Short answer: the Focal Sub Air, if you are buying new. The Yamaha YST-SW215 measures as well as it (#28 vs #29 of 73 subwoofers, 3.4/5 vs 3.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Focal Sub Air is still sold new at $800.
What the Focal Sub Air does well: A slim, light 8 inch subwoofer with a side port, only 16 cm deep, made to add bass without a full size cabinet. The catch: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure.
The case for the Yamaha YST-SW215: A discontinued compact ported 8 inch subwoofer with a side port, adding upper bass support to a modest room. Watch for: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects.
Buy the Focal Sub Air if you want one new; the Yamaha YST-SW215 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A slim, light 8 inch subwoofer with a side port, only 16 cm deep, made to add bass without a full size cabinet.
A discontinued compact ported 8 inch subwoofer with a side port, adding upper bass support to a modest room.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Sub Air | Yamaha YST-SW215 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800.00 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #29 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #28 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, side | ported, side |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 91.4 dB | 92.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 100.0 dB | 99.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 108.2 dB | 106.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.6 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.3 dB | 118.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 109.0 dB | 109.6 dB |
| Dimensions | 16.1”H x 14.2”W x 6.3”D (408.9 x 360.7 x 160.0 mm) | 14.2”H x 11.4”W x 12.7”D (360.2 x 290.3 x 322.1 mm) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) |
| Warranty | 1(or3) | 2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | France | Japan |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | Brent Butterworth |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 74.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 85.7 dB |
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