Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer

Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer — image 1
Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer — image 2
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86%
88%
Bass Performance
91%
Ease of Integration
89%
Value for Money
85%
Build Quality
93%
Size/Space Efficiency
82%
Durability
90%
Auto-On Functionality
80%
Sound Customization
87%
Compatibility with Other Audio Systems
92%
Ease of Setup
76%
Portability
75%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer is a compact yet powerful solution for users seeking enhanced bass in small to medium spaces. This subwoofer features a downward-firing port design, which improves low-end performance, providing a cleaner and more robust bass response. Its textured black vinyl finish blends seamlessly with various room decors, making it unobtrusive and easy to place. While its size is compact, it’s designed to deliver an impressive audio experience without occupying too much space in your home theater or listening room.

Features & Benefits

This powered subwoofer offers an 80-watt max output, ensuring deep, clean bass that elevates the overall sound experience. It features selectable auto-on mode, making it easier to use in conjunction with other audio devices. The long-throw woofer not only boosts bass performance but also ensures durability, making this a lasting investment. Additionally, the adjustable crossover control (40-140 Hz) allows users to tailor the subwoofer's output to their specific needs, while the phase switch and auto on/off improve overall system integration.

Best For

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 is ideal for users with small to medium home theater setups who want to add solid bass without the bulk. It's a great choice for those who want a compact subwoofer that still delivers powerful sound. Audio enthusiasts who are looking for a balanced and budget-friendly subwoofer will appreciate its performance. This subwoofer is particularly suited for spaces where larger models might be overkill, making it a good fit for smaller rooms or apartments.

User Feedback

Users frequently praise this powered subwoofer for its clear and powerful bass output, which enhances home audio systems. Many report that it’s easy to integrate with existing setups, whether for home theaters or music listening. The build quality also receives high marks, with several users noting its unobtrusive design that blends well in various room styles. On the downside, some users feel that the bass might not be powerful enough for very large rooms, making it less suitable for those looking to fill a big space.

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Pros

  • The compact design fits well in small to medium spaces, making it ideal for apartments or cozy home theaters.
  • Bass output is clear and powerful, delivering a satisfying low-end punch for its size.
  • Easy integration with various home audio systems, thanks to RCA line level and speaker level inputs.
  • The auto-on feature adds convenience by automatically powering on when a signal is detected.
  • The long-throw woofer provides durability and enhanced performance over time.
  • The textured black vinyl finish blends seamlessly with most room decors and setups.

Cons

  • While adequate for small to medium rooms, it may lack the power needed for larger home theater spaces.
  • Some users find the bass response insufficient for more demanding or audiophile-grade setups.
  • The 80-watt max power output may not be enough for those seeking very deep or booming bass.
  • Larger rooms or open spaces may require a more powerful subwoofer to fill the area effectively.
  • A few users mentioned that the subwoofer’s design could be bulkier for smaller setups.
  • The phase switch and crossover controls can be tricky for less experienced users to adjust properly.

Ratings

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer has received a mix of positive and constructive feedback from verified users worldwide. After analyzing reviews across multiple languages and platforms, including global e-commerce sites, we filtered out spam, bots, and incentivized content to provide an accurate reflection of user sentiment. Both the strengths and pain points of this subwoofer are captured in the following scores, ensuring that potential buyers get a balanced overview based on real experiences.

