In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and R-8SW, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. 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 Klipsch R-8SW 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 Klipsch R-8SW 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 Klipsch R-8SW have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the Klipsch R-8SW features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas R-8SW has a frequency range of 38-120 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 R-8SW's min frequency of 38Hz.
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
Both Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-8SW have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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.
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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 Klipsch R-8SW'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 Klipsch R-8SW has external dimensions of 335.0 x 299.0 x 345.0mm ( 13-3/16 x 11-3/4 x 13-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 194mm wider, 235mm taller and 270mm deeper than Klipsch R-8SW.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-8SW in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and Klipsch R-8SW 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 Klipsch R-8SW is approximately 1031.6cm2 / 159.9inch2. The SW-15 requires 194% more surface area than the R-8SW 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 Klipsch R-8SW weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the SW-15 363% heavier than the R-8SW.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and R-8SW'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 Klipsch R-8SW?
Here are the items that come with the R-8SW:
Powered sub6.5-feet AC power cordUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Sheet
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
335mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1031cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
Klipsch Reference R-8SW |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
38-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Copper IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
335.0mm (13.2") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
299.0mm (11.8") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |