Short answer: the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for output, the RBH Sound SX-12 for a Large-room Bassaholic rating in a 12-inch package. The HSU’s ported cabinet delivers a 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average and one of the best price-to-output ratios in its weight class, but it needs careful room placement and its 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet delivers mid-range output. The RBH pairs a 12-inch aluminum-cone ported design with 350W RMS.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the RBH Sound SX-12 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | RBH Sound SX-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,049.00 | $1,099 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #56 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 90.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 101.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 114.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 116.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 115.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 115.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 115.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 25”H x 17.2”W x 24”D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 19.6”H x 17.7”W x 21.1”D (498.3 x 449.6 x 536.4 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 52.9 lbs (24.0 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5/1(+5/+3) |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 114.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 114.6 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 27Hz (flat) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 350W RMS |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced, LFE in/out), RCA (LFE in/out), RCA (stereo line) |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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