In this review, we will be comparing SB-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 SB-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 SB-3000 R|Evolutionand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 17-230 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the SB-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
The SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution 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.
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 SB-3000 R|Evolution's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution has external dimensions of 396.0 x 386.0 x 427.0mm (15-9/16 x 15-3/16 x 16-13/16inch) 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 107mm wider, 174mm taller and 188mm deeper than SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution.
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 SB-3000 R|Evolution is approximately 1648.2cm2 / 255.5inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The SB-3000 R|Evolution requires 46% less surface area than the SW-15 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.