Short answer: the Monoprice SW-12. It ranks #6 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $364.99 and is still sold new; the JBL HDI-1200P ranks #32 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Monoprice SW-12 is the better-sounding option. A budget 12 inch subwoofer that hits hard with clean, tight bass and easy connections. Watch for: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.
Why pick the JBL HDI-1200P: A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a powerful amp, low distortion and adjustable crossover and phase for easy blending, now discontinued. Watch for: Output drops quickly below the port tuning, to 93.2dB at 25Hz against 109.5dB at 31.5Hz, so the deepest effects are limited.
Buy the Monoprice SW-12. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL HDI-1200P is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A budget 12 inch subwoofer that hits hard with clean, tight bass and easy connections.
A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a powerful amp, low distortion and adjustable crossover and phase for easy blending, now discontinued.
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 SW-12 | JBL HDI-1200P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $364.99 | $2,310 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #32 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 111.1 dB | 93.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 115.2 dB | 109.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 119.0 dB | 115.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.7 dB | 119.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 122.9 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 123.0 dB | 114.9 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.2 dB | 117.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.9”H x 18.3”W x 19.1”D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm) | 16.9”H x 16.3”W x 17.8”D (430.5 x 414.0 x 451.4 mm) |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23.0 kg) | 70.8 lbs (32.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black, wood |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 35-150Hz, -10dB | 28-150Hz (-6dB) |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS / 600W peak | 1000W RMS |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 16 Hz | 90.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 115.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 117.2 dB |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 50-150Hz, 24dB/octave |
| Inputs | - | RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) |
| Features | - | Single-band parametric EQ |
| 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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