Are you looking for a powerful yet affordable subwoofer to enhance your home theater experience?
Look no further than the Dayton Audio Sub 1500.
This subwoofer packs a punch with its 15-inch driver and a 150-watt amplifier, delivering deep and impactful bass that will take your movies and music to life.
Plus, with its sleek and durable design, this subwoofer will look great in any setup.
But what sets the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 apart from other subwoofers in its price range?
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design and build, performance, setup, and ease of use, as well as its pros and cons.
We’ll also compare it to other subwoofers in its class to help you determine if the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is the right choice for your home theater system.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of the Dayton Sub 1500.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | DAYTON AUDIO SUB 1500
| Price |
 | BIC America F12
| Price |
 | Klipsch R-12SW
| Price |
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Dayton Audio Sub 1500 Review – Specs Table
| Feature | Description |
| Brand | Dayton Audio |
| Model | Sub 1500 |
| Type | Powered subwoofer |
| Driver Size | 15 inches |
| Frequency Response | 23 Hz – 140 Hz |
| Amplifier Power | 1500 watts RMS |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >90 dB |
| Crossover Frequency | 40 Hz – 140 Hz |
| Inputs | LFE, RCA line level |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 20.7 x 21.6 inches |
| Weight | 60 pounds |
| Price | Around $260 |
Brief Overview Of Dayton Audio Sub 1500
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a powerful subwoofer that offers an impressive bass response, making it an ideal addition to any home theater system or music setup.
It features a 15-inch driver that is capable of producing deep and impactful bass, while its 150-watt amplifier ensures that the subwoofer delivers plenty of power for an immersive listening experience.
Additionally, the subwoofer has a selectable auto-on feature, which makes it easy to use and conserves energy when it’s not in use.
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 also boasts a downward-firing flared port design, which helps to produce clean and powerful bass that is free from distortion.
The subwoofer is perfect for large home theater rooms, as it is capable of filling even the largest spaces with deep and powerful bass.
The subwoofer is housed in an unobtrusive texture black vinyl finish cabinet that features a removable grill, making it easy to maintain and clean.
Overall, the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a high-performance subwoofer that offers excellent value for money and is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
DAYTON AUDIO SUB 1500
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 also boasts a downward-firing flared port design, which helps to produce clean and powerful bass that is free from distortion.
The subwoofer is perfect for large home theater rooms, as it is capable of filling even the largest spaces with deep and powerful bass.
Design And Build
The Following are the in depth details of design and build quality of dayton audio sub 1500:
1- Description Of The Design
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 has a modern and stylish design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
It features a black vinyl finish cabinet that blends well with most home decor styles, and its compact size makes it easy to place in any room.
The subwoofer’s downward-firing flared port design helps to reduce port noise and turbulence, resulting in a clean and natural bass response.
Additionally, the subwoofer comes with a removable grill, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
2- Dimensions And Weight
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 has the following dimensions, including plastic feet: 21.6 x 20.7 x 21.6 inches.
This makes it a relatively compact subwoofer that can fit easily into most home theater setups.
However, it should be noted that the subwoofer weighs approximately 60 pounds, which is relatively heavy compared to other subwoofers in its class.
3- Build Quality And Durability
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is built to last, with sturdy and durable construction that is designed to withstand years of use.
The subwoofer’s cabinet is made from high-quality MDF (medium-density fiberboard) material, which is known for its excellent acoustic properties and resistance to warping and cracking.
The subwoofer’s driver is also built to withstand heavy use, with a heavy-duty design that can handle high volumes and low frequencies without distortion.
Overall, the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a well-built and durable subwoofer that is designed to deliver excellent performance for years to come.
Performance
The following is a comprehensive rundown of the performance characteristics of the dayton audio sub 1500:
1- Frequency Response And Sound Quality
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 has a frequency response of 23-140 Hz, which is quite impressive for a subwoofer in this price range.
