Wharfedale SW-15 vs XTZ Spirit Sub 12 vs SVS SB 1000 vs Elac Varro PS 350

Nikhil_Sharma

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Hi Forum Members,

I am looking for a second sub for my 10ft wide x 15ft long x 9ft high dedicated HT room. I already have the SVS PB 1000 pro (I cannot sell this, it is impossible to sell this where I live). I am looking for a mid range focused subwoofer in budget this time. I need it to fix room modes I am getting even after trying different placements.

Going through the forum and other sources I have already eliminated Mission and BIC subs ( I could be wrong ).

Demo is not possible at all.

These 4 seems good to me in terms of brand and at least on paper specs:

1. Elac Varro PS 350
2. SVS SB1000
3. XTZ Spirit Sub 12 --- Can't find any reviews
4. Wharfedale SW-15 --- Can't find anywhere on any forums, one rare video I found on YouTube ( youtuber said good but distorts after certain volumes )


Any there other options under 1 lac price range?

Can I save more with some decent option upto 75k ?

Has anyone tried the Wharfedale SW-15?

Primary Usage Movies

Screenshot_2025-03-25-14-26-07-36_2b8e145a22fdf569cdb4751f125df821.jpg
 
Adding a comparison table.

SpecificationElac Varro PS350Wharfedale SW-15XTZ Spirit Sub 12SVS SB-1000
Driver Size12” Treated Paper Woofer15” (380mm) Paper Woofer12” (300mm) Long-Stroke Driver12” High-Performance Driver
Amplifier Power (RMS)350W400W200W300W
Peak Power Output700W850W400W720W
Frequency Response24Hz to 150Hz (Anechoic); 21Hz to 150Hz (In-Room)30Hz to 120Hz ±3dB25Hz to 160Hz ±3dB24Hz to 260Hz ±3dB
Crossover Frequency40Hz to 150Hz30Hz to 150Hz40Hz to 160Hz, Bypass50Hz to 160Hz, Continuously Variable
InputsRCA Line LevelStereo Line In (2x RCA Phono), LFE2x RCA, LFE, High-LevelStereo line-level RCA, Speaker Level
Phase ControlNot specifiedNot specified0 - 180° Variable0 or 180 degrees
Amplifier TypeBASHClass-DClass-DClass D
Enclosure TypeBass ReflexPortedHybrid (Bass Reflex / Sealed)Sealed
Maximum Output Level (SPL at 1m)108 dB (Anechoic)124 dBNot specifiedNot specified
Dimensions (H x W x D)437mm x 416mm x 418mm540mm x 500mm x 540mm490mm x 365mm x 400mm330mm x 343mm x 372mm
Weight21.8 kg27 kg24 kg12.3 kg
Special FeaturesApp Control via Bluetooth Low Energy (iOS and Android)Phase inversion, Auto on-off3 EQ modes (REF, EQ1, EQ2), Ventilated suspension spider to avoid compression effectsDSP control, Auto-On, High-Pass Filter
Cabinet FinishBlack VinylRosewood, Walnut Pearl, White Sandex, Blackwood Vinyl with Hi-gloss baffleMatte Black, Matte WhitePremium Black Ash, Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White
 
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Adding a comparison table.

