In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and SubSeries 450, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale and PSB. 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 PSB SubSeries 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the PSB SubSeries 450 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SubSeries 450 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 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 PSB SubSeries 450 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 PSB SubSeries 450'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 PSB SubSeries 450 has external dimensions of 401.0 x 413.0 x 453.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 16-1/4 x 17-13/16inch) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 80mm wider, 169mm taller and 162mm deeper than PSB SubSeries 450.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and PSB SubSeries 450 in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and PSB SubSeries 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 is approximately 1870.9cm2 / 290.0inch2. The SW-15 requires 62% more surface area than the SubSeries 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the SW-15 54% heavier than the SubSeries 450.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and SubSeries 450'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 PSB SubSeries 450?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 450:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)Specifications sheetWarranty Card
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
150k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
401mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1870cm2
vs
3032cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
401.0mm (15.8") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
453.0mm (17.8") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |