HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Monoprice SW-12

Last updated: September 20, 2026

Short answer: the Monoprice SW-12 on value, the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 on build and output. The SW-12 is a 12-inch ported sub with 400W RMS (600W peak) that costs $832.27 less and hits hard with clean, tight transient response, but it has entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction and lower 112.3 dB output capability. The ULS-15 MK2’s sealed design delivers tight, accurate bass with low bloat.

HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 vs Monoprice SW-12

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 Monoprice SW-12. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $832.27 less than the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.

Buy the Monoprice SW-12 at Amazon ($166.73) →Buy the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 at HSU Research ($999.00) →

Specifications Side By Side

HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 Monoprice SW-12
Price$1,035$166.73
Ranked#3 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)#5 of 145 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
Enclosuresealedported, bottom
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz93.7 dB-
Output SPL at 15 Hz98.0 dB-
Output SPL at 20 Hz102.4 dB102.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz107.7 dB111.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz113.4 dB115.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz118.3 dB119.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz120.8 dB119.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz121.2 dB122.9 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz121.1 dB123.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz120.7 dB-
Output SPL at 125 Hz120.7 dB-
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)120.3 dB121.2 dB
Dimensions19"H x 18"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)
Weight65 lbs (29.5 kg)50.7 lbs (23.0 kg)
Warranty7/2(+3)1
Cabinet Colorblack, woodblack
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Measurement SourceAudioholicsBrent Butterworth
Frequency Response20-200Hz, ±1dB35-150Hz, -10dB
Amplifier Power600W RMS / 2000W peak400W RMS / 600W peak
Crossover Frequency30-90Hz adjustable-
Phase Control0°-180°-
FeaturesQ control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes-
Drivers15" (381mm) driver12" (305mm) driver
Output SPL at 16 Hz-90.6 dB
Buy the Monoprice SW-12 at Amazon ($166.73) →Buy the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 at HSU Research ($999.00) →

How HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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

HSU Research ULS-15 MK2: $1,035 HSU Research eBay

HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 ranking card

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.

Notes: Price includes shipping

Full HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power600W RMS / 2000W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)120.3 dB
Cabinet Colorblack, wood
CountryUnited States
Crossover Frequency30-90Hz adjustable
Dimensions19"H x 18"W x 19.5"D (482.6 x 457.2 x 495.3 mm)
Drivers15" (381mm) driver
Enclosuresealed
FeaturesQ control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes
Frequency Response20-200Hz, ±1dB
Measurement SourceAudioholics
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz93.7 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz98.0 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz102.4 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz107.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz113.4 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz118.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz120.8 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz121.2 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz121.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz120.7 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz120.7 dB
Phase Control0°-180°
Warranty7/2(+3)
Weight65 lbs (29.5 kg)
Check current price at HSU Research ($999.00) →Search eBay for HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 →

Monoprice SW-12: $166.73 Amazon eBay

Monoprice SW-12 ranking card

Pros: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $167. 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

Full Monoprice SW-12 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power400W RMS / 600W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)121.2 dB
Cabinet Colorblack
CountryUnited States
Dimensions14.9"H x 18.3"W x 19.1"D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm)
Drivers12" (305mm) driver
Enclosureported, bottom
Frequency Response35-150Hz, -10dB
Measurement SourceBrent Butterworth
Output SPL at 16 Hz90.6 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz102.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz111.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz115.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz119.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz119.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz122.9 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz123.0 dB
Warranty1
Weight50.7 lbs (23.0 kg)
Check current price at Amazon ($166.73) →Search eBay for Monoprice SW-12 →