Best Large Subwoofer under $1000! RSL Speedwoofer 12s Review! 

Hi Robert, I'm happy you find it helpful :)

Did you ever get the 12? How do you like the size it seems way bigger than the 10.

Also interested how you like the 12s. After failing to get in on the pre order for the 10S, 2 months in a row, I decided on the 12S. It's in transit now. Adding it to my Klipsche RP 8000F towers. Can't wait !!

@@Idiotsincarshere I love it. The size was intimidating at first. BUT the size of the sound is huge. For the first time, I understood what reviewers meant about adding a subwoofer to a system. This subwoofer is a winner, it will improve your sound system. Watch out your house will groan and rattle .......😅

Hey what's up Joe! I just saw the vid last night, great work as usual!

They are disruptive products....if getting the best you can get for the money with the best customer service ever, hell yeah...they damn disruptive !! My living room looks like RSL Wonderland.

​@@isolar8001 if the import charges to the UK wasn't soo damn high I would have got 2 of the little brothers.

yes sir, it can be overwhelming but this badboy is 100% the best large sub under $1k, even if someones budget is higher they should really consider this badboy as long as the physical dimensions are not an issue.

yeah, the whole thing took me by surprise honestly.

I've never heard sb4000's personally but I do have a guy in my discord who replaced them with JL E112 and is absolutely over the moon, naturally at the price of JL it's no surprise.

@@NemoPropaganda regardless I love what you do man. You're the 🐐 when it comes to subwoofer reviews and someone I trust!

@@ThujanK thank you for the kind words my man!

nice, can't wait to see how it turns out!

@@NemoPropaganda your review and Shane Lee's review were very helpful in my decision! Thanks!

How do you like your dual 12s vs Sb-16 ultra?

@@Professor5180 I like it very much. The bass impact is incredible and more widely distributed imo. Very happy with the dual 12s's.

oh man are you in for a treat!

It won’t it will excel in sound quality but that’s about it over the rsl the lv12m only goes to 19hz it’s a good sub though

Rythmik will always have speed and dynamics over any other brand except RSL, but at the same time RSL will never produce the bottom end Rythmik has. Plus at this price point, Fvx12 is way better than the 12s for a few hundred more.

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 I just ordered a Fvx12

sounds like the previous version or perhaps a pre-covid world price, the new monolith 12" V2 is $1100, I have not seen it sell for much less either.

@@NemoPropaganda Probably open box. The other day I saw a monolith 15 V2 for about $1000 open box if I remember accurately, and I saw them on sale for $1100 around December/January.

@@NemoPropaganda V2 with painted finish is $1100. Regular vinyl finish retails for ~900 but often goes on sale for 800. It's slightly smaller in volume but weighs more

Would also like to see the comparison, monolith is crazy value too

@@Stan_the_Belgian I have a rule to not cover subs in excess of 100lbs unless I’m personally extremely curious about it.

mmm, I'm not sure, I suggest you contact RSL for clarification on that :)

​@@NemoPropaganda its an IR remote

like thomas & stereo says, there is no "best" as personal taste is always going to be a big factor in all of this.

It’s the price point and rythmik would lose over that market so your comparing to a svs pb2k or a sb3000 maybe a second had pb3k . This is a good sub for the price and reviews so far

​ You're right about the price point. I just want to know the sound quality comparison

the answer to that question is in the discord more comparisons link I put in the description.

Glad you enjoyed!

Did you go Rythmik or RSL?

hard to say, they're different animals, if you're in the free discord I'd love to hear an update once you get the 12s

maybe if they get enough requests :)

discord.com/channels/919111263148208209/1089813679907807262

do it!

Glad you enjoyed it!

congrats! you will not be dissapointed!

excellent choice! If you're in the free discord feel free to post some pictures :)

How is it performing Seth? For HT and music?

Long thrown is 20mm xmax and more...also box size depends on the woofer, and the power handling, look at svs, but it gets expensive fast

@@Stan_the_Belgian In car audio drivers are often designed such that they have extreme high excursion. But I took woofers that I thought would be more reasonable for the comparison. I don't think the Rel T5x uses a sub with more than 10mm of xmax and I also don't think that the RSl woofer will have more than 15mm of linear throw. For instance, the SVS PB/SB 2000 uses a Peerless basedndriver with about 12-13mm xmax. Power handling depends on the enclosure but for the sake of my argument I was just comparing theoretical displacement capability. This is the number one parameter for SPL in subbass territory

@@Pentenfi there is also motor force, stifness of suspension, cone weight, ... it's more than xmax. They determine qts and how they will perform in different box types. I agree for sub bass you need high xmax, motor force, and you will have crappy efficiency

​@@Stan_the_Belgian I think we are on the same page here. My point was just to show how much size matters

nice dude, I'm happy you love it! SVS is still great, there are people that don't want that well defined leading edge and isntead prefer the bass to have a softer leading edge and rumble really nicely, that's how the SVS PB subs are and why a lot of people enjoy them.

​@@NemoPropagandahow do you think two of these would compare to my single SVS SB 16 Ultra? More presence and deeper bass I would assume? Thanks!

@@Dalt1225 2 of these versus a single SB16? That's not really fair but the dual 12s subs should outperform the single SB16. You'd have great extension and output either way but the dual 12s setup would have a larger sense of scale and should have more headroom but I'm only guessing. Essentially this is the ole 2 cheaper subs vs 1 more expensive sub question, depending on the models in question it can go either way but in this situation my money would be on the 12s pair against a single sb16. Again, just guessing.

@@NemoPropaganda thanks for the reply! I tend to agree with your guess. I've been an SVS customer since the beginning in 2001. I would buy a second SB16 but I'm currently saving for Arendal speakers. I was thinking about selling the SB16 and getting 2 12S Speedwoofers and it wouldn't really cost me anything out of pocket. I'd get an LFE output upgrade and keep my Arendal savings funds.

@@Dalt1225 I think you're on the right track brother. Even if we look at SVS's own data dual PB 2000 Pro should outperform a single SB16 and the 12s is bigger than the PB2000 pro so I think the dual 12s option would be a really nice upgrade without spending any extra cash. I strongly support your idea :)

Yeah that's a killer price for the XS15, my only gripe is you can't set the xover lower than 60hz which is okay for theater guys since they can adjust things further via their AVR but for us stereo guys it make things a bit challenging. For example I generally xover around 35hz when running my S400 MK2. Granted if you run Emotiva's own TA2 amp it has onboard bass management.

you're gonna love it.

@@NemoPropaganda I really think that I will too, and thank you for the awesome, in depth (REAL WORLD) reviews that you do, it's supremely helpful to us non-audiophiles who still strive to get the best bang for our buck without all of the pomp and circumstance. Keep up the great work!

@@utjoseywales thank you for the kind words.

My problem is the rp1200sw is 600 right now w a 5y warranty. This is 800 w 2/5yr warranty. I dunno what to do tbh.

pb1000 pro is no slouch my man but if you crave more than what it can offer and don't mind the larger cabinet you will get more :)

I wouldn't upgrade from 10s to 10s MK2, the difference is too small. I'd just keep what you got my man!

@@NemoPropaganda that's some good advice! Thanks man!

@@capnsnaxx yes sir, always gotta be financially mindful and stack that paper!

excellent choice, FVX12 is a true hidden gem.

they will but after you hear the 12s you will most likely only still be using the 10s to balance out the room, you won't need the extra output :)

@@NemoPropaganda That should work fine. I'm glad the 12s are so solid.

i dunno, SVS is in their own lane and sold all around the world. They have their own value and sound that many people will love.

it's no comparison, the 12s is larger and does everything better.

I tried bro but they won't respond to my emails so no luck. Except for REL I generally don't love passive radiator subs.

@@NemoPropaganda aha I see, ok can’t say I blame you then. Sounds like they are afraid to stand by their product. Thanks my guy and may life continue to go good for you and treat you well

aye welcome aboard my man!!!!!

I have not heard the 1961 1V.

Think 1s on STEROIDS 🦾 and it's under 100lbs😉

no, I thought they went out of business like 15 years ago.

@@NemoPropaganda No Safe and Sound is selling them. I read Bob Carver sold the company around 2005. Sunfire site says they're part of Nice North America LLC. Who ever that may be.

I have not heard the M12 but it appears to compete more with the PB2000 Pro or the new Klipsch RP1200-SW, both of which are fine subwoofers. The RSL however is so far, the largest vented 12" sub on the market currently (that I've seen atleast). If the size is not a concern I do not believe it has an equal at its price point. If the size is a little too big then consider the Rythmik FVX12, SVS PB2000 Pro or Klipsch RP1200-SW, they're not small, but they are a bit smaller than the RSL 12S.

discord.com/channels/919111263148208209/1089813679907807262

I have a 12s arriving today. My towers are also r700's.

most people either have extra time or extra money, rarely do people have both, if you have the knowhow and the time to build a DIY sub then go for it but there are tons of hidden costs if you don't have everything you need already for all the finishing like clamps, glues, cutting & finishing tools, etc.... And lets not forget that DIY sub is worth nothing on the used market. DIY has its place but is not a replacement for finished goods, its a different arena all together. As far as monoprice I believe their closest competitor is $50 more expensive and still smaller.

@ Nemo Propaganda , Man you nailed that first part! Story of my life, can't quite ever seem to combine decent income with any time to enjoy it. I've been designing, building, and installing subwoofer cabs since the late 80's. And yes the tool requirements for DIY are real. But most people with woodworking skills have or have access to enough tools to assemble a sub cab. Usually the biggest challenge is finding enough motivation to start and then finish the project.

Yeah it's not cheap getting it to Canada. But considering the PB2000 pro is now 1850 CDN +15% tax.. Well.. I have a feeling the 12S is the better choice.

I'm not surprised, shipping it UPS on my wholesale shipping account is $367 + $78 large package fee and that doesn't even include insurance. Retail rate on that shipping is probably over $500+. A pallet on a wholesale account is probably the same or more. Rates to Hawaii have really gone up in the past year. I used to be able to ship a pallet to Hawaii for $300, now it's $800+ for that same pallet :(

Thanks for your comments, thoughts and insights on our shipping problems here in the aloha state

If I get a decent shipping price I'll consider it, if not I'm going with the SVS PB-2000 through our local Best Buy outlet. But it's a weeks wait for arrival. Like they say, only time will tell.

@@4ehano the PB2000 Pro is a great LFE monster too and a little smaller so that's not a bad choice either!!

RSL fixed their website and shipping page, but in the end I ordered the 10s mkii because of budget constraints. The 12s would have worked out for me because of my living room size and volume, (25x35x10)but with reviews like yours and others, I'm truly hoping this lives up to all the hype it's gotten here on YT. Will post after arrival, unboxing, setup, testing and break-in. Aloha!

You already have the ideal setup. Stick with 2 subs. It's physics. 2 will give you better overall evenness of response, with no peaks or nulls. Better than a single sub of most any type. Even a single JL Fathom. 2 subs are ALWAYS better than 1. You've got a killer setup already!

some rooms do just fine with a single sub (like my room) but generally yes, most people would prefer a pair.

@@theoriginalcraig Would there be any issue with mixing a 12S and the 10SII? I've considered setting 12S to handle 40hz and below and 10SII to do 40hz+. Would just like more output below 25hz which is the 10S's weak spot.

@@timelapsega Perfect plan. Absolutely. Best possible solution. You nailed it! I would go with that. Check back in and let me know how it sounds!

I asked Joe Rodgers from RSL…aka, the owner. He said a single 12s, hands down.

I have not heard JTR subwoofers, they don't really send review samples and they're a little too large for me. Personally if I was in the market for an 18" the Rythmik F18 would be my first pick but I'm a music first customer. My best advice to you is start with a pair of 12s and go from there. You'd be keeping your initial investment down and you'll get to see what the 12s is all about. If you love them you certainly can add 2 more and if you hate them you can sell them and move on without losing too much. It's easier to sell an $800 sub on the used market than a $3k+ sub.

yeah bro, it's a challenge to make big ported subs look good. You can throw a gloss finish on them and that helps but generally adds $150-$200 to the price.

