In this review, we will be comparing PC13-Ultra and ASW610, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS and Bowers Wilkins. 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 PC13-Ultra and B&W ASW610 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the SVS PC13-Ultra and B&W ASW610 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both SVS PC13-Ultraand B&W ASW610 have a single woofer setup however the SVS PC13-Ultra's woofer is 13.5-inch whereas the B&W ASW610 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
PC13-Ultra has a frequency range of 15-200 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 15Hz, the PC13-Ultra can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ASW610's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 SVS PC13-Ultra has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the B&W ASW610 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. 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.
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 SVS PC13-Ultra's and B&W ASW610's external dimensions. SVS PC13-Ultra has external dimensions of 1194.0 x 422.0 x 422.0mm ( 47 x 16-5/8 x 16-5/8inch) whereas B&W ASW610 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 312.0 x 394.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch) .
SVS PC13-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 110mm wider, 873mm taller and 28mm deeper than B&W ASW610.
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 PC13-Ultra is approximately 1780.8cm2 / 276.0inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The PC13-Ultra requires 45% more surface area than the ASW610 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 SVS PC13-Ultra weighs 40.80kg / 89.8lbs and the B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the PC13-Ultra 225% heavier than the ASW610.
Here is a comparison of how PC13-Ultra and ASW610's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
13.5 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
15 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
321mm
vs
1194mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1229cm2
vs
1780cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
1700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS PC13-Ultra |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
15-200 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
3600-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
13.5" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiberglass composite |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1194.0mm (47") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
422.0mm (16.6") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
422.0mm (16.6") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Weight |
40.80kg (89.8lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 Years |