Subwoofer Reviews

Monoprice Monolith 12" and 15" THX Ultra Subwoofers Review Test Bench

Test Bench

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Monolith 12” (red) Close-miked response in Extended mode with both ports open, normalized to level @ 80 Hz: lower –3 dB @ 19 Hz, –6 dB @ 17 Hz, upper –3 dB @ 161 Hz w Crossover switch set to Off.

Monolith 15” (blue) Close-miked response in Extended mode with two ports open, normalized to level @ 80 Hz: lower –3 dB @ 16 Hz, –6 dB @ 14 Hz, upper –3 dB @ 236 Hz w Crossover switch set to Off.—MJP

COMMENTS
drny's picture
Submitted by drny on May 10, 2018 - 12:54pm

Daniel I'm sure the Monoprice subs are quite good.
But what I really NEEEED to know is how did you persuade your wife (if your married that is) on the four reference Subs you already own.
I have a Deftech STS Home Theater speaker system with an additional 10"Deftech supercube sub.
My speaker selection was highly influence by their aesthetics as my wife nixed much larger Home theater speaker systems that I preffer(ugly, says my beloved).
I have attempted to add the same HSU Research and SVS model subs you owned, but no dice.
You will be my eternal God if you so kindly share your enchanting the wife skills.
Mine stink. Adding a ceiling projector and retractable screen cost me a complete kitchen remodel.
If you are single (co-habitating does not count, as they can't leave you broke on the gutter) disregard my request.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 10, 2018 - 4:06pm
Patience is a virtue :) It took me years of convincing, but it helps that I earn income from this writing gig and I pulled it off as "it's something I HAVE to do!" By the way, you made me LOL with the kitchen remodel because that's how I got a front projector in 2005!
jalan's picture
Submitted by jalan on May 10, 2018 - 12:57pm

For $300 more wouldn't a setup of dual Monolith 12's be far superior to the single Monolith 15? Both seem like well made and fantastic subwoofers but The 15 at $1000 or $1100 would be a more logical price point.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 10, 2018 - 4:07pm
Yes, dual 12" subs would be the preferred setup if you can't swing the cost on the 15" subs. While you'll give a little up in deep bass extension, that's something you feel rather than hear anyway. If I were on a budget, that would be the direction I'd go.
hk2000's picture
Submitted by hk2000 on May 11, 2018 - 1:56am

I have a 10" Velodyne that goes down to 19Hz, like the Monolith 12, and I do feel the bass, the floor shaking under my feet from 10 feet away, so why would the Monolith not be able to do that.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 11, 2018 - 8:33am
It can, but the Monolith 15 goes deeper than the 12.
hk2000's picture
Submitted by hk2000 on May 11, 2018 - 1:52am

Those subs are way too heavy, how are you supposed to experiment with location? That'd be a killer chore.
Also, why use 4 different Subwoofers? Most reviewers always advocate same make and model, and you turn around and mix and match from 3 different manufacturers? And one more thing, who listens at home at THX levels? unless you have no neighbors, of course.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 11, 2018 - 8:35am
I used furniture sliders to move them around. As for multiple subs, you can mix an match, but it makes integrating them harder. That's why I use a Mini-DSP, which allows me to integrate the 4 subs as one. This takes a lot of time to do right, which most people aren't willing to do, which is why using the same sub manufacturer the "easier" choice.
David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 11, 2018 - 8:36am
As for THX levels, I don't listen that loud unless I'm testing products to ensure they sound proper at those levels (generally, it's much too loud for me). The loudest I personally like to go is -10 from reference, which is plenty loud.
hk2000's picture
Submitted by hk2000 on May 11, 2018 - 10:42am

So, if I'm more interested in extension- especially at lower volume than I'm in maximum loudness, wouldn't it make more sense to go for a sub that may be limited in headroom , but accurate to below 20hz?
I'm currently using 2 subs in my theater room that can dig down to below 20hz (at reasonable loudness)and still give me enough visceral impact that I more feel than hear, and yet, even put together, they weigh less than either of these monoliths here.
Frankly, I feel Monolith is trying to be the American muscle car in the lot of exotic imports, offers a lot of value /performance, but leaves something to be desired. But I'm sure they'll generate a lot of interest for the value they offer.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 11, 2018 - 2:29pm
They weigh so much because of using HDF, which is much heavier than MDF or plywood. I'm not sure what benefit, if any, the HDF offers, but definitely does add to the weight of the subs. The good news is once they are placed in the proper spot (or spots), you never need to move them again until the next upgrade comes along :)
kevon27's picture
Submitted by kevon27 on May 12, 2018 - 5:12am

Please have Monoprice send you the 10 inch sub for review. That sub will most likely be the preferred choice for people with apartments and small rooms.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 12, 2018 - 3:48pm
Check over at AVS and you'll see some people that have bought it and like it. Given the performance of the 12" and 15", I'd almost blind buy it if you have space or noise constraints.
DoughMucker's picture
Submitted by DoughMucker on May 19, 2018 - 8:04pm

I've had a Mirage Omni S8 for several years and though it has nice sound, it doesn't have enough oomph for my medium sized basement theater. So, after reading this review, I think it's time I pull the trigger on a couple of these. My room is about 2700 cubic feet (11.5'x31'x7.5'). From what I've read, the 10" version would be too small, but would two be enough to pressurize the room? Or do I really need to step up to the 12" subwoofers?

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 27, 2018 - 9:22am
The 12" will go deeper, especially two of them.
DoughMucker's picture
Submitted by DoughMucker on May 27, 2018 - 10:29am

Thanks. I had already went ahead and bought two of them. :) Arriving in a few days.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 28, 2018 - 9:22am
That's great to hear. Be sure to post any thoughts you have on them.
Adam Wade's picture
Submitted by Adam Wade on May 19, 2018 - 8:26pm

I have a 5000 cubic foot apartment/living room. I want a sub mainly for movies -- for that deep bass impact.

Until now I was targeting the subs from HSU, SVS, and Rythmik for this price point. Not sure where these Monoprice fit into that segment.

David Vaughn's picture
Submitted by David Vaughn on May 27, 2018 - 9:24am
These fit into that segment, although if size isn't an issue, the HSU VTF-MK2 at $859 is a much better value. I use one of these as my reference subs and it does an outstanding job.
jpgin's picture
Submitted by jpgin on August 25, 2018 - 7:35am

What happened to the Marantz 8802a?

mmamun7's picture
Submitted by mmamun7 on August 31, 2018 - 8:50pm

Total home is approximate 2,000 sqft. Will setup in loft (upper floor), 20ft by 17ft. One side of loft is open to lower floor living, kitchen dining. I am confused among SVS PB or SB 2000 (500 RMS)/ Monolith 12"(500 RMS)/ HSU VTF-2 MK5 (350 RMS) subwoofer. Which subwoofer should I get?
Movies 65%, Music 35%

Have Martin Logan Motion 40s as main speaker.
Any help?

Film235's picture
Submitted by Film235 on November 23, 2020 - 7:43am

Hi Dave, I’m building an M&K atmos system at home (S150s & SS150s) and I’d like to upgrade my sub from a VX-760. Is a MX-350 the way to go or is the Monolith 12 a better option? I believe you’re an old M&K guy like me, so I thought I’d ask your advice. Love your work, thanks!

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