Short answer: the Yamaha YST-SW215. It ranks #26 of 42 subwoofers by sound quality at $399; the Focal Sub Air ranks #27 and costs $1399, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Focal Sub Air offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet. Watch for: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 408.9H x 360.7W x 160.0D mm cabinet and 7.7 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
What the Yamaha YST-SW215 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 68.5 dB at 20 Hz and 103.6 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in 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. The 360.2H x 290.3W x 322.1D mm cabinet and 11.5 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.
Buy the Yamaha YST-SW215. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Focal Sub Air and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Sub Air | Yamaha YST-SW215 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.00 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #26 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, side | ported, side |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 85.4 dB | 86.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 94.0 dB | 93.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 102.2 dB | 100.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 107.6 dB | 107.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 108.3 dB | 112.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 103.0 dB | 103.6 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 | - | 68.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 79.7 dB |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Sub Air: $1,399.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 103.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.
Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 408.9H x 360.7W x 160.0D mm cabinet and 7.7 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
Full Focal Sub Air review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 103.0 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | France |
| Dimensions | 16.1"H x 14.2"W x 6.3"D (408.9 x 360.7 x 160.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, side |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 85.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 94.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 102.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 107.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 108.3 dB |
| Warranty | 1(or3) |
| Weight | 17 lbs / 7.7 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Yamaha YST-SW215: $399 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 68.5 dB at 20 Hz and 103.6 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.
Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 360.2H x 290.3W x 322.1D mm cabinet and 11.5 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full Yamaha YST-SW215 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 103.6 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Dimensions | 14.2"H x 11.4"W x 12.7"D (360.2 x 290.3 x 322.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, side |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 68.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 79.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 86.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 93.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 100.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 107.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 112.5 dB |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples