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Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer Review
Wharfedale SW-12 - Image 1

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"
MSRP: $999 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Wharfedale SW-12 Subwoofer Review
Wharfedale SW-12 Wharfedale SW-12
Check price atAmazon›

SW-12 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Wharfedale with a frequency range of 35-120 Hz. It was released in 2016. It features 1 x 12" Paper Woofer, and powered by a 300 watts amplifier.

SW-12 is a member of Wharfedale's SW series of Powered subwoofers. The SW range are Wharfedale's affordable powered subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

Wharfedale SW Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
Wharfedale SW-15
Compare
30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 31.57kg
Wharfedale SW-12
35-120k Hz 12" 300 watts 21.54kg
Wharfedale SW-10
Compare
40-120k Hz 10" 200 watts 16.53kg
Wharfedale SW Series Speakers
Wharfedale SW Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

Wharfedale SW-12 has a Frequency response range of 35-120 Hz.

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 PC-2000 with Low Frequency of 16 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)
  • OSD Nero DueVoce DualX8 with Low Frequency of 17 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.

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

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

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
Median
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 isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more 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 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandWharfedale
Full Model NameWharfedale SW-12
TypePowered Subwoofer
Release Date2016
Frequency Response35-120 Hz
Enclosure TypePorted
EnclosureBass Reflex
Firing DirectionFront
Port Positionfront
Amplifier & Driver
Power (RMS)300 watts
Woofer12-inch Paper

Controls & Connections
Low-pass Crossover40-150 Hz
Phase ControlYes
WirelessNo
Line-level InputsStereo RCA/LFE
Speaker-level InputsNo
Speaker-level OutputsNo
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)18-7/8" x 15-13/16" x 20-1/8" (480.0 x 402.0 x 512.0mm)
Weight21.54 kg (47.4 lbs)
GrilleYes
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
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"
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Compare
20-270k Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch"
B&W DB4S
Compare
10-350k Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch"
Klipsch R-121SW
Compare
28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch"
Klipsch R-101SW
Compare
30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch"
Klipsch RP-1200SW
Compare
17-138k Hz 12" 400 watts 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch"
KEF KC62
Compare
11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch"
Klipsch R-100SW
Compare
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch"
Wharfedale SW-15
Compare
30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch"
Klipsch SPL-100
Compare
27-125k Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch"
B&W ASW610
Compare
27-140k Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch"
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"
B&W ASW608
Compare
32-140k Hz 8" 200 watts 10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch"
JBL Stage A120P
Compare
32-150k Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch"
Klipsch SPL-120
Compare
24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch"
Frequently Asked Questions about Wharfedale SW-12

How low can the Wharfedale SW-12 go?

The Wharfedale SW-12 has a frequency response of 35-120 Hz. Its low-end extends to 35Hz.

How much power does the Wharfedale SW-12 have?

The Wharfedale SW-12 has a built-in 300-watt RMS amplifier.

Is the Wharfedale SW-12 sealed or ported?

The Wharfedale SW-12 uses a Ported enclosure. Ported (bass-reflex) designs use a tuned vent to move more air, giving deeper, louder output for the same driver, which suits home theater.

What driver does the Wharfedale SW-12 use?

The Wharfedale SW-12 has a 12-inch Paper driver.

Does the Wharfedale SW-12 have app control or room correction?

Yes. The Wharfedale SW-12 offers an adjustable low-pass crossover (40-150 Hz) and phase control, letting you dial the sub into your room and blend it with your speakers.

How do you connect the Wharfedale SW-12?

The Wharfedale SW-12 connects via line-level Stereo RCA/LFE inputs.

How big and heavy is the Wharfedale SW-12?

The Wharfedale SW-12 weighs 21.54kg / 47.4lbs and measures 18-7/8" x 15-13/16" x 20-1/8" (HxWxD).

How much does the Wharfedale SW-12 cost?

The Wharfedale SW-12 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $999.

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