In this review, we will be comparing Performa3 B112v2 and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Revel 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2and Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the Revel Performa3 B112v2's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Performa3 B112v2 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 Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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.
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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 Revel Performa3 B112v2's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Revel Performa3 B112v2 has external dimensions of 469.0 x 405.0 x 472.0mm ( 18-7/16inch x 15-15/16inch x 18-9/16inch ) 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 88mm wider, 101mm taller and 143mm deeper than Revel Performa3 B112v2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Revel Performa3 B112v2 and Wharfedale SW-15 in scale.
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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 is approximately 1911.6cm2 / 296.3inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Performa3 B112v2 requires 37% 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 weighs 29.45kg / 64.8lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 7% heavier than the Performa3 B112v2.
Here is a comparison of how Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Performa3 B112v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordGrille4 Spike feetOwners Manual
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
Low Frequency Response |
29 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
469mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1911cm2 (405x472mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2695USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Revel Performa3 B112v2 |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
Brand |
Revel |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
400 watts |
Frequency Response |
29-150 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
Woofer Composition |
Coated Paper/Pulp |
Paper |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
469.0mm (18.5") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
Width |
405.0mm (15.9") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
Weight |
29.45kg (64.8lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |