Short answer: the Yamaha YST-SW012. It ranks #32 of 42 subwoofers by sound quality at $299; the Q Acoustics 3060S ranks #33 and costs $599.96, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Q Acoustics 3060S offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 101.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet. Watch for: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 325.1H x 154.9W x 480.1D mm cabinet and 8.5 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
What the Yamaha YST-SW012 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 56.0 dB at 20 Hz and 101.6 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room. Watch for: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 288.8H x 288.8W x 326.9D mm cabinet and 8.5 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.
Buy the Yamaha YST-SW012. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 3060S and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 subwoofers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3060S | Yamaha YST-SW012 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.96 | $299 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #33 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) | #32 of 42 in Small Powered Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, side |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 82.7 dB | 74.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 89.3 dB | 85.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 93.3 dB | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 99.6 dB | 99.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 104.8 dB | 103.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 108.3 dB | 110.2 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 101.5 dB | 101.6 dB |
| Dimensions | 12.8"H x 6.1"W x 18.9"D (325.1 x 154.9 x 480.1 mm) | 11.4"H x 11.4"W x 12.9"D (288.8 x 288.8 x 326.9 mm) |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg |
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Cabinet Color | black, white, wood, grey | - |
| Country | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth | Brent Butterworth |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) driver | 8" (203mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 56.0 dB |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 3060S: $599.96 Amazon eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 101.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.
Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 325.1H x 154.9W x 480.1D mm cabinet and 8.5 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
Full Q Acoustics 3060S review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 101.5 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, white, wood, grey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Dimensions | 12.8"H x 6.1"W x 18.9"D (325.1 x 154.9 x 480.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 82.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 89.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 93.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 99.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 104.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 108.3 dB |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Yamaha YST-SW012: $299 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 56.0 dB at 20 Hz and 101.6 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, side enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.
Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 288.8H x 288.8W x 326.9D mm cabinet and 8.5 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full Yamaha YST-SW012 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 101.6 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Dimensions | 11.4"H x 11.4"W x 12.9"D (288.8 x 288.8 x 326.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, side |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 56.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 74.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 85.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 92.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 99.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 103.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.2 dB |
| Warranty | 2 |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples