In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and Muro SUB2020, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale and ELAC. 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 Wharfedale SW-15 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Wharfedale SW-15 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 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 Wharfedale SW-15and ELAC Muro SUB2020 have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the ELAC Muro SUB2020 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas Muro SUB2020 has a frequency range of 28-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Muro SUB2020 can go slightly deeper then 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 Wharfedale SW-15 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 ELAC Muro SUB2020 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.
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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 Wharfedale SW-15's and ELAC Muro SUB2020's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas ELAC Muro SUB2020 has external dimensions of 399.0 x 185.0 x 515.0mm ( 15-11/16 x 7-1/4 x 20-1/4inch) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 308mm wider, 171mm taller and 100mm deeper than ELAC Muro SUB2020.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and ELAC Muro SUB2020 Size and External Dimensions
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 Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2 and base area of the ELAC Muro SUB2020 is approximately 952.8cm2 / 147.7inch2. The SW-15 requires 218% more surface area than the Muro SUB2020 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 Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs and the ELAC Muro SUB2020 weighs 12.73kg / 28lbs. This makes the SW-15 148% heavier than the Muro SUB2020.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and Muro SUB2020's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SW-15:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of ELAC Muro SUB2020?
Here are the items that come with the Muro SUB2020:
Powered subwoofer8-feet AC power cord4 Cone feet2 Brackets2 Machine screws2 Wood screws2 Washers2 Wall anchorsOperating Instructions
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
399mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
952cm2 (185x515mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1000USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
ELAC Muro SUB2020 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
28-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Woven Cellulose Fiber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side or bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
185.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
515.0mm (20.3") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
12.73kg (28lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |