In this review, we will be comparing Velodyne MiniVee X and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Velodyne 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 Velodyne MiniVee X 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 Velodyne MiniVee X 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.
**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 Velodyne MiniVee Xand Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the Velodyne MiniVee X's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Velodyne MiniVee X has a frequency range of 32-180 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the SW-15 can go slightly deeper then the Velodyne MiniVee X's min frequency of 32Hz.
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
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 Velodyne MiniVee X's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Velodyne MiniVee X has external dimensions of 300 x 290 x 290 mm ( ) 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 203mm wider, 270mm taller and 325mm deeper than Velodyne MiniVee X.
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 Velodyne MiniVee X is approximately 841.0cm2 / 130.4inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Velodyne MiniVee X requires 72% 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 Velodyne MiniVee X weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 110% heavier than the Velodyne MiniVee X.
Here is a comparison of how Velodyne MiniVee X and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 High Frequency Response |
180k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
8" passive radiator, force-cancelling
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| App-Based Control |
Auto EQ SUB (iOS, Android)
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
300mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
841cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Velodyne MiniVee X |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Velodyne |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
290.0mm (11.4") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
290.0mm (11.4") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
High-gloss black, high-gloss white, or transparent acrylic |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
High-gloss black, high-gloss white, transparent acrylic (limited edition) |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
5V/1A, powers the Wi-Connect II receiver only |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |