In this review, we will be comparing D8is In Wall or On Wall and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Perlisten 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 Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall and Wharfedale SW-15 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall and Wharfedale SW-15 have a totally different setup: the Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall features x -inch drivers whereas the SW-15 features 1 x 15-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
D8is In Wall or On Wall has a frequency range of 20-290 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the D8is In Wall or On Wall can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall
Cabinet Type
Both Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall has external dimensions of () 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 493mm wider, 570mm taller and 615mm deeper than Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall.
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 Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall weighs 103.80kg / 228.4lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the D8is In Wall or On Wall 229% heavier than the SW-15.
Here is a comparison of how D8is In Wall or On Wall and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
290 Hz
vs
120 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
0mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
21995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
20-290 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
850-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
mm (0") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
mm (0") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
mm (0") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
103.80kg (228.4lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |
Different price classes - Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall costs roughly 18.3x what Wharfedale SW-15 does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | A | Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall goes deeper - 20Hz against 30Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are ported designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Price | B | Wharfedale SW-15 costs less - $1,199 against $21,995, about 95% less. |
A Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall B Wharfedale SW-15
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Perlisten D8is In Wall or On Wall is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 18.3x the price. Wharfedale SW-15 is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $1,199 each, two Wharfedale SW-15 cost about $2,398 against $21,995 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.