Short answer: the Monoprice SW-15, if you are buying new. The Paradigm Defiance X12 measures as well as it (#11 vs #14 of 212 subwoofers, 4.1/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Monoprice SW-15 is still sold new at $499.99.
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. Watch for: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 66.1 lbs (30 kg) mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
What the Paradigm Defiance X12 does well: A moderately sized 12 inch subwoofer with powerful, low distortion bass and room correction, now discontinued but worth buying used. The tradeoff: At 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) and 494 x 457 x 494mm it is heavy and takes real floor space for a 12 inch sub.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15 new; the Paradigm Defiance X12 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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 moderately sized 12 inch subwoofer with powerful, low distortion bass and room correction, now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-15 | Paradigm Defiance X12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $1,314.63 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #11 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 | 95.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 108.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | 120.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 19.4”H x 18”W x 19.4”D (493.5 x 457.2 x 493.5 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 20-230Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 650W RMS / 1300W peak |
| Crossover Frequency | 40-150Hz, 18dB/octave | 30-120Hz adjustable |
| Phase Control | 0° or 180° | - |
| Inputs | Stereo line level and speaker level | - |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 119.3 dB |
| Features | - | ARC microphone for room correction, ART surround |
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