SpecificationElac Varro PS350Wharfedale SW-15XTZ Spirit Sub 12SVS SB-1000
Driver Size12” Treated Paper Woofer15” (380mm) Paper Woofer12” (300mm) Long-Stroke Driver12” High-Performance Driver
Amplifier Power (RMS)350W400W200W300W
Peak Power Output700W850W400W720W
Frequency Response24Hz to 150Hz (Anechoic); 21Hz to 150Hz (In-Room)30Hz to 120Hz ±3dB25Hz to 160Hz ±3dB24Hz to 260Hz ±3dB
Crossover Frequency40Hz to 150Hz30Hz to 150Hz40Hz to 160Hz, Bypass50Hz to 160Hz, Continuously Variable
InputsRCA Line LevelStereo Line In (2x RCA Phono), LFE2x RCA, LFE, High-LevelStereo line-level RCA, Speaker Level
Phase ControlNot specifiedNot specified0 - 180° Variable0 or 180 degrees
Amplifier TypeBASHClass-DClass-DClass D
Enclosure TypeBass ReflexPortedHybrid (Bass Reflex / Sealed)Sealed
Maximum Output Level (SPL at 1m)108 dB (Anechoic)124 dBNot specifiedNot specified
Dimensions (H x W x D)437mm x 416mm x 418mm540mm x 500mm x 540mm490mm x 365mm x 400mm330mm x 343mm x 372mm
Weight21.8 kg27 kg24 kg12.3 kg
Special FeaturesApp Control via Bluetooth Low Energy (iOS and Android)Phase inversion, Auto on-off3 EQ modes (REF, EQ1, EQ2), Ventilated suspension spider to avoid compression effectsDSP control, Auto-On, High-Pass Filter
Cabinet FinishBlack VinylRosewood, Walnut Pearl, White Sandex, Blackwood Vinyl with Hi-gloss baffleMatte Black, Matte WhitePremium Black Ash, Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White

I have been using the SB 1000 for almost 4 years now and really happy with its performance for movies and music. It all depends on adjustments. If you look at the SB 1000 PRO model, you can easily do adjustments via app when using the sub and tune it (when required) during playback.

Wharfedale SW 15 is huge and you may need to consider placement space before purchase. Why not also explore other brands like Definitive Technology / Velodyne?
 
I have been using the SB 1000 for almost 4 years now and really happy with its performance for movies and music. It all depends on adjustments. If you look at the SB 1000 PRO model, you can easily do adjustments via app when using the sub and tune it (when required) during playback.

Wharfedale SW 15 is huge and you may need to consider placement space before purchase. Why not also explore other brands like Definitive Technology / Velodyne?
Hey, which models from Velodyne and Definitive Technology would you recommend?
 
The svs you have does very well in this region and adding another will only make things better. I don't see a point in changing to another brand within the same pricepoint with 50-100 odd watts here and there.
I am trying to fix the dips in the frequency response due to my room size. Are you suggesting I get SVS SB 1000 and stick with SVS brand only?
 
Hey, which models from Velodyne and Definitive Technology would you recommend?

Definitive Technology


Velodyne


If you are not able to audition then check online review or end user videos uploaded over Youtube.

Listening experience is very subjective and differs from person to person. Most would like rumbles / vibrate / shake the listening area or some would just prefer presence bass to enhance / better the listening experience or fill the missing low frequencies which the front speakers are not able to emit.

SVS if purchased from the authorised dealer gives you 5 years unconditional warranty which is peace of mind. I use the SB1000 equally for listening to music and movies. Most say that a ported sub does well for movies which is true. I have placed the subwoofer appropriately and tweaked with frequency settings on the AVR and also settings behind the sub which took me a month as was experimenting for the best playback setting.
I used a lot of ported subs in the past and can say the SVS experience although a sealed sub has been very good and balanced for movie playback with clean tight bass and didnt once make me feel that I am missing out something which the past ported subs performed. This is my experience, others may have a different view or experience.

Since you already have the PB1000 pro (ported sub), it may make sense to get a SB 1000 pro (Sealed Sub) and am sure you will get the desired missing frequencies as you have now both type of subs.

Which AVR are you using? Brand / Model?
 
Definitive Technology


Velodyne


If you are not able to audition then check online review or end user videos uploaded over Youtube.

Listening experience is very subjective and differs from person to person. Most would like rumbles / vibrate / shake the listening area or some would just prefer presence bass to enhance / better the listening experience or fill the missing low frequencies which the front speakers are not able to emit.

SVS if purchased from the authorised dealer gives you 5 years unconditional warranty which is peace of mind. I use the SB1000 equally for listening to music and movies. Most say that a ported sub does well for movies which is true. I have placed the subwoofer appropriately and tweaked with frequency settings on the AVR and also settings behind the sub which took me a month as was experimenting for the best playback setting.
I used a lot of ported subs in the past and can say the SVS experience although a sealed sub has been very good and balanced for movie playback with clean tight bass and didnt once make me feel that I am missing out something which the past ported subs performed. This is my experience, others may have a different view or experience.

