Monoprice has
15" Monoprice SW-15 600W RMS (800W Peak) Powered Subwoofer (41499) on sale for $499.99 - 50% with promo code
SHOP50 in cart =
$249.99.
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Thanks to Community Member
vid1900 for sharing this deal.
Details:
- 15" front-firing powered subwoofer
- 600W RMS (800W peak) amplifier
- Ported design with down-firing port
- 30-150 Hz frequency response
- Variable phase control
- Variable low pass filter
- Dimensions: 18.1" x 21.0" x 22.7" (460 x 533 x 577 mm)
- Weight: 66.1 lbs. (30.0 kg)
Top Comments
https://www.audioholics
Community Reviews
The Monoprice SW-15 is a budget 15-inch subwoofer that stands out for sheer output and deep bass for the money. Audioholics measurements are cited as showing strong performance well below the listed 30 to 150 hertz spec, with around 107 dB at 30 hertz and 98 dB at 20 hertz. It is also described as a solid fit for movies and capable with music, especially in larger rooms or with a soundbar sub mod. The main caution is reliability and support, since the plate amp has failed for some after about a year or two, and Monoprice service is not as hands-on as smaller subwoofer brands.
The SW-15 can reach very high output at 30 Hz and 20 Hz according to Audioholics CEA-2010 based calculations.
The SW-15 can measure down to around 15 Hz, which supports the idea of deeper low-end extension than the listed 30 Hz spec.
The SW-15 can work as a soundbar sub mod because it includes high-level inputs for easier integration.
The SW-15 can be a strong value option for budget home theater output when compared against other sub choices in the same price tier.
The SW-15 can have reliability issues because the plate amp reportedly died after about one year with little use.
The SW-15 can have reliability issues because the plate amp reportedly died after roughly two years and replacement reportedly cost more than buying a new sub.
The SW-15's after-sales support may require shipping back the entire Monolith sub for amp issues instead of sending a replacement amplifier.
The SW-15's published frequency response may be misleading because some discussion disputes the website's 30-150 Hz (-10 dB) claim.
Common Questions (4)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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72 Comments
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I always recommend 2+ subs in 2+ locations in your room to help even out room modes and sbir issues.
I don't need to Google for reviews. I've reviewed them, myself.
I've reviewed, read reviews, read lists, etc... and no "Best Subwoofer for Music" list I've ever seen had the Monoprice SW15 or RSL 10e on it.
Thus, me saying "neither is known for being great for music", which is the case.
I've reviewed, read reviews, read lists, etc... and no "Best Subwoofer for Music" list I've ever seen had the Monoprice SW15 or RSL 10e on it.
Thus, me saying "neither is known for being great for music", which is the case.
Also many reviewers are clueless about the products and the engineering behind them.
There are some quality independent reviewers out there.
Start with Erins Audio, Wirecutter, Audioholics and ASR
If you like lists, here is a 'list' from Wirecutter. This list includes the 10e
Brent Butterworth has been independently review products for decades. He understands the engineering and testing principles that are involved in audio design.
The caveat is they only review products in the fairly affordable range (the Wirecutter audience is not typically folks who drop a months salary on audio) but he has plenty of experience with all price ranges.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...ble
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...ubw
I've designed many speakers and subwoofers and car audio systems. Bass reproduction is not what you are likely thinking it is. You don't need a special sub for 'music'. All good well engineered subs will sound incredible with music. Home theater is much harder because a typical enthusiast will want 20hrz room shaking bass and very very loud output in 50-100hrz range for explosions, gunshots, crashes and other effects.
For any enthusiasts, I very much recommend multiple subs. I'd much rather have 3 (or even just 2) $300 RSL Speedwoofers vs a single unit of any sub that is $1k. Place them in multiple locations in your room to even out the bass, use PEQ and DSP as well. If you are not then your sub does not sound good. Think it does? Try those things, get them right (which is complex and hard to do well the 1st time, play around) and go back to what you had. It won't even be close.
Also bass must be tuned different at different SPL levels vs the mids. (thus dynamic bass). That is because as the volume gets turned up after about 70db we hear bass doubling in perceived volume every 5db in increase but for the mids it take 10db to perceive the same doubling in loudness. Below 70db we can hardly hear below 40hrz and it gets lost, and yes it sort of just become audible around then.
Will the sw15 blast on music? Yes
Will the sw15 slam in movies? Yes
Can any sub under $300 move more air? No
That's it.
Of course you can buy more subs, of course you can spend more money on someone's favorite brand, of course you might find a pair or cerwin-vega 1515s at a garage sale - but nothing is going to beat this sub at $250
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If you like lists, here is a 'list' from Wirecutter. This list includes the 10e
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...ble
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutte...ubw
As do I.
edit: Looks like a great value sub, but there are so many complaints from many owners who have had the amp in it fail near 6 month mark. It seems like a big risk.
edit: Looks like a great value sub, but there are so many complaints from many owners who have had the amp in it fail near 6 month mark. It seems like a big risk.
Some folks who had amp issues with Monoprice's higher level "Monolith" subs have reported being asked to ship back the entire sub as opposed to having the company send them a replacement amplifier with installation instructions which is what the small companies usually do.
However, I agree with others, save up for a week or two and just get an RSL 10S when it goes on sale for $399 or less.
Ps. This would be a decent sub to add to a soundbar system doing the "sub mod" since it has high level inputs.
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