Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" Powered Subwoofer

Updated review:I wish I would have puchased two Dayton Audio SUB-1200 Subwoofers 4 years ago, instead of only one.These subwoofers truly deliver low frequencies which you can actually feel & hear, unlike the bass shakers which only vibrate to the bass frequencies & produce absolutely no sound. You can verify this youself with Parts Express Technical support.Additionally, this is simply plug & play w/o having to purchase an additional amplifiers as required with the bass shakers.However, you'll definitely need to use an SPL Meter to calibrate your subwoofers separately.Remember to disconnect your other subwoofers, before calibrating!I recommend using the Digital SPL meter by Radio Shack, which makes calibrating very easy. Use C weighting with slow response.I recommend positioning the back of the subwoofer exactly 7 inches away from the wall corner & exactly 4 inches away from the side corner of wall for maximum bass response. (or vice versa depending upon space restrictions)I positioned the subwoofer in an used closet behind my sofa with the door shut. This is considered a NO NO, but using an SPL meter will definitely be required to eliminate closet door vibrations or the unpleasant boomy sound.I recommend postioning the front of the subwoofer 4 inches away from the back of your sofa, if your sofa is not placed near a corner wall, if you want to experience the bass shaker effect.Note: Postion the SPL meter by the subwoofer as if you were sitting in front of it about 4 inches away & at ear level position.If you use a Hometheater PC you may need to adjust the equalizer settings, if you use to maximize the effects &/or to reduce the effects.If you patiently do everything I suggest, you should be thrilled with the results you get. The sound & bass shaker effect appears very natural & realistic.Please let me know if this review helped you in any way by clicking the yes button. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________Original Review"The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 Subwoofer Delivers Deep Quality Bass 25-30Hz... You'll Feel & Appreciate (But Not Your Neighbors)Are you kidding me? A subwoofer for only $129 with free shipping claiming 25Hz frequencies? Try comparing against HSU, SVS, Klipsch, Velodyne, BIC & Polks 12 inch Subwoofers.As you may know you'll pay 3x & more for a subwoofer which can truly produce 30Hz & lower bass frequencies.True this subwoofer won't reach beyond 25Hz, but the audio frequencies of almost all music & movies typically don't extend beyond 30Hz with a few extending as low as 25Hz. The frequency output is predetermined. 30-25Hz will satisfy virtually everybody- even serious audiophiles. Which is why this subwoofer is a true an underrated little-known gem.Note: I highly recommend ordering this subwoofer as it truly does delivers deep bass 30-25Hz for an absolute bargain. This is rare to find such a hidden value like this especially if you appreciate high end audio. I really you won’t be disappointed. Continue reading if you want to discover tips which may appreciate trying.Here’s My Story:I'm thinking, this must be total garbage or it's completely constructed out of cheap low grade materials. (However, my assumption was wrong)Do you have any idea how much a quality subwoofer costs which can really deliver 30Hz & under low frequencies? These are the frequencies you need & want for surround sound effects & for the effects of live music.Do you realize you'll pay on the average $500-$1000 & more for such a subwoofer, which does not include the high cost of shipping?I accidentally discovered this subwoofer after reading another Amazon reviewers positive review with a high end system posted elsewhere.At the time I was just searching & had limited funds, but the review sold me on testing it. So I decided it was worth taking the risk under Amazons return policy.I honestly I felt like an eager kid ordering a pair of X-ray see-thru glasses from a comic book with great expectations. Within 4 days of ordering I received a HUGE heavy box. The shipping alone would cost almost the price of this subwoofer to ship an item this heavy & securely packaged!After unpacking the box sealed within another box. I placed the subwoofer in the front right hand corner of my living room for maximum bass amplication. Note: Don’t use equal distance for best results.For example: Place 6 inches away from front wall & perhaps 9 inches away from side wall with driver aimed toward wall for bass amplification.However, this may or may not work for you depending on your sound acoustics/environment-just test it.Now I turned the crossover frequency dial to the max to allow my receivers crossovers to control the low frequencies. Then I turn the subwoofers phase switch off.Note: Leave on the phase switch, if you have another matching subwoofer placed diagonally across the corner from the other matching subwoofer.For best results for calibrating/fine tuning the frequencies of the subwoofer to match my surround speakers. I used a Radio Shack SPL meter (sound pressure level meter). Use either analog or digital. I have both but prefer the digital.Don't be cheap & rely on your