In this review, we will be comparing SW-15 and PB16-Ultra, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Wharfedale and SVS. 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 SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra have a single woofer setup however the Wharfedale SW-15's woofer is 15-inch whereas the SVS PB16-Ultra features a 16-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz whereas PB16-Ultra has a frequency range of 13-280 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 13Hz, the PB16-Ultra 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
Both Wharfedale SW-15 and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra'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 SVS PB16-Ultra has external dimensions of 635.0 x 553.0 x 788.0mm ( 25 x 21-3/4 x 31inch) .
SVS PB16-Ultra is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 60mm wider, 65mm taller and 173mm deeper than Wharfedale SW-15.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale SW-15 and SVS PB16-Ultra in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale SW-15 and SVS PB16-Ultra 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 SVS PB16-Ultra is approximately 4357.6cm2 / 675.4inch2. The SW-15 requires 30% less surface area than the PB16-Ultra 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 Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs and the SVS PB16-Ultra weighs 79.32kg / 174.5lbs. This makes the PB16-Ultra 151% heavier than the SW-15.
Here is a comparison of how SW-15 and PB16-Ultra'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 SVS PB16-Ultra?
Here are the items that come with the PB16-Ultra:
Powered subwooferGrille5-feet AC power cordRemote control (3V battery installed)Owners Manual
 Height |
570mm
vs
635mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
vs
4357cm2 (553x788mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
16 inches
vs
15 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
13 Hz
vs
30 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
280k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
| General |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
SVS PB16-Ultra |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
1500 watts |
| Frequency Response |
30-120 Hz |
13-280 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
1500-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
16" |
| Woofer Composition |
Paper |
Composite fiberglass/resin |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
570.0mm (22.4") |
635.0mm (25") |
| Width |
493.0mm (19.4") |
553.0mm (21.8") |
| Depth |
615.0mm (24.2") |
788.0mm (31") |
| Weight |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
79.32kg (174.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |