In this review, we will be comparing Defiance V8 and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8and Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm Defiance V8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Defiance V8 has a frequency range of 34-200 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 Defiance V8's min frequency of 34Hz.
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 Paradigm Defiance V8 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.
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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 Paradigm Defiance V8's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance V8 has external dimensions of 361.0 x 326.0 x 399.0mm ( 14-3/16inch x 12-13/16inch x 15-11/16inch ) 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 167mm wider, 209mm taller and 216mm deeper than Paradigm Defiance V8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance V8 and Wharfedale SW-15 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance V8 and Wharfedale SW-15 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 is approximately 1300.7cm2 / 201.6inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Defiance V8 requires 57% 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 Paradigm Defiance V8 weighs 12.05kg / 26.5lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 162% heavier than the Defiance V8.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance V8 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 Paradigm Defiance V8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance V8:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feetAC power cordOwners ManualOnline Registration CardImportant Unboxing Information
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 |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
361mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1300cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
480USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance V8 |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
75 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
34-200 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
75-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
361.0mm (14.2") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
399.0mm (15.7") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
12.05kg (26.5lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |