Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 is the better pick: it ranks #14 of 188 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5), against #105 (rated 3.8/5) for the DIYSG HTM-12 v1. If you want one new, the AsciLab C6B ranks #6 at $1,145.
The DIYSG HTM-12 v2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Purpose-built high-output cinema kit pairing a 12-inch woofer with a compression driver in a large SEOS waveguide. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.26 against 2.59 for the DIYSG HTM-12 v1. Its bass reaches about 67Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the DIYSG HTM-12 v1. The catch: Erin measured F3 at approximately 67Hz, the normal efficiency/bass-extension tradeoff of a high-sensitivity 12-inch design, so a subwoofer is mandatory.
The case for the DIYSG HTM-12 v1: A high-output home theater kit with a 12” Eminence Deltalite woofer and a Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in a SEOS-15 waveguide. Watch for: A dip around 3kHz makes voices sound less natural and calls for EQ, and the radiation pattern changes with frequency, for a preference score of 2.59 that reaches 5.38 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the DIYSG HTM-12 v2 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the AsciLab C6B instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| DIYSG HTM-12 v2 | DIYSG HTM-12 v1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $920 per pair per kit, Discontinued | $660 per pair per kit, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 188 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #105 of 188 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 94dB/2.83V/1m (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | AVR-compatible impedance profile (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 12” woofer; compression driver in SEOS waveguide | 12” Eminence Deltalite woofer; Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in SEOS-15 waveguide |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.26 | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.88 | 5.38 |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 18”W x 9.5”D (635 x 457.2 x 241.3 mm) | - |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) assembled | - |
| DIY Kit | Yes | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- AsciLab F6B vs DIYSG HTM-12 v2
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- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs DIYSG HTM-12 v2
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs DIYSG HTM-12 v2
- DIYSG HTM-12 v2 vs Fosi Audio SP601
Prices on this page were last checked October 6, 2026 at 10:23 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
DIYSG HTM-12 v2: $920 per pair per kit Discontinued DIY Sound Group eBay
Older model: the DIYSG HTM-12 v1 (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Purpose-built high-output cinema kit pairing a 12-inch woofer with a compression driver in a large SEOS waveguide. Erin measured 91dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, extraordinarily low distortion (still below 1% to about 60Hz at 102dB) and only about 0.5dB tweeter compression at the same level. Horizontal directivity is consistent and crossover integration is unusually good, so response corrections remain EQ-friendly. The benign impedance curve can be driven by many capable AVRs. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91dB.
Cons: Erin measured F3 at approximately 67Hz, the normal efficiency/bass-extension tradeoff of a high-sensitivity 12-inch design, so a subwoofer is mandatory. A few narrow resonances appear in the response, impedance and decay plots; Erin suggested crossover/component investigation could improve them. Vertical radiation narrows around the crossover, the unfinished kit requires cabinet assembly and finishing, and its broad baffle is visually and physically substantial. Discontinued.
Full DIYSG HTM-12 v2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 18”W x 9.5”D (635 x 457.2 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer; compression driver in SEOS waveguide |
| Impedance | AVR-compatible impedance profile (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.26 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.88 |
| Weight | 39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) assembled |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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DIYSG HTM-12 v1: $660 per pair per kit Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the DIYSG HTM-12 v2, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5 (also discontinued).
Pros: A high-output home theater kit with a 12” Eminence Deltalite woofer and a Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in a SEOS-15 waveguide. Erin measured about 94dB sensitivity and the lowest distortion and compression he had measured at the time, so it plays very loud cleanly. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94dB.
Cons: A dip around 3kHz makes voices sound less natural and calls for EQ, and the radiation pattern changes with frequency, for a preference score of 2.59 that reaches 5.38 with an ideal subwoofer. Bass rolls off early, 78Hz (-3dB) and 53Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer. It is a kit: the cabinet must be built or bought separately. DIYSG replaced it with the HTM-12 v2. Discontinued.
Full DIYSG HTM-12 v1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | Yes |
| Drivers | 12” Eminence Deltalite woofer; Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in SEOS-15 waveguide |
| Sensitivity | 94dB/2.83V/1m (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.38 |