Bass Performance
88%
Many users are impressed with the deep and clean bass output of this subwoofer, noting that it fills smaller to medium-sized rooms with rich sound. The bass is described as clear, making it a great choice for home theater setups looking to enhance their audio without overwhelming the space.
Some users have mentioned that while the bass is clear and deep, it may not be powerful enough for larger rooms or those seeking extremely low-frequency sounds. A few buyers also feel the subwoofer could benefit from additional power for more demanding audio environments.
Ease of Integration
91%
This powered subwoofer is praised for its seamless integration into most home audio systems. The RCA and speaker-level inputs, combined with the auto-on feature, make setup quick and hassle-free. Many buyers appreciate how easily it blends with existing equipment, enhancing their overall audio experience.
A few users found the initial setup confusing, especially when attempting to pair it with more complex audio setups. The lack of a built-in remote control was also noted by some, as it requires manual adjustments on the unit itself.
Value for Money
89%
Users generally find this subwoofer to be a great value, especially for those on a budget. It offers solid bass performance and useful features like adjustable crossover control and auto-on mode at an affordable price point. Many buyers feel they’re getting excellent sound quality without breaking the bank.
While the value is considered strong, some buyers noted that the subwoofer’s power output might not justify the price for those seeking higher-end performance. A few users also mentioned that its compact design may limit the bass output for certain setups.
Build Quality
85%
The subwoofer is commended for its sturdy build, with a textured black vinyl finish that adds a nice touch of durability while blending well with various home decors. Users appreciate its solid construction, which gives it a premium feel despite the relatively affordable price.
A small number of users mentioned that the subwoofer’s casing feels a bit light and could be prone to scratches or marks over time. Additionally, a few have raised concerns about the durability of the internal components, particularly with frequent use.
Size/Space Efficiency
93%
This subwoofer is highly regarded for its compact size, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Its floor-standing design doesn’t take up much space, and its low-profile look allows it to blend easily with existing furniture. This makes it a great option for people with limited space.
Some users who were hoping for a more powerful subwoofer for larger spaces felt that its compact size limited its overall performance. While it fits well in smaller rooms, it may not provide enough punch for larger home theater systems.
Durability
82%
18%
The long-throw woofer is designed for durability, providing users with a reliable subwoofer that can withstand daily use. The subwoofer’s overall construction has been praised for being relatively sturdy, which contributes to its long-lasting performance in typical home setups.
A few users expressed concerns about the subwoofer’s longevity, with some noticing performance degradation over time. The power output and build may not be as durable as higher-end models, particularly for those who use it extensively in demanding environments.
Auto-On Functionality
90%
The selectable auto-on mode is a standout feature, with many users praising the convenience of not having to manually switch the unit on and off. This feature helps make the subwoofer easy to integrate into home theater setups, especially for those who use it as part of a larger, automated audio system.
Not all users are completely satisfied with the auto-on feature. A few mentioned that the subwoofer can sometimes take longer than expected to power on, leading to delays in use. Additionally, some noted occasional issues with the feature turning on unintentionally.
Sound Customization
80%
20%
With the adjustable crossover control, users can fine-tune the subwoofer to match their preferred sound profile. This allows for a more personalized audio experience, making it easy to customize the bass response to complement the rest of the home theater system.
Although the crossover control offers some flexibility, a few users found it difficult to achieve the perfect balance for their setup. Some mentioned that the lack of detailed instructions made fine-tuning a bit more challenging than expected.
Compatibility with Other Audio Systems
87%
The Dayton Audio subwoofer’s RCA line-level and speaker-level inputs make it versatile and compatible with a wide range of audio systems. Many users have successfully paired it with both home theater setups and smaller stereo systems, appreciating its flexibility in different configurations.
A handful of users experienced challenges when trying to connect the subwoofer with more complex or non-standard systems. Compatibility issues were occasionally mentioned, particularly when trying to integrate it with higher-end or specialized audio equipment.
Ease of Setup
92%
Setting up this subwoofer is straightforward, with many users noting that the process is quick and simple. The clearly labeled inputs and adjustable settings allow for an easy configuration, even for those who aren’t audio experts. This makes it a great choice for first-time subwoofer users.
While the setup is generally easy, a few users struggled with getting the optimal sound settings right. Some also pointed out that the lack of a remote control meant having to adjust settings manually, which could be inconvenient.
Portability
76%
24%
This subwoofer is relatively compact and lightweight for its class, making it easier to move around if necessary. Some users appreciated its portability when setting up different rooms or rearranging their audio setups.
Despite being compact, the subwoofer is still quite bulky and heavy for easy portability. Users who needed to move it frequently found it a bit cumbersome, especially for smaller spaces or frequent reconfigurations.
Customer Support
75%
25%
Dayton Audio offers solid customer support with a straightforward return process and helpful troubleshooting guides. Many buyers reported positive interactions with the support team when they encountered minor issues or had questions about setup.
Some customers were less satisfied with the responsiveness of Dayton Audio's customer support, particularly when dealing with more complex issues. A few users expressed frustration with delayed responses or difficulty getting clear answers to their questions.

Suitable for:

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer is a solid choice for users with small to medium home theater setups or those seeking to enhance their audio experience without overwhelming their space. Its compact size makes it ideal for apartment dwellers, students, or anyone with limited room for bulky equipment. This subwoofer is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers clear, deep bass without the need for a massive unit. Audio enthusiasts on a budget or those seeking a simple, yet effective way to add bass depth to their systems will find this subwoofer fitting for everyday use, especially in smaller environments like living rooms or bedrooms.

Not suitable for:

While the Dayton Audio SUB-1200 is excellent for smaller setups, it may not meet the needs of users with larger rooms or high-powered sound systems. Those who crave extremely low frequencies or intense bass performance may find it lacking, particularly in larger home theaters or open spaces. Users seeking a more powerful subwoofer for more demanding audio setups, such as professional-grade home theater installations or larger venues, might be disappointed with its output. Additionally, audiophiles looking for premium bass performance might prefer a subwoofer with higher power or advanced features not found in this budget-friendly option.

Specifications

  • Woofer Size: Equipped with a 12-inch woofer, providing deep and powerful bass output.
  • Power Output: Offers a maximum output of 80 watts for strong bass performance in small to medium-sized spaces.
  • Connectivity: Supports both RCA line level and speaker level inputs for flexible integration with various audio systems.
  • Frequency Response: Operates within a frequency range of 40 Hz to 140 Hz, ensuring a well-rounded bass performance.
  • Crossover Control: Features a continuously variable crossover control from 40 Hz to 140 Hz, allowing for precise sound customization.
  • Phase Switch: Includes a phase switch to optimize the subwoofer’s integration with other speakers for better sound cohesion.
  • Auto On/Off: Equipped with an auto-on/off feature, enabling automatic operation based on the system’s activity.
  • Impedance: Has a 4-ohm impedance, suitable for efficient power handling and seamless system integration.
  • Dimensions: Measures 17.75″D x 16.68″W x 16.75″H, with a compact design that fits well in smaller rooms or home theaters.
  • Weight: Weighs 32.9 pounds, providing a balanced and stable footprint for easy placement and durability.
  • Finish: Finished in textured black vinyl, designed to blend seamlessly with most home decors.
  • Mounting Type: Designed as a floor-standing subwoofer, offering ease of placement and stability in various room setups.
  • Build Material: Constructed from durable materials to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability in home audio environments.
  • Bass Port Design: Features a downward-firing port design that enhances bass output and minimizes distortion.
  • User-Friendly Features: Offers simple operation with features like the auto-on mode and easy integration into existing audio systems.

FAQ

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12″ Powered Subwoofer is designed with a compact size and downward-firing port that enhances bass without overwhelming smaller spaces. Its 80-watt max power output is ideal for small to medium home theaters or listening rooms.

Setting up this subwoofer is simple: connect the RCA line level or speaker level inputs to your audio receiver or amplifier. You can also use the adjustable crossover control to fine-tune the sound to your preference. The selectable auto-on mode will ensure it powers up when your audio system is in use.

Yes, this subwoofer is compatible with most audio systems. It includes both RCA line level and speaker level inputs, making it easy to integrate with a variety of setups, including home theaters and stereo systems.

With an 80-watt maximum output, this subwoofer is best suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms. In larger spaces, some users feel it might not provide the deep bass or volume required to fill the room adequately, so a more powerful subwoofer may be necessary for those scenarios.

The Dayton Audio SUB-1200 is built with a long-throw woofer, ensuring durability and consistent performance over time. Many users appreciate its robust construction and the quality of sound it maintains, even after extended use.

The phase switch helps optimize the subwoofer's integration with your main speakers. By adjusting the phase, you can fine-tune the timing of the bass output, ensuring smoother transitions between the subwoofer and the other speakers in your system.

While this subwoofer is primarily designed for home theater setups, it can also be used with computers or portable audio systems that support RCA or speaker-level connections. However, for best results, it’s ideal for pairing with home receivers or amplifiers.

You can adjust the sound by using the continuously variable crossover control (40-140 Hz) to tailor the bass frequencies. This allows you to customize the subwoofer's output to match your specific audio system or listening preferences.

Yes, this subwoofer is praised for its easy integration with most home theater systems. It features both RCA and speaker-level inputs and has an auto-on mode, which makes it simple to connect and operate with minimal effort.

If you're not getting enough bass, try adjusting the crossover control to ensure it's within the correct frequency range for your setup. Additionally, check the placement of the subwoofer in the room, as positioning can greatly impact bass output. For larger rooms, you may need a more powerful subwoofer to achieve the desired performance.