ears, audiophile or not. Today’s receivers have this already, but I don’t trust the accuracy. I recommend using the Radio Shack SPL meter & no other substitutes. From experience other SPL meters are simply not accurate. Expect to pay from $15 to $50 used & $50 new. You won't be disappointed.The Radio Shack SPL meter will help unlock the full potential of any subwoofer like The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 Subwoofer.For example, instead of hearing the music I can literally feel the music even at low volume levels. It's like experiencing the sound impact of an IMAX theater. It's hard to believe or even explain. Definitely test your favorite music & movies as a demo.The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 Subwoofer will compel you to feel like you’re actually experiencing a movie like "Saving Private Ryan". It almost literally feels like you're there experiencing the action.Whatever you do, absolutely use the Radio Shack SPL meter along with an audio calibration disc for aligning matching the frequencies of your subwoofer & satellite speakers to get true 3-D surround sound. Or use the SPL meter within your receiver’s remote control.Furthermore you'll want to use an audio calibration disc from either Avia or Video Essential together with the SPL meter to match the loudness of your subwoofer with your front left speaker for seamless audio.Actually I recommend you get the "Disney WOW: World of Wonder [Blu-ray or DVD sold on Amazon with rave reviews. Save your money & just order the 1 disc version as you don't need the 2nd disc.You can download WOW Technical Manual from disney.com, which you should read before receiving your disc.[...]Thanks!

I just got this a few days ago as another piece of upgrading my home theater. I graduated from a 165 LB 35" RCA Tube television to a new 50" LED model. I had a basic surround system of KLH vintage that provided "acceptable" sound but knew it was far inferior to what the new television was capable of. I had routed the sound from the tv to my stereo and while it as much better than the stock stereo speakers on the television I knew it could be much better.So after a bit of research and reading an extensive ongoing dialogue between Mr. Steven Level and Mr. DB62 I settled on this Dayton for a subwoofer. I also upgraded my other speakers going with the JBL ES20 for my fronts and a Yamaha NS-C210 center. My system is a 5.1 system, but I have no rears as my sitting arrangement does not allow rears and I really don't want to hang some on the wall above my head.......so I guess I am actually running my system as a 3.1.All I can say it......awesome. I have been a fan of JBL since 1972 when I bought a pair of the Century L100's that still serve faithfully to this day after 42 years. The original foam cube grilles have long deteriorated and were replaced with brown grille cloth but all else is original. These ES20's do not disappoint. They are great and the Yamaha center is fantastic.But what really shines is this Dayton sub. I have not evolved to the point of experimenting as Mr. Level did. I simply hooked it up using the LFE input, set the crossover to roughly 100 or so (the JBL ES20's go down to 60hz) and have set my sub gain to roughly 45. The bass is incredible. It is not so loud as to be overpowering, but is definitely something you can hear. But most of all, it is something you can feel. I have a couple of movies I love and have watched repeatedly so I am well versed on how they have been sounding in the past. Using them as a reference point, I could instantly hear and feel the difference. Some have stated the bass was muddy. Mine is crystal clear. It is very precise and gives a clean, solid thump. The difference is so great I instantly felt good about my purchase. Well worth the investment. I can only imagine what it may sound like when it "breaks in" as others have said it has to do.Sure the unit is large.......I have mine sitting at one end of a sofa and have ran a 25' cable to it. I plan to sit a lamp or something on it and let it double as an end table. Yes, it is that large. But it is a very attractive, stylish unit and begs to be displayed, not hidden in a corner. I have also ordered a 35" cable which will allow me to relocate it to another area where it will fit under an end table with room to spare if I so choose.The difference is also readily apparent when listening to music. I currently am listening to a Greatest Western Movie theme song CD that has lots of bass. The difference in sound was recognizable instantly. And all this is with just a simple hookup. I do not have the fancy setup DVD for video and audio (Disney WOW) but have ordered it an expect it this week.In summary........doing nothing but hooking it up has made all the difference in the world. I can only anticipate what it will sound like when I take time to balance everything and maybe go to the Y-splitter Mr. Level spoke of. I highly recommend this sub to anyone who has the need and space available. You will NOT be disappointed. I am not.Thanks also to all those who post freely offering tips and suggestions. It is a community like this that binds us. I appreciate all the comments I read that helped me with my decision.