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LavenderGoat459 14.8K Views
Jul 15, 2026 2:15 PM

12" Monoprice SW-12 400W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speaker (Black)

$180

$365

50% off
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Amazon has 12" Monoprice SW-12 400W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speaker (Black) on sale for $179.99. Shipping is free.

Alternatively, Monoprice also has 12" Monoprice SW-12 400W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speaker (Black) on sale for $179.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter LavenderGoat459 for finding this deal

Note, product must be sold/shipped by Amazon or Monoprice respectively.

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
  • Price Research
    • At the time of research, this product is $185 lower (50.69% savings); normally priced for $364.99
  • About the Deal
    • This Monoprice SW-12 powered subwoofer adds deeper bass w/ more dramatic impact; front firing 12" woofer, 400W RMS amplifier (600W peak/3 ~150Hz frequency response) w/ down-firing port w/ variable phase control and low pass filter
    • Product is eligible for refund/replacement within 30-days of purchase
    • Offer valid while promotional price/supplies last
  • Additional Details

Original Post

Written by LavenderGoat459
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has 12" Monoprice SW-12 400W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speaker (Black) on sale for $179.99. Shipping is free.

Alternatively, Monoprice also has 12" Monoprice SW-12 400W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speaker (Black) on sale for $179.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter LavenderGoat459 for finding this deal

Note, product must be sold/shipped by Amazon or Monoprice respectively.

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
  • Price Research
    • At the time of research, this product is $185 lower (50.69% savings); normally priced for $364.99
  • About the Deal
    • This Monoprice SW-12 powered subwoofer adds deeper bass w/ more dramatic impact; front firing 12" woofer, 400W RMS amplifier (600W peak/3 ~150Hz frequency response) w/ down-firing port w/ variable phase control and low pass filter
    • Product is eligible for refund/replacement within 30-days of purchase
    • Offer valid while promotional price/supplies last
  • Additional Details

Original Post

Written by LavenderGoat459

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Top Comments

AquaVolcano980
385Comments
38Reputation
The Dayton only has 200 watts vs. 400 for the Monoprice, the Dayton uses spring clips instead of binding posts for speaker level connections, and is also made in China. The reviews on Monoprice don't mention a single amp failure, so I'm not seeing the benefit of the Dayton.
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CalmMitten9192
1.8KComments
102Reputation
Get the Dayton CS1200 (improved legendary Sub-1200) for a little more and you have something that both sounds good and where you have a much higher chance of finding a replacement plate amp if it ever fails than with this disposable China sub. Nothing against mono as a company and I have some of their THX speakers which are awesome.
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

The Monoprice SW-12 is a budget 12 inch powered sub that can deliver strong room shaking bass for basic 2.1 or 5.1 setups, especially at around $180. It is described as a solid price to performance pick, with enough output to free budget for better speakers. The main concern is reliability, with repeated reports of amp failures, warranty hassles, and some units arriving defective or used. For a tight budget, it offers a lot of bass, but long term support and durability are the tradeoffs.

  • The price-to-performance can be strong when the unit performs acceptably for the money.

    ilovetofusupermanrob

  • The subwoofer can work well for basic 2.1 or even 5.1 home theater setups.

    k4ylr

  • The Monoprice plate amp may be replaceable separately now, which can reduce repair friction.

    SmartFriction5417

  • The subwoofer can be a worthwhile budget trade-off when it frees money for better speakers.

    k4ylr

  • The amplifier can fail within months, and support may not offer meaningful help.

    m6284505m6284505

  • Support may refuse to sell a replacement plate amp separately, which can force replacing the whole sub.

    m6284505CalmMitten9192

  • Quality control and review moderation concerns can affect confidence, including reports of used arrivals and removed low ratings.

    LavenderString100cpgeek

  • The subwoofer can power off too quickly in auto mode when the receiver signal is inconsistent.

    ilovetofu

Common Questions (5)

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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35 Comments

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Jul 17, 2026 3:12 AM
156 Comments
Joined May 2024
CurtitoutJul 17, 2026 3:12 AM
156 Comments
Quote from carbondeal View quoted comment :
For subs honestly what I found for theater at least you need a 15". Plus low end extension cheap subs like this just won't do. Max db output imo don't matter as much as low range and box tuning for 17Hz.
Yep, but honestly, for music to really have the slam that hits ya in the chest, 15" is needed also. I have 2-12's and when I turn on some music they start, but moments later the 15 kicks in and it's a whole different experience. BUT...budgets, get the best that fits.
Jul 17, 2026 4:25 AM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 4:25 AM
1.8K Comments
Quote from supermanrob View quoted comment :

Good points.
IF the Dayton was a better choice "for a little more", that's around $60(on sale).

"For a little more" the RSL 10e might be the better choice.

