Short answer: the MartinLogan Depth 212. It ranks #106 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $5,499.99; the Perlisten Audio D12s ranks #109, rated 4.0/5, at $5,495. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
Why pick the MartinLogan Depth 212: MartinLogan’s luxury subwoofer, with two opposed 12” Carbon Aerocore woofers in cast aluminum baskets that cancel cabinet vibration, a 2200W peak amplifier, and a finished rear panel so it looks good from any side. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from MartinLogan’s measured subs, the best of which, the single-15” MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X, reached 120.5dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands.
What the Perlisten Audio D12s does well: Flagship D-Series engineering with a 12-inch carbon fiber diaphragm and immense 1,500W RMS Class D amplification in an acoustic suspension sealed enclosure. Watch for: Premium price tier commands an audiophile-grade investment.
Buy the MartinLogan Depth 212. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $4.99 with the Perlisten Audio D12s does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: MartinLogan Depth 212 3.7 to 4.4; Perlisten Audio D12s 3.8 to 4.2). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MartinLogan Depth 212 | Perlisten Audio D12s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,499.99 | $5,495.00 |
| Ranked | #106 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) Estimated | #109 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) Estimated |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Warranty | 3 | 5(+1) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed, acoustic suspension |
| Drivers | 2 x 12” Carbon Aerocore woofers (opposed) | 12” (300mm) carbon fiber diaphragm |
| Amplifier Power | 2200W peak | 1,500W RMS (Class D, 48-bit DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 18-120Hz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 289Hz (-6dB, THX reference mode) |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 19.8”W x 20.4”D (533 x 503 x 518 mm) | 17.6”H x 16.5”W x 17.7”D (448 x 420 x 450 mm) |
| Weight | 127 lbs (57.6 kg) | 90.4 lbs (41.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for MartinLogan Depth 212:
- Paradigm XR13 vs MartinLogan Depth 212
- MartinLogan Depth 215 vs MartinLogan Depth 212
- REL Acoustics 212 Black Label vs MartinLogan Depth 212
- MartinLogan Depth 212 vs Perlisten Audio D15s
- MartinLogan Depth 212 vs Perlisten Audio R18s
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
MartinLogan Depth 212: $5,499.99 Estimated MartinLogan eBay
Same family: the MartinLogan Depth 215 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5).
Pros: MartinLogan’s luxury subwoofer, with two opposed 12” Carbon Aerocore woofers in cast aluminum baskets that cancel cabinet vibration, a 2200W peak amplifier, and a finished rear panel so it looks good from any side. Rated 18 to 120Hz (±3dB).
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared directly with ranked subwoofers; the rating is estimated from MartinLogan’s measured subs, the best of which, the single-15” MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X, reached 120.5dB in the 40 to 80Hz CEA-2010 bands. Two opposed 12” drivers in a sealed box should land close to it. It weighs 57.6kg.
Full MartinLogan Depth 212 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2200W peak |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 19.8”W x 20.4”D (533 x 503 x 518 mm) |
| Drivers | 2 x 12” Carbon Aerocore woofers (opposed) |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 18-120Hz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 127 lbs (57.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Perlisten Audio D12s: $5,495.00 Estimated Audio Advice eBay
Same family: the Perlisten Audio D15s (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Perlisten Audio D212s (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Perlisten Audio D215s (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: Flagship D-Series engineering with a 12-inch carbon fiber diaphragm and immense 1,500W RMS Class D amplification in an acoustic suspension sealed enclosure. THX Dominus certified with ultra-low THD and state-of-the-art 48-bit DSP control.
Cons: Premium price tier commands an audiophile-grade investment. Heavy 90-lb cabinet requires dedicated room placement.
Full Perlisten Audio D12s review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1,500W RMS (Class D, 48-bit DSP) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 17.6”H x 16.5”W x 17.7”D (448 x 420 x 450 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (300mm) carbon fiber diaphragm |
| Enclosure | sealed, acoustic suspension |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 289Hz (-6dB, THX reference mode) |
| Warranty | 5(+1) |
| Weight | 90.4 lbs (41.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons