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 Paradigm Defiance V12 ranks #131 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Paradigm Defiance V12’s replacement, the Paradigm Defiance S12, is rated 3.8/5 at $1,599.99.
The Monoprice SW-15 is the better-sounding choice. A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room. Watch for: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 66.1 lbs (30 kg) mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
What the Paradigm Defiance V12 does well: A 12 inch ported subwoofer with app control, room correction and an optional wireless module, now discontinued. The tradeoff: Output is modest for a 12 inch sub, with 111.2dB averaged from 40 to 80Hz, so a large room may need more.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Paradigm Defiance V12 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full 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 ported subwoofer with app control, room correction and an optional wireless module, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-15 | Paradigm Defiance V12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $513.44 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #131 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 100.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 105.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 112.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | 110.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 111.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 17.9”H x 16.5”W x 17.9”D (455.4 x 419.1 x 453.9 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 23-200Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 120W RMS |
| 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 |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 108.4 dB |
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