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 REL Acoustics R-528 ranks #95 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The REL Acoustics R-528’s replacement, the REL Acoustics S/850, is rated 3.7/5 at $3,999.
The Monoprice SW-15 is the better-sounding pick. 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 REL Acoustics R-528: A compact 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator, a strong amp and premium finish, now discontinued. The catch: It is expensive for its measured output, which is 112.8dB from 40 to 80Hz and only 92.7dB at 25Hz.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the REL Acoustics R-528 is discontinued.
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 compact 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator, a strong amp and premium finish, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice SW-15 | REL Acoustics R-528 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $1,999 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #95 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | passive radiator |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 112.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 114.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 112.8 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 17.5”H x 15.5”W x 17.2”D (444.5 x 393.7 x 436.9 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 58 lbs (26.3 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United Kingdom |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Brent Butterworth |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 21Hz-6dB |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 500W 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 |
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