I reached out 3 times, they never responded :(

@@NemoPropaganda that's a shame, I assume they probably don't want to pay the shipment.

@@huyly5339 nope, my email to them was very clear, I informed them I only lived 30 minutes down the road from their warehouse and would be happy to drive down to collect and return the unit to eliminate all costs associated with shipping, still no response or reply. The review would have cost them literally zero dollars.

they all impress me but for different reasons. I'd say the RSL 12S was the most "holy crap wow!" experience. It's sheer size makes it capable of a sense of scale that smaller options simply can't match and it's priced so low it almost doesn't make sense but it's a giant sub and not everyone can accomodate that, myself included. I think SVS makes a great sub for those that prefer a heavier handed presentation, REL makes a great sub for those that prefer better integration and handeling of delicate passages. They're opposite ideas of what bass should be.

I would not recommend anyone put a giant sub in a small room for a music only system, that doesn't mean it won't sound good or you can't do it. I just wouldn't do it myself.

@@NemoPropaganda thanks for your kind advice

discord.com/channels/919111263148208209/1089813679907807262

From the Discord: **__REL 1003 MK2 vs RSL Speedwoofer 10s:__** Enough people asked so I gotta answer. This is a pretty simple one, the 10s is a vented sub and larger overall so no surprise it will play louder. The 1003 MK2 being a REL will do all the things REL generally does better in the realm of bass fidelity. It will cost you more money, is a little smaller, and can't play as loud but it can still play plenty loud. If you can afford the +56% price difference the 1003 MK2 is absolutely worth it. The RSL 10S continues to be the best subwoofer under $500, but the more expensive 1003 MK2 will reward you with better bass fidelity overall.

allow me to clarify, the phrase "poormans x" generally means the item is considerably cheaper and gets close to the more expensive thing but doesn't mean it's on the same level, we do have to remember the PB16 is even larger than the 12s weighing in at a whopping 175 lbs, has triple the wattage, and the custom peerless STW driver inside the PB16 is a beast in its own right.

@@NemoPropaganda Ya I figured that. Would the 12s be better than the PB3000?

@@DingeyBasementRecordings I'm not sure, I never heard the PB3000, only the SB/PB1000 Pro, SB/PB2000 Pro, PC2000, SB3000, and SB/PB16

Hi Dave, thank you for the kind words. I do not believe monolith makes anything comparable or better for the same money. Buy the 12s, don't look back. As long as the size is okay you will be a very happy man.

@@NemoPropaganda I can't believe you really take the time to answer, is so kind from you THANK YOU, will gladly go for the 12s !! It's really nice to see how you care men, wish you would be my neighbor would pay you a bear and talk about what we love ! Good sound

@@davel4449 thank you Dave, I try my best to respond to most comments. The channel isn't too big so it's not too much work. I started this whole thing to try and help people make decisions because I had a hard time making decisions myself lol. I understand the fear and worry of making the wrong decision many of us face and I enjoy helping people solve that when possible :)

maybe try working with a freight forwarder.

@@NemoPropaganda u know any? :3

@@felipenachmanowicz9393 I think it would be best to ask your fellow countrymen as rates can be very different. Try to find a facebook group for audio in Brazil and ask them if anyone knows a good freight forwarder.

@@NemoPropaganda the problem is customs. I'd pay the thing at least one time over with fees unless I bring it with me on a trip.

sorry I don't know anything about that.

You answered this later. Thank you.

The RSL 12s is substantially larger, maybe 3x the size, if you are okay with the size the RSL 12s is insanely good. If the size is too large there are many good options on the smaller side like the Rythmik LV12m which is phenomoinal, if you want something with a nicer finish the XTZ 10.17 EDGE is great too. For Arendal subs I didn't feel the 1961 1S was anything special, it's good for sure but the 1723 1S I felt was very special but that is much more expensive.

@@NemoPropaganda thank you. Think I’m going with the RSL.

Absolutely yes. That would be a big upgrade for you!! 6” or so from the rear wall should be fine but maybe call RSL and get their opinion just to be sure.

Thanks for the quick reply! Definitely will put these on my shopping list :)

I can't bro, they were willing to send me a review sample but the subs are just a bit too heavy for me to accomodate as they arrive on a pallet and when subs are around 100lbs or more it's just too much for me bro. I had a back injury awhile ago and after many months of physical therapy my back is strong now but I do not wish to injur it again :)

I do not understand the question. Please clarify.

@@NemoPropaganda heh..he..sorry, kids distracted from full question..yes. i know you compared this speedwoofer with svs pb 1000 pro, but svs has less output power. but if you take SB 2000 pro instead , which is sealed but has similar output power with speedwoofer 12s, (yet slightly more expensive.) which of those two would perform better overall in such things like transients, thickness of bass, speed, depth, note distinctions..etc? which of those two would take edge of some of those factors important for defining music quality? thank you!

@@jurynalivaiko4718 power doesn't matter in this situation, the sb2000 is so much smaller than the 12s the comparison is a non starter. The SB2000 is a nice compact solution with very respectable performance for its compact dimensions. The 12S is a monster for those who can accomodate the size, it does everthing better than the SB2000 pro and it's roughly 4x the size if not bigger.

if you have peaks & nulls and want to go dual sub to fix that and the NSD is already too big I don't think you can fit 2 of these so you might need to stick with the more compact solutions like the SB3000 pair.

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks, yeah my space is tough, it’s an 8x15 room but one plus was my 65” tv seems enormous now being 6 ft from it, love the channel and the straight forward style of the reviews!

@@NemoPropaganda I’m now watching your REL 1205 /1510 videos and thinking I might try a different brand lol, lots to choose from these days

@@Blahmanwhysoserious oh yeah! there are a ton of options. A pair of 1205 MK2 would be awesome too.

I tried, they didn't respond to my emails :)

I’ve owned PSA’s, and they offer great customer service, but in terms of performance, I’d put them slightly above SVS, but well below Rythmik, REL or Arendal for sound quality. They’re huge sellers and a good value, but Tom, the owner, will not allow independent testing of his subs, and with the volume of his sales, he doesn’t have to

from my discord: RSL 12s vs Rythmik FVX12: To be crystal clear the FVX12 at $1100 is superior in terms of sound quality and bass fidelity overall and I do not believe we will ever see a day where another vented sub can best the FVX12 in terms of bass fidelity. With that said the RSL 12s at $800 is substantially larger and will outperform just about anything smaller in terms of sheer scale, effortlessness, and thickness in the lower end, all while having sound quality that most will consider very much to be fantastic in its own right. Does the RSL 12s have REL/Rythmik levels of fidelity? Absolutely not but it's plenty good for the money. It's almost like a poor mans PB16 ultra but more tactile and quicker. Do keep in mind the FVX12 is no slouch in terms of output & effortlessness either. it is however much smaller overall than the 12s. So what do you want? The best sound? Go for FVX12. You want the biggest sense of scale and overall bass per dollar, go for 12s. Each one represents tremendous value.

Vented subs generally are not very tactile but based on what you're describing I think you will enjoy the 12S.

The larger 12s plays considerably louder below 40hz.

PB2000 Pro is very good but smaller overall. The 12s is the better sub in my opinion for the money if the size is not a concern. The PB3000 is double the price so you can get dual RSL 12S, I don't think a single PB3000 can compete with that. SVS Makes a very good subwoofer but RSL really did something crazy here and for a very low price.

as mentioned in the video more comparisons are in the free discord. discord.com/channels/919111263148208209/1089813679907807262

I no longer have this review sample in my home and cannot test anything additional that was not covered in the video, please contact RSL to be sure the unit will work the way you intend to use it.

I am not interested in starke products at this time.

I wouldn't consider the 10s weak, hell I'd even say at $449 it gets pretty damn deep!

those are 2 very different subwoofers in 2 very different sizes. I don't know what your goals are, I don't know your usage case, I don't know your room dimensions, I cannot assist any further.

Let me be crystal clear, I love SVS as a company, I think they make outstanding products and have outstanding customer serivce and with that said I feel the RSL 12s does everything better than the PB2000 pro. If the size of the 12s.

