Short answer: the Monoprice SW-15. It ranks #14 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $499.99 and is still sold new; the HSU Research MBM-12 ranks #58 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The case for the Monoprice SW-15: A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room. The tradeoff: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 66.1 lbs (30 kg) mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
The case for the HSU Research MBM-12: A 12 inch mid bass module with switchable sealed or ported tuning, built for fast, punchy upper bass rather than deep rumble. Watch for: It is not a true subwoofer, with output falling to 96.7dB at 31.5Hz and 69.7dB at 20Hz, so it will not deliver deep movie rumble.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15. It is rated higher for sound quality; the HSU Research MBM-12 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room.
A 12 inch mid bass module with switchable sealed or ported tuning, built for fast, punchy upper bass rather than deep rumble.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-15 | HSU Research MBM-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $799 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #58 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB | 69.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 87.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 96.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 109.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 114.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 116.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | 118.1 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 114.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 19”H x 14”W x 18”D (482.6 x 355.6 x 457.2 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 47 lbs (21.3 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 7/2 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 50-80Hz (optimized mid-bass) |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 350W |
| Crossover Frequency | 40-150Hz, 18dB/octave | - |
| Phase Control | 0° or 180° | - |
| Inputs | Stereo line level and speaker level | - |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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