Which RSL Speedwoofer is the Right Subwoofer For You?

RSL Speakers, historically known as Rogersound Labs, offers two affordable subwoofers that can be used independently or together in both music or home theater systems. RSL calls them Speedwoofers, and they’re both aggressively priced at $449 or $799 with free U.S. shipping. 

Which one, and how many you should use could depend on many factors, so we reached out to RSL to get some answers.

Why buy from RSL Speakers?

RSL Speakers is your go-to source for premium home theater, hi-fi loudspeakers, and audio components. As a factory direct manufacturer, we boast decades of engineering expertise, meticulous craftsmanship, and extensive industry knowledge. Our commitment is to deliver top-notch performance and service at unbeatable prices. Forget dealing with layers of distributors, dealers, or commission-based retailers—we’re a family-owned and operated business that provides you with a personalized experience.

Who is each Speedwoofer for?

Speedwoofer 10S MKII ($449 USD).

Our Compression Guide™ tuned Speedwoofer, featuring a high-excursion 10-inch cast frame driver, proves versatile for a range of medium-sized settings, from offices and living rooms to mid-sized dedicated home theaters. Boasting impressive extension down to 22Hz (± 3dB anechoic) and generous power capabilities (400 watts RMS, 1020 watts peak), the Speedwoofer delivers impactful and deep bass response, catering to the preferences of both home theater enthusiasts and the critical two-channel listener. What sets the Speedwoofer apart is its renowned precision and exceptional transient performance, distinguishing it as a subwoofer optimized equally for both cinematic experiences and musical enjoyment.

Whether you’re new to audio systems or a seasoned audiophile, you’ll appreciate the Speedwoofer 10S MKII’s accuracy, power, and overall ability to bring realism to your audio setup. Furthermore, its compact size and unbeatable price make it an exceptional choice, especially when considering using it in dual configurations or multiples. 

Speedwoofer 12S ($799 USD).

Debuting in February 2023, our latest addition, the 12-inch Speedwoofer, picks up where the 10S MKII left off. The Speedwoofer 12S stands out with its ‘unapologetically large size’ and an array of distinctive design and performance features, making it perfectly suited for expansive spaces and sizable dedicated home theaters. 

The 12S boasts an exceptionally robust high-excursion woofer and a generously powerful amplifier, delivering 500 watts RMS and peaking at 1550 watts. This powerful combination enables the new Speedwoofer to match or even surpass the performance of higher-priced competitors. Impressively, the 12S provides truly linear extension down to 16Hz (±3dB anechoic), with ample output according to CEA-2010 standards.

What further sets the Speedwoofer 12S apart is its unparalleled accuracy and remarkably low distortion, much like its smaller counterpart. Thanks to its unique dual-mirrored NOMEX™ spider and cast-basket design, the 12S’s woofer exhibits exceptional control and transient performance (even at peak excursion), ensuring it remains articulate enough to satisfy even the most discerning two-channel audio enthusiasts.

Similar to the 10S MKII, the Speedwoofer 12S has been optimized for both music and movies; delivering a heightened sense of realism with authoritative presence and effortless performance no matter the content. This subwoofer is uncompromising and tailored to meet the highest standards of audiophiles and home theater aficionados. Its ultra-aggressive price also makes it an easy choice for those looking to incorporate multiple units into their setup.

What are the key features for each Speedwoofer?

Speedwoofer 10S MKII:

• MKII/LFE mode (anechoic): 22 Hz – 200 Hz ± 3db
• MKII/LFE mode (+ room gain): ~18 Hz – 200 Hz ± 3db (varies with room size)
• Equally optimized for music and movies. 
• 10” 400+ watt rated woofer, with die-cast aluminum frame
• Proprietary XDR series amplifier with 400 watts RMS, 1020 watts peak
• Selectable dual-mode DSP – LFE/Music
• Patented Compression Guide tuned enclosure for reduced resonance and improved rigidity.  
• Integrated wireless receiver. 
• Durable, finger-print resistant finish.

Speedwoofer 12S:

• Reference Mode (anechoic): 16 Hz – 200 Hz ± 3db
• Reference Mode (+ room gain): ~12 Hz – 200 Hz ± 3db (varies with room size)
• Equally optimized for music and movies
• 12” 500+ watt rated woofer with die-cast aluminum frame
• Proprietary XDR series amplifier with 500 watts RMS, 1550 watts peak
• Four selectable DSP Modes – Reference, Music, Movies, Boundary
• IR Remote Control (Power Toggle, Volume +/-, Mute, DSP Mode direct select
• Patented Compression Guide tuned enclosure for reduced resonance and improved rigidity.
• Durable, finger-print resistant finish.

Tip: The remote control, only available on the 12S, makes it convenient to power on/off, switch DSP modes or adjust volume from your seating position. Please note the rear volume knob is a continuous-turn, rotary encoder, you can visually reference your gain level via the front panel LED display. Gain can be adjusted with either the remote or the knob.

How does each Speedwoofer sound different?

Both the 10S MKII and 12S Speedwoofers share several common tonal qualities as they are both meticulously crafted for precision. However, the distinctions between the 10S MKII and 12S models are quite evident. The 12S, thanks to its larger cone area and enclosure size, delivers a considerably higher volume of bass output compared to the 10S MKII, as well as substantially deeper extension well below 20Hz. 12S owners commonly report extension down to 12-13Hz with room gain factored in. 

Should you buy one or two Speedwoofers?

Most enthusiasts will tell you that two subwoofers are always better than one. Oftentimes, we agree. However, not all listeners have the same requirements. 

We commonly hear from Speedwoofer owners that their Speedwoofer is more powerful than they were expecting. As such, we traditionally recommend ordering only one Speedwoofer first. This is a good way to get acquainted and will answer the question as to whether you should add a second (or more). 

The most obvious benefit of dual subwoofers is that you have double the power at your disposal. At a given volume, each subwoofer is working less, giving you a lot more headroom and the capacity to reach higher sound pressure levels (SPLs). With dual subwoofers in different locations, you can expect up to a 3 decibel increase in volume. With both subwoofers in the same location (stacked or side-by-side) you may experience up to a 6 decibel increase.

The other benefit of a second subwoofer is that you can greatly improve the bass response in multiple locations. With careful placement, the second subwoofer can complement the first, neutralizing peaks and filling in voids. 

For casual listeners and/or environments with limited space, one Speedwoofer may easily suffice. For bass enthusiasts, we’ll recommend starting with one Speedwoofer, with the intention of adding more.

Can you mix-and-match Speedwoofers with other brands?

With the latest room correction software now available, integrating different brands of subwoofers is more feasible than ever before. With that said, mixing subwoofers of different brands and/or designs is usually less optimal than mixing subwoofers of the same brand or design. As you can imagine, ported and sealed subwoofers may not always get along well and you may find that combining different subwoofers introduces more problems than it solves. Integrating different subwoofers often requires additional tweaking to get right.

Can you mix-and-match the Speedwoofer 10S MKII with the Speedwoofer 12S?

Absolutely. The Speedwoofer 10S MKII and Speedwoofer 12S are designed to complement each other, sharing key design elements such as the proprietary Compression Guide tuning. Typically, the 12S takes on the role of the primary subwoofer, while additional 10S MKIIs can be strategically added to enhance and balance the bass response throughout the room. The compact size of the 10S MKIIs make them versatile and easy to place, even in limited spaces. This combination not only increases power and headroom but also significantly enhances bass response across all seating locations.

For those seeking an advanced approach, the combination of a 10S MKII and a 12S allows for a “cascading subwoofers” strategy—an excellent choice for bass enthusiasts and those more familiar with measurements and EQ software.

To implement cascading subwoofers, connect the Speedwoofers in a daisy chain, with the 12S feeding the 10S MKII. Activate the 12S’s built-in high-pass and low-pass filters, setting both to the same frequency, such as 40Hz. Now, the 10S MKII receives a filtered signal of 40Hz and above, while the 12S concurrently handles 40Hz and below. This cascading process divides the low frequencies among the Speedwoofers, allowing each to target a specific band of frequencies within its optimal operating range. Once accomplished, each Speedwoofer can be independently positioned to achieve its most optimal bass response.

The outcome is a pair of Speedwoofers working harmoniously as a single unit— one optimized for mid/upper bass and the other for low bass. Unlike a single unit, each subwoofer can be located to achieve superior bass response with fewer compromises, thanks to the reduced frequency ranges assigned to each. It’s a significant win/win situation. And even more so when you add multiples.

Is one larger Speedwoofer better than two smaller ones?

The optimal choice depends on your specific setup. If you can achieve uniform bass response across all listening positions with a single subwoofer, opting for a larger model typically results in superior performance. Our choice would be the 12S for its deeper bass extension and increased low-bass output. 

However, when a single subwoofer falls short in delivering consistent bass across key listening positions, the advantage will be in having two smaller subwoofers. Strategically placing dual smaller subwoofers can enhance bass response, providing a more uniform experience from seat to seat. In such cases, we recommend a set of our Speedwoofer 10S MKIIs. 

Can each Speedwoofer connect wirelessly?

Yes. To make a 10S MKII wireless, you simply need to purchase an AT4 wireless transmitter ($50). Every 10S MKII has the receiving module for the AT4 built-in. You can add an AT4 at the time you purchase your 10S MKII, or purchase it separately anytime afterward.

To make a Speedwoofer 12S wireless, you can purchase the 12S wireless kit ($100) – which consists of an AT4 wireless transmitter and an AR4 wireless receiver. The wireless kit can be purchased at the same time as the 12S, or anytime afterward. However, when purchased together with the Speedwoofer 12S, the price of the wireless kit is reduced to just $80. 12S wireless kits arrive pre-paired for your convenience!

Specification Comparison

What else do customers need to know?

To ensure you make the most of your purchase, RSL Speakers offers:

• Integration support
• System planning
• Setup help in real-time

We even provide assistance over video chat if needed. For our subwoofers, we offer free shipping to the 48 contiguous US states and a 30-day in-home trial. 

Note: Return requests must be submitted within the 30-day trial period, RSL covers the return shipping, but a return fee of either $50 for the 10S or $150 for the 12S applies. See terms and conditions.

Discounted International shipping is available. If you place an order on RSL’s website, no payment will be taken at that time. RSL will use the information on the order to provide a shipping quote (up to 85% off retail rates) plus an additional shipping credit will be applied – based on the speakers ordered and their quantities. 

Shipping insurance is included both ways through Route.com.

Where to buy RSL Speedwoofers?

RSL Speedwoofers, along with other RSL speakers and electronics, can only be purchased at rslspeakers.com.

• RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII – $449 at rslspeakers.com

• RSL Speedwoofer 12S – $799 at rslspeakers.com

For advice or questions, RSL Speakers can be reached via phone at 800-905-5485, support@rslspeakers.com or sales@rslspeakers.com, during business hours; Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm (Pacific).

Tip: For more insights we’ve previously reviewed the Speedwoofer 12S and the predecessor to the 10S MKII, called the Speedwoofer 10S in a dual configuration.

View all our coverage of RSL Speakers, including other products in their line-up.