In this review, we will be comparing Gravis VI and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Sonus faber 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 Sonus faber Gravis VI 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 Sonus faber Gravis VI 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.Sonus faber Gravis VI and Wharfedale SW-15 have a totally different setup: the Sonus faber Gravis VI features 2 x 12.5-inch drivers whereas the SW-15 features 1 x 15-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Gravis VI has a frequency range of 18-120 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Gravis VI 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 Sonus faber Gravis VI 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
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 Sonus faber Gravis VI's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Sonus faber Gravis VI has external dimensions of 616.0 x 448.0 x 585.0mm ( 24-1/4 x 17-5/8 x 23-1/16inch) 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 ) .
Sonus faber Gravis VI is 45mm narrower and 30mm less deeper than Wharfedale SW-15 but it is also 46mm taller.
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 Sonus faber Gravis VI is approximately 2620.8cm2 / 406.2inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Gravis VI requires 14% 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 Sonus faber Gravis VI weighs 52.00kg / 114.4lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the Gravis VI 65% heavier than the SW-15.
Here is a comparison of how Gravis VI and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
2620cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
570mm
vs
616mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Sonus faber Gravis VI |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Sonus faber |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1700 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-120 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1700-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2400-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12.5" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Honeycomb sandwich |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
Continuously adjustable |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
616.0mm (24.3") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
448.0mm (17.6") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
585.0mm (23") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
52.00kg (114.4lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |