When you’re in the process of putting together the perfect home audio set-up, it’s easy to forget about how important subwoofers are. High-quality speakers are usually top of mind for people when they’re thinking about what they need. These are certainly important, but definitely not the only thing you should be thinking about. Even though you might not be a bass-head, subwoofers will enable your existing speakers to better reproduce lower frequencies in tv shows, songs, movie soundtracks, and games, even if your speakers are on the smaller end. Subwoofers will add to your home system and give you a more immersive vibe to whatever you’re listening to, even if you’re not specifically looking for those low frequencies. As an added bonus, having subwoofers will also ensure that your speakers don’t need to work as hard, which can add to the longevity of your audio equipment.
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You also don’t need to worry about the size of the subwoofer, because bass frequencies are non-directional so you can place the subwoofer somewhere out the way, rather than right with your tv and speakers. Regardless of what you have at home already, a 12-inch model is a good size to consider because it is the perfect combination between sound quality and size. So we’ve gone ahead and put together our 2020 picks for the best 12 inch subwoofer for your money. Take a look below to see what works best for you!
The Top 12 Inch Subwoofers In 2020
Polk Audio is one of the bigger names in the speaker and higher-end audio industry, and you’ve definitely seen their products before, if not own some already. Although these subs look relatively simple, they pack a powerful punch in terms of its sound. The 505 accepts both line-level inputs from a receiver and wired stereo speaker systems, so you can integrate these into your existing set-up with no issue. The 460 watts is a little lower in terms of power but still manage to deliver high performance without any distortion in your sound, and accurately reproduces sounds, which makes it great for your home theater. In terms of its build, the slot load venting improves the bass response while MDF construction suppresses enclosure panel resonance so that all in all, you’re getting better audio. One reviewer noted that “I will guarantee you that you will hear clear and clean solid bass and will compliment other speakers improving clarity at a wide range of frequencies from low to high.”
- HEART-THUMPING MUSIC WITH DEEP, POWERFUL BASS – Polk's 12-inch Dynamic Balance Woofer sounds better because it is built better. Make your movies, music & sports experience thrilling
- ACCURATE SOUND REPRODUCTIONS – Be it delicate, melodious string music or solid blasts and booms from bombs and bullets, this subwoofer picks the subtleties between different kinds of sound correctly and reproduces them with absolute perfection
- DRIVEN BY IMMENSE 460-WATT POWER, the PSW505 gives HIGH PERFORMANCE IMPACTFUL SOUND WITHOUT ANY DISTORTION. While it blends with any speaker, it works best with Polk's Signature Series Speakers. Highly recommended for your home theater
- VERSATILE & FULLY LOADED – The front grille is detachable, and the back has a magnetically shielded LFE-input for noisy signal aversion, line- & speaker-level inputs and outputs, and a Phase Toggle Switch designed for running multiple subwoofers
- EASY TO INTEGRATE WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS – Hook up this sub to the receiver and upgrade your music sound instantly. Features continuously variable 60-120 Hz crossover and 25-125 Hz frequency response
Sundown Audio is less well known than the other manufacturers out there, but the quality and build of these subwoofers is right on par with the best names in the industry. These are very well designed, with a heavy and sturdy feel that delivers clean-sounding lows without overheating or distorting the audio. It utilizes thick, black, anodized aluminum voice coil formers to dissipate heat and max out on the strength of these subs. Inside, the Dual Aluminum Faraday rings also reduce inductance and inductive distortion. Although it’s rated at 750W, most reviewers agree that this has actually been underrated, which means that you’ll be getting way more out of these than you thought you were going to get. You can install these in your car or use them in your home theater set-up. One self-proclaimed bass-head claimed that these are “they are clean sounding and love the lows. Don’t get hot or distort. Build a box or get one built to spec and see for yourself. To be honest, it would be hard for me to buy any other brand now, knowing what these can do and how they sound.”
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Rockford Fosgate is a big name when it comes to consumer audio products, and its series of Punch subwoofers definitely delivers. The P3D4-12 gives you amazing sound–all the thumps and bumps you would want your low frequencies to have, at a fairly low cost compared to other options out there. You get 1200 watts of maximum power handling (600 watts RMS) and custom 10-AWG nickel plated push terminals. You can pick from either the 2 or 4 ohm options, with the 2 being wired from 1 or 4 while the 4 ohm option can be wired 2 or 8 (8 is a good option if you’re going to be purchasing multiple subs, in our opinion). In terms of the build, the aluminum cone takes heat away from the copper and aluminum voice coils, which allows you to hear that bass sound without the sound bottoming out. Even for the relatively low cost, one reviewer commented that “these are worth the money! Plain and simple, better design, better magnets, bigger coils combine for much better performance.”
- The P3 Series is Rockford Fosgate’s best performing Punch subwoofer delivering reference quality bass in our most popular models
- The Punch P3D4-12 is a 12” 4-Ohm DVC (dual voice coil) subwoofer with 600 Watts RMS / 1200 Watts Max power handling and custom 10-AWG nickel plated push terminals
- Featuring anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps, with a unique spider venting design to keep the motor cooler and a new hybrid stamp-cast basket providing super strength while minimizing weight and resonance
- Best used in standard sealed or vented enclosures {Sealed (Vb): 1.02 cu. ft. (28.8 Liters) / Vented (Vb): 1.79 cu. ft. (50.6 Liters) / Mounting Depth: 6.66 in. (169.3 mm) / Cutout Diameter: 11.25 in. (285 mm)
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 1-year warranty when purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate reseller
Another smaller manufacturer, but with a top-quality product, is Skar. These SDR series subwoofers handles 2,400 watts (1,200 watts RMS) at its peak, which blows most subwoofers out of the water in terms of its capacity. It comes pre-wired internally for a 1-ohm final impedance load at the terminals to make installation easier for you. These are specifically designed for audiophiles who want a competition grade system for a good price. The box ensures easy set-up and integration into your existing system, while also remaining sleek enough to not distract from the rest of your aesthetics. As many reviewers attested, “Skar is my brand for life. Love these subs man! My first set of subs and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They work very well and I push them pretty hard.”
- SDR Series 12-inch Dual 4-ohm loaded Subwoofer Enclosure
- Peak Power: 2,400 Watts | RMS power: 1,200 Watts
- Pre-wired Internally for a 1 Ohm Final Impedance Load at the Terminals for an Easy Installation
- Custom Vented Enclosure Made of High Strength 5/8" MDF and Finished in Premium Black Carpeting
- Double Front Baffle (1.25") with Countersunk subwoofer design for Flush and Attractive Appearance
