The Wharfedale SW series of subwoofers sits within the mid-range of the company's powered bass offerings, positioned above the entry-level models and aimed at home cinema enthusiasts and music lovers who demand deep, authoritative bass reproduction without sacrificing refinement. The SW-12 uses a 12-inch long-throw drive unit to deliver substantial low-frequency extension in rooms up to around 35 cubic metres.
Drive Unit and Enclosure
The 300mm cone driver uses a non-pressed paper cone, which increases self-damping, improves transient impact and adds structural rigidity. The centre pole piece vents are copper-lined to reduce magnetic distortion and improve heat dissipation from the voice coil, both of which contribute to improved dynamics during sustained high-level playback. The enclosure is a sealed, infinite baffle design, which delivers tighter, more controlled bass compared with ported alternatives.
Amplifier and Connections
An internal 300W amplifier (450W peak) drives the sub directly, with a variable crossover adjustable from 30Hz to 150Hz. Inputs include a pair of stereo RCA line inputs and a dedicated mono LFE RCA for use with AV receiver pre-outs. A phase inversion switch and auto on-off circuit complete the feature set, the latter allowing the subwoofer to power down automatically during periods of silence.
Finish
The Black Wood variant features a Blackwood Vinyl cabinet with a high-gloss baffle, providing a smart appearance suited to both hi-fi and home cinema installations.