Short answer: the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 for the higher ranking, the Monoprice SW-12 for the lower price. The HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 ranks #3 of 137 subwoofers at $1035. The Monoprice SW-12 ranks #32 at $230, $805 cheaper.
The case for the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2: Sealed design delivers tight, accurate bass with low bloat.
What the Monoprice SW-12 gets right: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $230. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. The tradeoff: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
Buy the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Monoprice SW-12 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 | Monoprice SW-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,035 | $230 |
| Ranked | #3 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #32 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 93.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 98.0 dB | 84.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.4 dB | 96.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.7 dB | 105.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.4 dB | 109.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.3 dB | 113.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.8 dB | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.2 dB | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.1 dB | 117.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.3 dB | 115.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 19.0"H x 18.0"W x 19.5"D (482.6 x 457.2 x 495.3 mm) | 14.9"H x 18.3"W x 19.1"D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) |
| Weight | 65 lbs / 29.5 kg | 50.7 lbs / 23.0 kg |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 1 |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Brent Butterworth |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±1dB | 35-150Hz, -10dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 600W RMS / 2000W peak | 400W RMS / 600W peak |
| Crossover | 30-90Hz adjustable | - |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Q control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes | - |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
The Two Speakers In Full
HSU Research ULS-15 MK2: $1,035
Pros: Sealed design delivers tight, accurate bass with low bloat. 600W BASH amplifier. 30% less expensive and 20 lbs lighter than predecessor. Easy integration with Q and EQ controls. Great value in the 15” sub market at under $850 shipped.
Notes: Price includes shipping
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, wood |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover | 30-90Hz adjustable |
| Dimensions | 19.0"H x 18.0"W x 19.5"D (482.6 x 457.2 x 495.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Features | Q control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±1dB |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 93.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 98.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° |
| Power Output (Watts) | 600W RMS / 2000W peak |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 65 lbs / 29.5 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs JTR Speakers Captivator 212PRO
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Paradigm Defiance X12
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Monoprice SW-15
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs SVS SB-3000
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs SVS PB-1000 PRO
- HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Rythmik F12
- See all 14 comparisons
- Links
Monoprice SW-12: $230 Amazon
Pros: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $230. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. Variable crossover and volume controls for setup flexibility. Speaker-level and line-level inputs for easy integration.
Cons: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
Notes: Product # 41498
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 115.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 18.3"W x 19.1"D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 84.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 105.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 113.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.0 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 400W RMS / 600W peak |
| Warranty | 1 |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23.0 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice SW-12 vs SVS PB-1000 PRO
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Rythmik F12
- Monoprice SW-12 vs SVS SB-3000
- Monoprice SW-12 vs Monoprice SW-15
- Monoprice SW-12 vs MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X
- Monoprice SW-12 vs JTR Speakers Captivator 212PRO
- Monoprice SW-12 vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10S MKII
- Monoprice SW-12 vs SVS SB-2000
- See all 13 comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.