Short answer: the SVS SB-3000. It ranks #15 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $1,199 and is still sold new; the KRK Systems 12S ranks #33 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KRK Systems 12S’s replacement, the KRK S12.4, is rated 3.9/5 at $839.
What the SVS SB-3000 does well: 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 KRK Systems 12S: A 12 inch studio subwoofer with smooth, deep bass, balanced inputs and little port noise, now discontinued. The tradeoff: Output falls steeply below 31.5Hz, to 99.1dB at 25Hz and 92.8dB at 20Hz, and it is rated only down to 32Hz, so the deepest film effects are limited.
Buy the SVS SB-3000. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the KRK Systems 12S is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
A 12 inch studio subwoofer with smooth, deep bass, balanced inputs and little port noise, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB-3000 | KRK Systems 12S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $899 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #33 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 99.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 115.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | 115.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | 113.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | 110.6 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 117.1 dB |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 18.1”H x 15.9”W x 22.6”D (460.0 x 404.9 x 575.1 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 66.6 lbs (30.2 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Data-bass |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 32-139Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 240W RMS |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | - |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | XLR (stereo, balanced), TRS (stereo), RCA (stereo) |
| 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 | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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