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Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer Review

Main Features

  • 12" Paper Woofer
  • 300 watts RMS Output
  • 35-120 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 47.39 lbs / 21.54kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 18-7/8" x 15-13/16" x 20-1/8"
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Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer Review
Wharfedale SW-12 Wharfedale SW-12
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SW-12 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Wharfedale with a frequency range of 35-120 Hz. It features 1 x 12" Paper Woofer, and powered by a 300 watts amplifier.


**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.

Frequency Response

Wharfedale SW-12 has a Frequency response range of 35-120 Hz at ±3dB. Here we have a comparison of how SW-12's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
Wharfedale SW-12
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Wharfedale SW-12
Min
Average
Max

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1000$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Wharfedale SW-12's 35Hz:

  • GoldenEar ForceField 4 with Low Frequency of 14 Hz (Compare w/ SW-12)
  • SVS PB-1000 Pro with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ SW-12)
  • Klipsch RP-1200SW with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ SW-12)
  • GoldenEar ForceField 30 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ SW-12)
  • GoldenEar ForceField 3 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ SW-12)


Low-Pass Crossover

Wharfedale SW-12 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 40-150 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Wharfedale SW-12 also features a High-pass filter (HFP) working at N/A Hz, used to block any frequencies below that point.

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA/LFE
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

Wharfedale SW-12 External Dimensions and Weight

Wharfedale SW-12 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch (480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Wharfedale SW-12 is approximately 2058.2cm2 / 319.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Wharfedale SW-12, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Wharfedale SW-12 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Wharfedale SW-12 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Wharfedale SW-12 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Wharfedale SW-12 placed next to a Media Stand
Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how SW-12's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Wharfedale SW-12
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $1000
Wharfedale SW-12
Min
Average
Max

How does the Wharfedale SW-12 compare to the Wharfedale SW-15?

One of the natural alternative to the Wharfedale SW-12 is the SW-15 which is located one step higher in Wharfedale's Powered Subwoofer selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Wharfedale SW-12 vs SW-15 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Wharfedale SW-12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems whereas the sealed designs are preferred for music oriented systems.

Port Position

Wharfedale SW-12 is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Does the Wharfedale SW-12 come with a Grille?

SW-12 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of SW-12:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • User-feets Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Wharfedale SW-12.

    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolatorsmore affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

    Warranty

    3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Wharfedale SW-12 Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
    Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
    Polk Monitor XT12
    Compare
    24-160k Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch "
    Klipsch R-121SW
    Compare
    28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch "
    B&W DB4S
    Compare
    10-350k Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch"
    Klipsch R-101SW
    Compare
    30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch "
    Wharfedale SW-15
    Compare
    30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch "
    SVS SB-1000 Pro
    Compare
    20-270k Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch "
    KEF KC62
    Compare
    11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch "
    KEF KUBE 8b
    Compare
    34-140k Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch"
    KEF KUBE 10b
    Compare
    24-140k Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch"
    Klipsch SPL-100
    Compare
    27-125k Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch"
    Klipsch R-100SW
    Compare
    32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch"
    SVS PB-1000
    Compare
    19-270k Hz 10" 300 watts 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch"
    Klipsch RP-1600SW
    Compare
    15-175k Hz 16" 800 watts 23-7/16inch x 23-1/2inch x 27-3/8inch "
    Klipsch RP-1200SW
    Compare
    17-138k Hz 12" 400 watts 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch "
    Jamo S 808 SUB
    Compare
    39-180k Hz 8" 50 watts 18-1/16 x 7 x 14inch"
    B&W ASW610
    Compare
    27-140k Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch"
    Frequently Asked Questions about Wharfedale SW-12
    What is the External Dimensions of Wharfedale SW-12


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