Short answer: the Starke Sound SW15 for the higher ranking, the KRK Systems 12S for the lower price. The Starke Sound SW15 ranks #13 of 137 subwoofers at $1075. The KRK Systems 12S ranks #15 at $899, $176 cheaper.
On the KRK Systems 12S side: 12-inch Kevlar ported with 240W RMS offers smooth response and solid deep extension.
The case for the Starke Sound SW15: Sealed 15-inch with 450W RMS delivers tight controlled deep bass down to 14Hz.
One note: the KRK Systems 12S is discontinued, but it still ranks #15 of 137 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the KRK Systems 12S if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Starke Sound SW15 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Systems 12S | Starke Sound SW15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 Discontinued | $1,075 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #13 of 137 in Medium Powered Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | sealed |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 92.8 dB | 98.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 99.1 dB | 104.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.0 dB | 110.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.6 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 118.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 118.2 dB | 119.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.8 dB | 117.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 113.6 dB | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.6 dB | 113.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 117.1 dB | 117.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.11"H x 15.94"W x 22.64"D (460.0 x 404.9 x 575.1 mm) | 17.3"H x 16.5"W x 18.9"D (439.4 x 419.1 x 480.1 mm) |
| Weight | 66.6 lbs / 30.2 kg | 54.9 lbs / 24.9 kg |
| Warranty | 3 | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Audioholics |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 32-139Hz | 14-240Hz, ±3dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 240W RMS | 450W RMS / 900W peak |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 86.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 90.8 dB |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
| Crossover | - | 50-200Hz adjustable |
| Phase Control | - | 0°-180° adjustable |
| Input Connections | - | 1 XLR (balanced), 3 RCA (unbalanced) |
| Features | - | Sealed subwoofer, outputs: XLR |
The Two Speakers In Full
KRK Systems 12S: $899 Discontinued
Pros: 12-inch Kevlar ported with 240W RMS offers smooth response and solid deep extension. Little port noise with no cabinet rattle. Highly recommended professional studio subwoofer at fair price point.
Cons: Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 117.1 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 18.11"H x 15.94"W x 22.64"D (460.0 x 404.9 x 575.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | 32-139Hz |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 99.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 110.6 dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 240W RMS |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 66.6 lbs / 30.2 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Starke Sound SW15: $1,075 Discontinued
Pros: Sealed 15-inch with 450W RMS delivers tight controlled deep bass down to 14Hz. Excellent +/-1.5dB response curve from 10Hz-50Hz. Infrasonic capable with no high-pass filter cutoff. Fast accurate response without distortion or bloat.
Cons: Discontinued.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 117.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover | 50-200Hz adjustable |
| Dimensions | 17.3"H x 16.5"W x 18.9"D (439.4 x 419.1 x 480.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Features | Sealed subwoofer, outputs: XLR |
| Frequency Response | 14-240Hz, ±3dB |
| Input Connections | 1 XLR (balanced), 3 RCA (unbalanced) |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 86.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 98.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 104.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 110.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 117.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 115.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 113.8 dB |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° adjustable |
| Power Output (Watts) | 450W RMS / 900W peak |
| Weight | 54.9 lbs / 24.9 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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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.