
2058cm2 (402x512mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF KC62 |
Wharfedale SW-12 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
11-200 Hz |
35-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
245.0mm (9.6") |
480.0mm (18.9") |
| Width |
258.0mm (10.2") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
512.0mm (20.2") |
| Weight |
14.05kg (30.9lbs) |
21.54kg (47.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
3 Years |