If I recall, the RSL 10e is made in China also.
They all are and RSL is great and has excellent CS. 339 is a little higher price point than 229 or 180 tho but its a solid unit for sure.
Last edited by CalmMitten9192 July 16, 2026 at 09:49 PM.
1
Jul 17, 2026 4:30 AM
1.1K Comments
Joined Jan 2007
m6284505Jul 17, 2026 4:30 AM
1.1K Comments
Quote from CalmMitten9192 View quoted comment :
Get the Dayton CS1200 (improved legendary Sub-1200) for a little more and you have something that both sounds good and where you have a much higher chance of finding a replacement plate amp if it ever fails than with this disposable China sub. Nothing against mono as a company and I have some of their THX speakers which are awesome.
I bought this sub and within 6 months the damn amp died and Monoprice offered NOTHING. I had to buy a replacement amp on my own and custom mount it. I'd never recommend this.
https://imgur.com/a/qI7hKEm
Last edited by m6284505 July 16, 2026 at 09:34 PM.
1
Jul 17, 2026 4:31 AM
1.1K Comments
Joined Jan 2007
m6284505Jul 17, 2026 4:31 AM
1.1K Comments
Quote from AquaVolcano980 View quoted comment :
The Dayton only has 200 watts vs. 400 for the Monoprice, the Dayton uses spring clips instead of binding posts for speaker level connections, and is also made in China. The reviews on Monoprice don't mention a single amp failure, so I'm not seeing the benefit of the Dayton.
There are many reviews saying this amp fails, it also happened to me.
1
Jul 17, 2026 4:33 AM
1.1K Comments
Joined Jan 2007
m6284505Jul 17, 2026 4:33 AM
1.1K Comments
Quote from SmartFriction5417 View quoted comment :
Monoprice actually sells there plate amps individually now
No shit? I actually emailed support asking for a new one and they said they didn't sell just the amp when mine died.
Jul 17, 2026 4:36 AM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 4:36 AM
1.8K Comments
Quote from TNFergus View quoted comment :
Customer service, for starters. But I wouldn't look on an OEM web site for reviews of a product. Who knows what may have been removed. The Amazon reviews are pretty bleak compared to the Dayton. For whatever that's worth.
Yes amazon revs talk of multiple DOA and the like from the cheap mono sub but if folks want to mess with that to save a little then that's a decision. PE has been great for me and I had an issue with a damaged component from shipping and they immediately shipped me new... and I kept the damaged one for a backup. That makes me recommend them. Mono has decent CS too IME but at least they used to make you send the whole thing back if you had an issue which is not really ideal with a sub. Plus some reporting multiple failures. Maybe it is different now. I have heard the THX subs have better amps now but for this cheap one who knows. Seems it is the same version? Amazon reviews in the 3's makes me think it's junk but if you get a good one then all good, like anything else.
Jul 17, 2026 4:44 AM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 4:44 AM
1.8K Comments
Quote from m6284505 View quoted comment :
No shit? I actually emailed support asking for a new one and they said they didn't sell just the amp when mine died.
Could just be the THX..

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Jul 17, 2026 4:47 AM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 4:47 AM
1.8K Comments
Quote from ilovetofu View quoted comment :
Tempting price but the reviews regarding amp failures are concerning, so I'm reluctant to take a chance. Also, I don't know about the 12" Dayton but I bought an 8" one and couldn't use it for TV/movies because it powers off too quickly in "auto" mode if the receiver isn't constantly sending it a signal. I ended up using it with a stereo system for music, and it's fine for that.
Try upping the input level and/or using a splitter cable if it has stereo in.
Jul 17, 2026 4:50 AM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 4:50 AM
1.8K Comments
Quote from m6284505 View quoted comment :

I bought this sub and within 6 months the damn amp died and Monoprice offered NOTHING. I had to buy a replacement amp on my own and custom mount it. I'd never recommend this.
https://imgur.com/a/qI7hKEm
Damn, didn't even honor the one year warranty??
Jul 17, 2026 4:30 PM
13.3K Comments
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrobJul 17, 2026 4:30 PM
13.3K Comments
Quote from CalmMitten9192 View quoted comment :
They all are and RSL is great and has excellent CS. 339 is a little higher price point than 229 or 180 tho but its a solid unit for sure.
Well then for a little more than $339, look at the 10s.
For a little more than that look at the 12s.

Keep in mind every brand has a failure rate & warranty window(this is 1yr for defects).
As you mentioned,if you do get a good one of these,that's pretty good performance for $180, at least ol Brent thought so.
Last edited by supermanrob July 17, 2026 at 09:40 AM.
1
Jul 17, 2026 5:39 PM
1.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2020
CalmMitten9192Jul 17, 2026 5:39 PM
1.8K Comments
Quote from supermanrob View quoted comment :

Well then for a little more than $339, look at the 10s.
For a little more than that look at the 12s.

