Short answer: the SVS SB-3000. It ranks #15 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $1,149 and is still sold new; the Emotiva S12 ranks #128 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The SVS SB-3000 is the better-sounding option. A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms. Watch for: Being sealed, it gives up deep-bass output: Audioholics measured 96.6dB at 20Hz and 101.7dB at 25Hz, about 15dB behind the ported SVS PB-3000 from the same series, so a large room or reference-level movie bass may call for a second sub.
The case for the Emotiva S12: A 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator and balanced input that makes running several subwoofers together easy. The catch: Output falls to 95.4dB at 20Hz and 86.4dB at 15Hz, so the deepest effects are weak.
Buy the SVS SB-3000. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Emotiva S12 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
A 12 inch subwoofer with a passive radiator and balanced input that makes running several subwoofers together easy.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB-3000 | Emotiva S12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $449 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #128 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | passive radiator |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | 86.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | 95.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 101.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 106.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 108.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 112.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 112.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 111.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 17.4”H x 15.7”W x 16.9”D (441.2 x 400.0 x 428.5 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Brent Butterworth |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 25-150Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 300W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | - |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | XLR (balanced), RCA (summed L/R) |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger | - |
| Drivers | 13” (330mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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