Does it work with a receiver that has no subwoofer output?

Yes. It has speaker-level inputs, so you can run speaker wire from a receiver without a dedicated sub out. Owners note output is lower that way than through the RCA input.

The subwoofer and a red and white stereo RCA cable for the line-level input. Speaker wire for the speaker-level inputs is not included.

Why does my sub keep shutting off?

The auto on/off circuit is the usual cause. Several owners report it turning off after about two minutes or failing to wake; switching it out of auto mode keeps it on.

Is it good for music as well as movies?

Owners say it handles both, with punchy bass for music and deep output for home theater. Some find it less refined than rivals for critical music listening.

How big is the cabinet?

It is a full-size 12-inch subwoofer cabinet, and some owners say it takes up more floor space than expected. Measure your spot before buying.

Does it have Spotify Connect or wireless streaming?

No. It is a wired subwoofer with RCA and speaker-level inputs only, so it connects through your receiver or amplifier.

Monoprice SW-12 400 Watt RMS 600 Watt Peak Powered Subwoofer

Q: Where is the Monoprice SW-12 400 Watt RMS 600 Watt Peak Powered Subwoofer cheapest?

At Monoprice, for $299.99, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Monoprice SW-12 400 Watt RMS 600 Watt Peak Powered Subwoofer?

Buyers like: Deep, room-shaking bass for movies and music; Great value for the price; Easy setup with useful gain and crossover controls. Common complaints: Auto on/off feature does not work; sub shuts off after about two minutes or fails to come on; Output is low when connected via speaker level inputs compared to RCA input.

Best price now

$299.99at MonopriceChecked Nov 9

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What reviewers say

Owners rate it highly for deep, punchy bass and easy setup at a budget level. The most common complaint is the auto on/off feature failing, with the sub shutting off after a couple of minutes or not turning on. A few find it bulky or less musical than alternatives.

What people mention

Bass outputPraisedOwners describe deep, room-shaking bass that suits both movies and music.
Auto on/offCriticisedSeveral buyers report the sub shuts off after about two minutes or fails to come on.
SetupPraisedGain and crossover controls on the back make dialing it in easy.
Speaker-level inputMixedOutput through speaker-level inputs is lower than through the RCA input.
SizeMixedSome owners find the cabinet a little too big for their space.
Sound vs rivalsCriticisedA few say it doesn't sound as good as alternatives at the same level.

About the Monoprice SW-12 400 Watt RMS 600 Watt Peak Powered Subwoofer

The Monoprice SW-12 is a 12-inch powered subwoofer with a built-in amplifier rated at 400 watts RMS and 600 watts peak. It comes in black.

Controls for gain and crossover adjustment are on the back panel. For connections, it has speaker-level inputs for receivers without a dedicated subwoofer output. It also has low-level RCA inputs for a dedicated subwoofer output or a preamp output.

Driver size

12 inches

Power

400 watts RMS, 600 watts peak

Inputs

Speaker-level inputs, low-level RCA inputs

Controls

Gain and crossover adjustment on the back

Dimensions

14.9" W x 18.3" D x 19.1" H (378 x 465 x 485 mm)

Color

Black

Spotify Connect

In the box

Red and white stereo RCA cable

What buyers say

Buyers like

Deep, room-shaking bass for movies and music
Great value for the price
Easy setup with useful gain and crossover controls
Clean, punchy, solid bass you can feel
Works well for both music and home theater
Return of a defective unit went flawlessly with a replacement in about a week

Buyers complain about

Auto on/off feature does not work; sub shuts off after about two minutes or fails to come on
Output is low when connected via speaker level inputs compared to RCA input
Some find it a little too big
Some say it doesn't sound as good as alternatives in the same price range
One reviewer felt it did not sound like 400 watts RMS with their receiver