Keep in mind every brand has a failure rate & warranty window(this is 1yr for defects).
As you mentioned,if you do get a good one of these,that's pretty good performance for $180, at least ol Brent thought so.
My point being that 229 is close to the price point of 180 so consider that one too, whereas 339 is almost twice as much as 180 so why I didn't mention that unit which belongs in a different price tier.

If you are in the 300ish tier though then agreed 10E is the one to get for sure, and then so on up from there.

10S at 400.

12s at 700 sometimes (if you don't mind it being the size of a mini fridge haha). Starke is another option to consider and you can get a ported 15 for less which is nuts.

Some good options at a G like HSU and so on.

All can have failures but the ID brands and parts express will go out of their way to help you whereas Monoprice it is on their terms and sometimes results can be mixed. It wasn't for me when I had an issue TBF but I did have to send the whole speaker back. Wouldn't have been cool if it was a 15 inch sub. ID brands or PE likely will just send you a new plate amp if it is available and go out of their way to help you if they can. It's just on a completely different tier of CS.
Last edited by CalmMitten9192 July 17, 2026 at 10:59 AM.
1
Jul 17, 2026 7:38 PM
13.3K Comments
Joined Jul 2010
supermanrobJul 17, 2026 7:38 PM
13.3K Comments
Quote from CalmMitten9192 View quoted comment :
My point being that 229 is close to the price point of 180 so consider that one too, whereas 339 is almost twice as much as 180 so why I didn't mention that unit which belongs in a different price tier.If you are in the 300ish tier though then agreed 10E is the one to get for sure, and then so on up from there.10S at 400.12s at 700 sometimes (if you don't mind it being the size of a mini fridge haha). Starke is another option to consider and you can get a ported 15 for less which is nuts. Some good options at a G like HSU and so on.All can have failures but the ID brands and parts express will go out of their way to help you whereas Monoprice it is on their terms and sometimes results can be mixed. It wasn't for me when I had an issue TBF but I did have to send the whole speaker back. Wouldn't have been cool if it was a 15 inch sub. ID brands or PE likely will just send you a new plate amp if it is available and go out of their way to help you if they can. It's just on a completely different tier of CS.
My point being there is always something better of "the price point" for a price. Whether it's worth the cost is completely subjective & personal. There is no universal "best" price to performance ratio! Once you get to around $700 and up.They are all pretty much good, becomes more a preference at that point ime.

Yes all those other "perks" come at a cost also.
Again whether it's worth it is a personal choice.
I'll point to SVS since people like to point to them because they cost more.
Their CS is arguably one of the best.
Their trade up program, try doing that with another brand.
I had the option recently with my dual SB3000 way after a year!
Would have but was offered more from a private sale.
Went to their new SB3000 Revolution series.
Whole new redesign and it's significant/impressive ime!
That's saying a lot from the prior model!

The auto EQ for them is pretty useful imo.
Think of what D-ART does with subwoofer(s) into your environment/room.
Especially if you only have Dirac Live!

If those perks aren't helpful, yes plenty of other good ones that cost less.
Last edited by supermanrob July 17, 2026 at 02:15 PM.
3
Jul 18, 2026 3:35 AM
241 Comments
Joined May 2017
cpgeekJul 18, 2026 3:35 AM
241 Comments
Quote from AquaVolcano980 View quoted comment :
The Dayton only has 200 watts vs. 400 for the Monoprice, the Dayton uses spring clips instead of binding posts for speaker level connections, and is also made in China. The reviews on Monoprice don't mention a single amp failure, so I'm not seeing the benefit of the Dayton.
I have heard from others that monoprice "curates" their user reviews quite a bit... ugh. there are lots of off-site reviews of amp failures.
Jul 18, 2026 4:46 PM
58 Comments
Joined Apr 2019
jsharkyJul 18, 2026 4:46 PM
58 Comments
Quote from AquaVolcano980 View quoted comment :
The Dayton only has 200 watts vs. 400 for the Monoprice, the Dayton uses spring clips instead of binding posts for speaker level connections, and is also made in China. The reviews on Monoprice don't mention a single amp failure, so I'm not seeing the benefit of the Dayton.
Sheer power is not always make the higher power amp better than a lower power amp . This may not be the case for these budget subwoofers, however generally a great 200 watt amp will beat a low quality 400 amp. It also depends on the specs of the driver it's powering.

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Jul 19, 2026 12:50 AM
1.2K Comments
Joined May 2010
BuyMoreChuckJul 19, 2026 12:50 AM
1.2K Comments
My subwoofer just died and I am looking for a replacement. I listen to music and play movies. Any recommendations, maybe up to $300? What does RSL stand for?

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