Interesting read. I considered a pair of these subs in 2019 when they were priced at $199.99 each. But, el cheapo here went for a pair of the SUB-1200s at $149.99 each. After playing with them for a bit, I didn’t feel the need to upgrade and, a few years later, still do not feel the need to do so.
Do they dig really deep? No, but they don’t lose their composure when trying to do so. They just do what they can with punchy aplomb. I have my pair up front inside each of the front speakers and the subs are eight feet apart.
The comments about electronic music in the review of the 1500 apply to the 1200 as well. I finally got around to purchasing the blu-ray discs of the Booka Shade “Deer Future Self” album and the Yello “Point” album. Both are presented in lossless Atmos/TrueHD and are a really good time. They should be required listening when reviewing any sub.
I use the Dayton Audio subs with other Dayton Audio speakers. I ended up crossing them at 120Hz a while ago and found the point of crossing at 100Hz or 120Hz for more punch when used in combination with lesser speakers in the review interesting as that is what I’ve experienced with the SUB-1200 pair.
There are much more expensive subs with better perfornance out there for sure. But, one could actually do worse than the Dayton subs for even more money and many do. If on a tight budget, the Dayton Audio subs are a great place to start and some like myself may not feel the need to upgrade unless their budget for new subs increases significantly. These aren’t high powered, high priced beasts. But, what they do with little power at little cost is quite something.
