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 SVS SB12-NSD ranks #165 (rated 3.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The SVS SB12-NSD’s replacement, the SVS SB-1000 PRO, is rated 3.7/5 at $599.
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. Watch for: Budget-tier design, ported room gain dependency, 66.1 lbs (30 kg) mid-size, and limited dynamic headroom.
Why pick the SVS SB12-NSD: A compact 12 inch sealed subwoofer with an aluminum cone, now discontinued and often found used. The tradeoff: Output drops to 99.3dB at 25Hz, 94.9dB at 20Hz and 84.1dB at 12.5Hz, so it is limited for the lowest movie effects.
Buy the Monoprice SW-15. It is rated higher for sound quality; the SVS SB12-NSD is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A big 15 inch subwoofer with powerful, punchy bass at a budget price, great for movies in a large room.
A compact 12 inch sealed subwoofer with an aluminum cone, now discontinued and often found used.
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-15 | SVS SB12-NSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $899 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #165 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.0 dB | 90.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.2 dB | 94.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.3 dB | 99.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.2 dB | 104.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.0 dB | 107.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.2 dB | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.5 dB | 110.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.5 dB | 111.2 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.0 dB | 109.7 dB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 21”W x 22.7”D (459.7 x 533.4 x 576.6 mm) | 14.2”H x 14.2”W x 14.2”D (360.7 x 360.7 x 360.7 mm) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 30-150Hz (-10dB) | 23-270Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 800W peak | 400W 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 12.5 Hz | - | 84.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 111.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 111.5 dB |
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