Since you already have the PB1000 pro (ported sub), it may make sense to get a SB 1000 pro (Sealed Sub) and am sure you will get the desired missing frequencies as you have now both type of subs.

Which AVR are you using? Brand / Model?
That makes sense, I too was thinking in this direction and thats why I don't want to spend a fortune again as I already have.

Denon x3700H

The problem I have is for some movies or scenes I have to crank it up to get that feel, which I get but then it becomes too much for other scenes. On doing a simple frequency sweep, I can hear and feel that the audessey graph is correct, there is big dip in that slam region. I have tried all kinds of placements, it sounds best when placed in center. I just want a second sub to get rid of those dips, otherwise my PB 1000 pro works like a charm.

In that Interstellar portal scene, my room rumbles in a very clean way. No distortion, no over powering, I can hear the surrounds very clearly, feel the bass strong but then Gun shots in John wick is underwhelming. Then I crank it up, a little of punch comes back but then the Interstellar scene is ruined.

I tried using the PEQ settings on the subwoofer as well as using Multeq Editor app, but no luck as there is a dip of around 10 to 20 dbs depending on subwoofer placements.

Frankly speaking I am not even sure, if a second subwoofer would solve that or not, hence I want to spend very less to minimise the risk.
 
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That makes sense, I too was thinking in this direction and thats why I don't want to spend a fortune again as I already have.

Denon x3700H

The problem I have is for some movies or scenes I have to crank it up to get that feel, which I get but then it becomes too much for other scenes. On doing a simple frequency sweep, I can hear and feel that the audessey graph is correct, there is big dip in that slam region. I have tried all kinds of placements, it sounds best when placed in center. I just want a second sub to get rid of those dips, otherwise my PB 1000 pro works like a charm.

In that Interstellar portal scene, my room rumbles in a very clean way. No distortion, no over powering, I can hear the surrounds very clearly, feel the bass strong but then Gun shots in John wick is underwhelming. Then I crank it up, a little of punch comes back but then the Interstellar scene is ruined.

I tried using the PEQ settings on the subwoofer as well as using Multeq Editor app, but no luck as there is a dip of around 10 to 20 dbs depending on subwoofer placements.

Frankly speaking I am not even sure, if a second subwoofer would solve that or not, hence I want to spend very less to minimise the risk.

Before you buy the second subwoofer, do this:

Assume you have done Audyssey setup already and settings would be on REFERENCE...change it to FLAT

Dynamic EQ should be ON

Reference Level offset 0db

Dynamic Volume LIGHT

Play / Watch content you are familiar with or expect good punch. Subwoofer volume should be 50-60% Phase normal.

LPF for LFE between 100hz - 120hz (try different settings),

Since Audyssey is FLAT you may need to increase each speaker level by .5db or 1db.

Check source level which conservatively is on 0, increase that to 7-9 which helps.

Try these settings and see if there is any difference or improvement.

Ensure you crank up the overall volume during playback slowly / cautiously.
 
Before you buy the second subwoofer, do this:

Assume you have done Audyssey setup already and settings would be on REFERENCE...change it to FLAT

Dynamic EQ should be ON

Reference Level offset 0db

Dynamic Volume LIGHT

Play / Watch content you are familiar with or expect good punch. Subwoofer volume should be 50-60% Phase normal.

LPF for LFE between 100hz - 120hz (try different settings),

Since Audyssey is FLAT you may need to increase each speaker level by .5db or 1db.

Check source level which conservatively is on 0, increase that to 7-9 which helps.

Try these settings and see if there is any difference or improvement.

Ensure you crank up the overall volume during playback slowly / cautiously.
I tried these, all kinds of combinations to get that feel and avoid getting a second sub. But turns out something is missing. I will give it a try again. I really appreciate such a detailed help. Thanks @efernand1
I also think it's position issue, I will try to change that and see as well.
 
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