Short answer: the Perlisten Audio R212s, if you are buying new. The Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra ranks higher than it (#19 vs #87 of 143 subwoofers, 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Perlisten Audio R212s is still sold new at $5,000.
The Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra is the better-sounding pick. A THX Ultra certified 16 inch ported subwoofer with huge output for far less money than most rivals, now worth finding used. Watch for: Heavy at 172 lbs (78 kg) and ported design can interact with room acoustics.
The case for the Perlisten Audio R212s: A sealed dual 12 inch subwoofer with strong, punchy upper bass for movie effects and music, plus XLR and RCA inputs. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority.
Buy the Perlisten Audio R212s if you want one new; the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A THX Ultra certified 16 inch ported subwoofer with huge output for far less money than most rivals, now worth finding used.
A sealed dual 12 inch subwoofer with strong, punchy upper bass for movie effects and music, plus XLR and RCA inputs.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra | Perlisten Audio R212s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,300 Discontinued | $5,000 |
| Ranked | #19 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #87 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 107.3 dB | 98.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 118.4 dB | 102.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 123.3 dB | 107.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 125.1 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 126.3 dB | 116.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 126.5 dB | 118.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 126.6 dB | 120.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.8 dB | 121.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 127.2 dB | 121.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 127.6 dB | 121.9 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 126.5 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 25.6”H x 22”W x 28.1”D (650.2 x 558.8 x 713.7 mm) | 23.6”H x 16.1”W x 19.7”D (599.4 x 408.9 x 500.4 mm) |
| Weight | 171.5 lbs (77.8 kg) | 106 lbs (48.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 16” (406mm) driver | 2x 12” (305mm) drivers |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, XLR out | RCA (2), XLR (2) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
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