Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#134 and #133 of 143 subwoofers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
The case for the Monoprice Monolith M12-S: A low cost sealed 12 inch subwoofer with solid upper bass punch for music and movies, now discontinued. The catch: 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.
Why pick the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with the Turbocharger upgrade for extra upper bass punch, now discontinued. 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 Monoprice Monolith M12-S or the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A low cost sealed 12 inch subwoofer with solid upper bass punch for music and movies, now discontinued.
A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with the Turbocharger upgrade for extra upper bass punch, now discontinued.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM 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 M12-S | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 Discontinued | $1,599 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #134 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #133 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 95.2 dB | 100.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 100.1 dB | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 104.0 dB | 102.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 108.0 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 110.6 dB | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 112.8 dB | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 113.7 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 113.8 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 113.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 113.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 112.7 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 19.7”H x 15.4”W x 16.7”D (500.4 x 391.2 x 424.2 mm) | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Warranty | 5 | 7/2 |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Weight | 98.5 lbs (44.7 kg) | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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