In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and A100P, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale and JBL. 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 JBL Stage A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P 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.Both Wharfedale SW-15and JBL Stage A100P have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the JBL Stage A100P features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas A100P has a frequency range of 35-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the SW-15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A100P's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 JBL Stage A100P have Bass reflex type enclosure.
New
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 JBL Stage A100P'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 JBL Stage A100P has external dimensions of 359.0 x 337.0 x 435.0mm ( 14-1/8 x 13-1/4 x 17-1/8inch) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 156mm wider, 211mm taller and 180mm deeper than JBL Stage A100P.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and JBL Stage A100P in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and JBL Stage A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P is approximately 1466.0cm2 / 227.2inch2. The SW-15 requires 107% more surface area than the A100P 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 JBL Stage A100P weighs 13.66kg / 30.1lbs. This makes the SW-15 131% heavier than the A100P.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and A100P'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 JBL Stage A100P?
Here are the items that come with the A100P:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cord4 Spike feetOwners ManualWarranty CardImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
359mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1466cm2 (337x435mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
240USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
JBL Stage A100P |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
359.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
13.66kg (30.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |