The Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PV-1 is rated 3.2/5 for sound quality, #191 of 212 Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs). See all Subwoofers rankings for every top pick.
Prices on this page were last checked October 28, 2026 at 1:06 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
#191 Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PV-1: $1,999 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PV1D, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5, released 2012 (also discontinued).
Same family: the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) PV1D (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: A striking spherical sealed subwoofer with twin 8 inch drivers and a powerful amp, now discontinued and prized for its premium look. It pairs dual 8 inch sealed drivers with a 500W RMS amplifier and is rated from 18 to 140Hz. Measured output averages 106.1dB from 40 to 80Hz and reaches 92.1dB at 31.5Hz, which suits small to medium rooms. The spherical cabinet geometry is designed to cut cabinet vibration compared with a traditional box.
Cons: Output falls off below 31.5Hz, with 85.1dB at 25Hz and 79.6dB at 20Hz, so the deepest movie effects are weak. The 106.1dB average is low for the price, and a large room will want more output. It weighs 20.5 kg and the round shape takes more floor space than its output suggests. It is discontinued, so it has to be bought used.
Notes: “Sphere” shape
| Released | Feb 2004 (22 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W RMS |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 106.1 dB |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 11.4”W x 13.7”D (335.3 x 289.6 x 348.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 18-140Hz |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 79.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 85.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 92.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 99.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 104.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 109.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.7 dB |
| Weight | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Ilkka Rissanen; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.