This means that the subwoofer can produce deep, low-frequency sounds with ease, making it ideal for movies and music that require a strong bass presence.
In terms of sound quality, the Sub 1500 delivers clean and powerful bass that is both accurate and well-defined without any distortion or muddiness.
The subwoofer’s downward-firing flared port design helps to reduce port noise and turbulence, resulting in a natural and balanced sound that complements other speakers in your home theater setup.
2- Maximum Output Power
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 has a maximum output power of 150 watts RMS, which is quite impressive for a subwoofer of this size and price range.
This means that the subwoofer can produce loud and powerful bass without distortion, even at high volumes.
With this level of power, the subwoofer can easily fill a large room with rich and immersive sound.
3- Integration With Other Speakers
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is designed to integrate seamlessly with other speakers in your home theater setup.
It has a low-pass crossover that can be adjusted from 40-140 Hz, allowing you to customize the subwoofer’s output to match the other speakers in your setup.
The subwoofer also has a selectable auto-on feature, which means it will automatically turn on and off when a signal is detected, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup.
Overall, the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a versatile and powerful subwoofer that can be seamlessly integrated with other speakers to deliver an exceptional home theater experience.
Setup And Ease Of Use
The following is an exhaustive summary of the setup and ease to use qualities possessed by the dayton audio sub 1500:
1- Connection Options
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 offers a variety of connection options, including RCA line-level inputs and outputs, as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs.
This allows the subwoofer to be used with a wide range of home theater systems, regardless of the type of receiver or amplifier being used.
2- Ease Of Setup And Calibration
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is relatively easy to set up and calibrate, even for those who are new to home theater systems.
The subwoofer’s selectable auto-on feature also makes it easy to use, as it will automatically turn on and off when a signal is detected.
3- User-Friendly Features
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 has a number of user-friendly features that make it easy to use and customize to your specific needs.
These features include a variable low-pass crossover that can be adjusted from 40-140 Hz, allowing you to customize the subwoofer’s output to match the other speakers in your setup.
The subwoofer also has a phase switch that allows you to adjust the subwoofer’s phase in relation to the other speakers in your setup, ensuring that the sound is properly balanced and aligned.
The subwoofer’s removable grille also makes it easy to clean and maintain, while its unobtrusive black vinyl finish allows it to blend in seamlessly with your home theater décor.
Overall, the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a user-friendly and versatile subwoofer that can be easily integrated into any home theater setup.
My Personal Journey And Review Of Dayton Sub 1500
Ordering
Dayton is not an Internet Direct (ID) company, so they don’t sell products to the consumer from their website.
The Dayton sub-1500 is available from a number of well-known distributors – such as Amazon, so you won’t have any problem finding one come purchase time.
There is no MSRP listed on the manufacturer’s website, but a search of the internet shows you can find the Dayton sub-1500 for as low as $260.
The warranty is very generous for an inexpensive subwoofer: 8 years on the driver and five years on the amplifier.
Unboxing
The Dayton sub-1500 was delivered in a single box, which is the standard packaging for a low-cost subwoofer.
A deviation from the norm was the presence of some eye-catching graphics on the outside of the building.
The majority of subs, even more expensive ones, arrive in plain brown boxes, with possibly a few block-lettered words and stick-figure-like images as the only adornments.
This particular sub, however, contained imagery that was comparable to what you would probably find on a flyer or sales brochure.
It is clear that a lot of effort was put into the design of the package in order to provide a nice first impression.
This is similar to the appearance of the subwoofer itself, which will be discussed further down.
Custom-molded blocks of two were used on both the top and bottom to provide a cradle for the Dayton sub-1500 “medium-density foam.
A thin sheet of cardboard was used to protect the hand-rubbed black lacquer that was used on the top panel, and the subwoofer itself was placed inside a foam bag for protection.
The owner’s manual and a power wire with two prongs are included as accessories in the package.
Impressions
When it comes to subwoofers sold at more reasonable prices, inadequate paperwork is almost always present.
It takes a significant amount of time and effort, as well as, very commonly, the capacity to translate successfully in order to write decent documentation.
All of that contributes to increased costs, which is not ideal when attempting to maintain a low price of entry.
Because it appears that these individuals do not believe that cutting corners when it comes to paperwork is acceptable, everyone who recognizes themselves as belonging to that group can appreciate Dayton for going against the grain of popular opinion.
The owner’s manual that is included with the Dayton sub-1500 is, in a word, outstanding.
This is not typical of the owner’s document that is included with a subwoofer that is priced on the lower end of the price spectrum.
The document has been expertly typeset, and it contains a large number of diagrams, a typeface that is simple to read, explanations that are understandable, and a wealth of detail.
I have a soft spot in my heart for affordable subwoofers because they are the reason I got started writing product reviews in the first place.
The Dayton sub-1500 is one of the best options I have seen for a product in this price range, and it is one of the reasons why I have such a soft spot in my heart for affordable subwoofers.
A company that offers reasonably priced products without sacrificing quality in the accompanying paperwork earns our highest praise.
About a 15-inch ported subwoofer with a “The Dayton sub-1500 driver is a rather compact vehicle.
In comparison to its height and width, it does have a certain amount of depth, but all things considered, the enclosure is not in the least bit intimidating.
It isn’t particularly heavy, however; Dayton claims that the Dayton sub-1500 weighs 46 pounds, but I got the impression that it was lighter than that.
Those individuals who are interested in purchasing a sub that has a high WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) need to look no further than this one.
The level of craftsmanship in the construction is excellent.
The vinyl wrap was put in a smooth manner and with seams that were even, all of the fasteners were tightened, and everything was square and flush.
I’m not usually a lover of reflecting surfaces, but I have to say that the Dayton sub-1500 has a very distinctive look, and I’m a sucker for things that are one-of-a-kind.
As I sit here and type this line, I’m staring at it and thinking to myself, “ya know, that most definitely does not look like an affordable subwoofer.”
Even a detail as seemingly insignificant as the grill demonstrates attention to detail. It features an unobtrusive texture black vinyl finish and a removable grill and is constructed out of MDF.
The dimensions of the grill are limited, as is the subwoofer, but rather than using the standard four-pin/cup attachment points in the corners, there are a total of five: one in each of the top corners and three down the bottom.
This is despite the fact that the grill itself has limited dimensions.
The ports’ cutouts are chamfered, which means the flared port lip that extends ever-so-slightly from the front panel nestles snugly inside to ensure a good fit and a watertight seal.
In addition to this, there is an arch in the shape of a half-moon that has been removed from the middle of the bottom panel.
This arch serves to properly frame an extension of the lower panel that features silver block letters spelling out the term “Acoustech.”
I’d like to bring to your attention that this architectural feature is included in a subwoofer that retails for close to $260.
Paradoxically, some of you won’t even use the grill, so it might as well be all for naught in the end. Why? The driver, of course…
Because Dayton employs a driver that most definitely doesn’t appear as it should be in a low-cost subwoofer, I can see some owners placing the well-thought-out grill back in the box so that they don’t obstruct the view of the driver.
The 15 “A big half roll of foam rubber surrounds the poly-injected cone, which has a flat dust cap and a gold satin finish.
It is powered by a meager 1 volt and is contained within a stamp steel basket “ferrite magnet slug that has a significant bump-out on the reverse side.
Without the grill, the driver seat takes up the majority of the front panel, yet, this is not a negative thing.
Listening
You quickly realize that the Dayton sub-1500 is not afraid of volume, which is one of the things you learn about it.
When subjected to extreme pressure, the majority of inexpensive subwoofers break apart, yet this one seems to almost like the challenge.
I did see a few instances in which the overall sound quality tended to be chunky and not fully accurate; however, this was typically something that could be mitigated by turning the volume up a few notches.
Yeah, pushing it could occasionally relieve imprecision. I don’t ever recall a subwoofer responding as this one does.
Another area in which low-cost subwoofers typically struggle is in the gracefulness with which they handle constraints, but this is not the case here.
During the time that I used the Dayton sub-1500, I never had any annoying symptoms, such as port noise, disturbed sounds from the driver, or any other signs that could have indicated that I had exceeded the sub’s capabilities.
There is no doubt that I put in a lot of effort, yet nobody seemed to have any concerns in reaction to it.
To ensure that its subwoofer cannot be damaged in any way, Dayton has done an outstanding job.
It does not make an effort to explore the depths, and the frequency response rolls off somewhat abruptly at around 30 Hz.
This is almost certainly one of the contributing factors.
To make up for this, it seems that Dayton has tuned in some additional output in the region of 23-140 Hz.
This is the frequency range that is often mentioned as being the one that people characterize with terms like “kick you in the chest” bass.
This is a shrewd move on their part, given that most soundtracks contain a significant amount of content in that range.
It could also explain the thickening I occasionally heard in the background.
Comparison With Other Subwoofers
The Dayton Audio SUB-1500 is a popular subwoofer that falls within the category of entry-level home theater and music subwoofers. Here are some other subwoofers within its category that can be compared:
1- Polk Audio PSW10:
The PSW10 is a 10-inch subwoofer that is also considered an entry-level option.
It has a similar frequency response range as the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 but with a slightly lower maximum output. The PSW10 is also a bit smaller and more compact.
Polk Audio PSW10
- POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH
- LOUDER CLEARER SOUND EVEN AT HIGH VOLUME
- DOUBLE THE AMPLIFIER POWER TO 100 Watts
2- BIC America F12:
The BIC America F12 is another popular entry-level subwoofer with a 12-inch driver.
It has a slightly higher maximum output than the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 but with a similar frequency response range.
The F12 is also a bit larger and heavier than the SUB-1500.
BIC America F12
- Powered subwoofer with 12-inch injection molded long throw woofer; BASH designed amp
- Patented BIC “Venturi” vent eliminates port noise
- Adjustable crossover, adjustable volume control, automatic signal sensing
3- Klipsch R-12SW:
The Klipsch R-12SW is a 12-inch subwoofer with a slightly higher maximum output than the Dayton Audio SUB-1500.
It has a similar frequency response range but is slightly more expensive than the SUB-1500.
Klipsch R-12SW
4- Yamaha YST-SW216:
The Yamaha YST-SW216 is a 10-inch subwoofer with a similar frequency response range as the Dayton Audio SUB-1500.
It has a slightly lower maximum output and is also a bit smaller and more compact.
Overall, the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 offers a great combination of value, performance, and size for an entry-level subwoofer.
Yamaha YST-SW216
- 8-inch cone driver and built-in 120-watt amplifier
- Down firing driver radiates sound in all directions
- YST Active Servo Technology for expanded base response
Conclusion
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is an exceptional subwoofer that delivers an impressive bass performance that is unmatched by its competitors in the same price range.
It is designed to complement any home theater or music system and can easily handle a wide range of low-frequency sounds with ease.
The subwoofer’s build quality is impressive, with its sturdy MDF cabinet and high-quality components, making it durable and long-lasting.
The adjustable crossover and volume controls allow users to fine-tune the subwoofer’s output to match their preferences and room acoustics.
Moreover, the subwoofer’s compact size and stylish design make it a perfect fit for any room in the house without taking up too much space.
The subwoofer’s low distortion and high power handling capabilities make it ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
The Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is great value for money and a must-have for anyone looking to add some punch to their audio system.
Overall, the Dayton Audio Sub 1500 is a great subwoofer that ticks all the boxes for performance, quality, and affordability.
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