Nemo thank you SO MUCH for your time and clear straight to the point answers. I will be buying an RSL 12s for sure no more doubts

@@davel4449 just make sure it fits where you want to put it and make sure you double check the height also!! It's a big boy!!!!!

No worries for the sound I want I don't mind it's big like a kitchen stove lol

I don't see why it wouldn't, this things a pretty serious monster.

Both can pound but the RSL 12s is more in every way.

@@NemoPropaganda thanks for the advice. ill try out the klipsch and if it isnt enough then ill get the rsl.

​@@NemoPropaganda once you break it in is there any difference? I just got it yesterday and wasnt very impressed tbh. I canceled the klipsch and got the rsl 12s. I think I have an issue w mine though. It doesn't seem to hit hard. I tried all settings in my reciever and Def made it better. I was thinking it was gonna shake things up but it doesn't. Their customer service is great though for sure. Hope I figure it out for sure. I will say if anyone hooks up any sub. Be sure to use the 2 rca jacks not just the single lfe. It makes a pretty big difference for sure. It does hit harder and get louder. I gave them my room measurements and they said 1 should be enough. I told them I'll buy another if necessary. They said they'd give me a discount on the 2nd sub which I thought was cool.

@@parkersgarage4216 in my experience most subs change with break in, it's usually not drastic and it wasn't drastic with the RP1200SW but it they generally get a little louder and dig a little lower after a few hours of sustained use. Try plugging the ports on your speakers temporarily to rule out any major phase issues. If plugging your speakers ports gives you a substantial increase in bass you have a phase issue.

pb2000 pro is a lot like the pb1000 pro but with more output & confidence at the extremes of output & extension. Like the PB1000 Pro it too is smaller than the 12s overall and as a result the 12s will have the larger sense of scale. PB2000 pro is a great option for anyone that lives somewhere RSL is not available or those who find the RSL to be too large or those who prefer to have a cell phone app over a remote but if you want the largest sense of scale the 12s is the way.

unlikely, reviewing larger subs is a serious challenge for me and I don't want to review anything else that's larger. I can tell you the 12s will outperform a PB2000 Pro for sure, PB3000 I just don't know since I've never heard one. If I had to guess I'd say the PB3000 should outperform the 12s in terms of raw output since the cabinets are simlar in size but the PB3000 has the technical advantage of having 60% more power and a driver that is 18% larger.

@@NemoPropaganda Thank you for such a quick response. I am a proud owner of RSL 12S. Except the size, It is unbelievable. Paired it with HSU Research ULS 15 MK2. Which is also great, only thing is mixing sealed and ported subwoofer, which SVS strictly discourage. As I use my subwoofers almost 100% for movies, ported is better for me. Considering replacing my ULS 15 MK2. As it will be one time purchase not considering money. Confused adding another RSL 12S or SVS PB3000. Matching with presently have RSL 12S or SB 3000? Any suggestions for me? Matching similar kind may mean overall better output. Matching different kind may mean, it will cover if one area is weaker in one subwoofer. 🤔

​@@muntasirmamun1345 I do not believe mixing PB3000 & 12S will sound better than two matching subs from either brand. The phase issues alone of 1 front ported and 1 rear ported will be a nightmare.

@@NemoPropaganda Noted. Thank you for giving me the relief. Not considering PB 3000 anymore.

@@muntasirmamun1345 no problerm man, my goal has always been to help people and myself stop obsessing so we can get back to the music :)

if you have questions about the companies inner workings or future plans please contact them.

2 of these.

depends on if you can connect it or not. How do you get sound to play on the speaker? Like where does the sound come from?

@@NemoPropaganda My system is connecting to Behringer XR12. I can connect this sub to XR12 Aux 1/2. I just would like to ensure that the power of this sub can match my speakers having 1100w max. I normally use full power of my speakers. I am just afraid this sub does not have enough power output or not loud enough. Thanks

@@seemovielove3597 I'm not familiar with pro audio equipment but the 12s can play very loud.

Do you play over 110 db in the home?

@@WWeiss-nv5vznot sure how loud is 110db. But if you have a receiver of 110w then I play at least max volume of this receiver.