In this review, we will be comparing PB-3000 R|Evolution and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS 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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution 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.
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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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolutionand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 16-235 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the PB-3000 R|Evolution 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
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
Both SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution 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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution has external dimensions of 556.0 x 465.0 x 627.0mm (21-7/8 x 18-5/16 x 24-11/16inch) 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).
SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution is 28mm narrower and 14mm shorter than Wharfedale SW-15 but it is also 12mm deeper.
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 SVS PB-3000 R|Evolution is approximately 2915.6cm2 / 451.9inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The PB-3000 R|Evolution requires 4% less surface area than the SW-15 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.