Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
R12s
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Alignment: Acoustic suspension
- Amplifier: 1.0kW rms
- Display Interface: 2.4" LCD color touchscreen
- App: iOS and Android
- Processor: 32-bit ARM Cortex M4, double precision floating point math
- DSP Engine: Ti DSP 48-bit data paths
- Driver: 300mm (11.8"), Glass fiber diaphragm +/-23.7mm linear excursion
- Reference sensitivity: 90dB /150mV/ 1.0m
- Inputs: (1) Balanced XLR, (1) Unbalanced RCA
- Outputs: (1) Balanced XLR unbuffered, (1) Unbalanced RCA unbuffered
- Parametric EQ: 10-Band PEQ with 3 user presets
- Low Pass filter: Bypass, 30-160Hz, slope 6,12,18,24dB/oct
- Phase: Variable 0-270°
- Polarity: Normal / inverted
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 428 x 390 x 375mm (16.9 x 15.4 x 14.8")
- Weight: 26.7 kg (58.1 lbs.)
- Available finishes: Satin black
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) array, with its computer-modeled waveguide and specific driver arrangement, delivers exceptional soundstage cohesion and image placement, creating a more immersive listening experience.
- The brand employs a multi-driver design with carefully chosen materials, such as beryllium and thin-ply carbon diaphragms, to achieve ultra-low distortion and precise sound reproduction.
- Perlisten products are designed for seamless integration, achieving true timbre matching across their range of in-room, in-wall, and in-ceiling speakers, ideal for creating comprehensive audio/video systems.
- They are the first to achieve THX Certified Dominus status, indicating these speakers offer high output with low distortion, and can fill large rooms without compromising sonic quality.
Select products
R5T
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the R-Series lineup.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring the DPC-Array technology for precise sound control. Uses 165mm woofers made from HPF pulp, providing a rich bass experience, similar to the R7T but with fewer woofers, making it ideal for smaller rooms and tighter budgets.
R7T
- Positioning: A mid-range model in the R-Series, offering advanced features at a competitive price.
- Description: Features DPC-Array and long-excursion woofers, delivering low distortion and excellent directivity. Shares many technologies with the S-Series, like the S5T, but at a more accessible price point.
S5T
- Positioning: A high-performance model in the S-Series, designed for slightly smaller rooms.
- Description: Features advanced DPC-Array and thin-ply carbon diaphragm woofers, offering nearly the same SPL and sensitivity as the S7T. Provides a full-range performance similar to the flagship S7T but in a more compact form.
S7T
- Positioning: The flagship model in the S-Series, representing the pinnacle of Perlisten's audio technology.
- Description: Features DPC-Array and beryllium dome tweeters, delivering exceptional accuracy and dynamic range. Offers the most sophisticated sound experience in the lineup.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
As for as tech breakthroughs, we have our patented DPC array: a tweeter inside two midranges. This improves sensitivity and dynamics through such light drivers (3g or less).
Across our entire line, you’re getting 3D soundstaging, detail, dynamics, and low distortion. Most noticeable to the listener is the way sound propagates throughout the room: we focus on a wide dispersion left and right, and slightly limit it top to bottom to minimize first reflections on the floor and ceiling. This makes the speakers easier to place.
As you move up price in our line, the extent to which we do this passive beamforming on the vertical axis descends into a lower and lower frequency.
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Perlistens are generally not difficult to run. Take the S7t for example: High 80s, low 90s sensitivity. That can run with anything. But, because Perlistens can play so loud, they do like a lot of power to fully show off.
Two brands we generally pair Perlisten with: On the upper end is Audioflight from Italy. On the budget friendly end, Primare. But they've been paired with so much—we haven't come across a pairing they don't work with unless it's a 3W triode tube amp due to insufficient power.
What if you spend more?
The Subwoofer that will surprise you with its accuracy. Grills are optional. MODEL D215s Subwoofer: Dynamic, Accurate, Solid. The audiophile's choice. Where sound quality and Transients free of overhang are paramount.
Simply no better expression of bass performance than our push-pull subs. Ground up drivers developed by our team of engineers. Carbon fiber composite diaphragms, multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multi-layer Nomex spiders and lightweight aluminum voice coil wire are the key ingredients – Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques allow us to simulate all these components and then optimize for real world driver performance – free air and in box. Further refinement is done with the aid of Klippel laser measurements to dial things in.
To take performance to another level, the push-pull drivers reduce even order harmonics distortion by an additional 10-12dB. Powered by our 3.0kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.
All D-Series subs share our 2.4" LCD touchscreen display and ability to control advance settings using our App. Certified by THX Dominus, The D-Series subs are the world's first. A testament to the level of design and performance achieved.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful amplifier (3000W) and ample infrasonic response without bottoming out
- Clean output and agility suitable for both home theater and high-end music systems
- Sophisticated monitoring system, ensuring sound quality regardless of AC line conditions, and preventing thermal shutdown
- Extreme tweakability and control with app (iOS and Android) and has a 10-band parametric equalizer
- Top-shelf build quality with heavy-duty HDF and extensive internal bracing to minimize vibration
Product Considerations
- The D215s is big and heavy (over 200lbs), making positioning a chore
- It only comes in a black finish, which might not suit all decors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The D215s offers some of the best performance seen in a sealed sub above 20Hz
- The only sealed sub that can challenge its distortion levels below 20Hz that Audioholics has dealt with is the JTR Captivator RS1—and even then only in long-term output
Takeaway: The D215s subwoofer delivers powerful and accurate bass, making it a great addition to any high-end audio setup. With its advanced technology and customizable settings, it can enhance the listening experience for both movies and music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Massive bass, minute distortion levels, just as we intended. Grills are optional. Dynamic, Accurate, Solid. The audiophile's choice. Where sound quality and Transients free of overhang are paramount.
Simply no better expression of bass performance then our push-pull subs. Ground up drivers developed by our team of engineers. Carbon fiber composite diaphragms, multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multi-layer Nomex spiders and lightweight aluminum voice coil wire are the key ingredients – Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques allow us to simulate all these components and then optimize for real world driver performance – free air and in box. Further refinement is done with the aid of Klippel laser measurements to dial things in.
To take performance to another level, the push-pull drivers reduce even order harmonics distortion by an additional 10-12dB. Powered by our 3.0kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam. All D-Series subs share our 2.4" LCD touchscreen display and ability to control advance settings using our App.
Certified by THX Dominus, The D-Series subs are the world's first. A testament to the level of design and performance achieved.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Push-pull configuration with two 12-inch drivers, one on the front and one on the bottom
- Powered by a 3,000-watt amplifier
- Features an iOS and Android app to control EQ mode, volume level, crossovers, a 10-band PEQ, and other settings
- The cabinet's push-pull configuration helps to cancel second order distortion by an additional 10-12dB
- Produces hard-hitting, super-fast, and high sound pressure LFE (low-frequency effects), even in large rooms
Product Considerations
- Does not come with grills, which could be an issue for those with pets or kids
- The manual PEQ system might be inelegant for a sub at its price point
- Lacks high-level inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Legacy XTREME XD subs, the D212s is massively more powerful, forceful and clean, with zero perceived overhang
Takeaway: The D212S is a subwoofer with a small screen for simple controls and a mobile app for detailed sound adjustments. The D212S is a good choice for anyone looking for a powerful and clear bass experience for music or movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 'plenty of blunt force trauma' while remaining 'nimble and responsive'
- Boasts 'extremely low distortion' and a 'ruler flat response'
- Has an 'enormous amount of displacement on tap' and 'tremendous excursion ability'
- Features a 'very stout' and 'boulder-like enclosure' with 'high-end build quality' and 'luxury-level solidity'
- Has a sophisticated amplifier with advanced processing and can be controlled via an app or color LCD screen
Product Considerations
- The price tag is hefty
- While 1,300W might sound like a lot, it can get stretched when driving two woofers
- People who abhor the sight of a driver cone might have to look elsewhere for their subwoofer solution if they aren't able to keep the subwoofer out of sight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- R212s offers similar technologies and design ideas as Perlisten D215s at a lower price point, but with less sheer headroom
- R212s has comparable power to Ported 15' subwoofers
- R212s competes with other high-end loudspeaker manufacturers' subs in actual performance and technology
Takeaway: The R212s is a very capable subwoofer that delivers articulate bass with precision and accuracy. It is perfect for those seeking high-end audio performance in a home theater or recording studio setting.
Video review
Our take on the brand
New Carbon Fibre Woofer Cones have been developed for all models with ultra-high strength and rigidity to accommodate the added power and excursion of the new X+ Series. M&K Sound's proprietary CNC-machined, extruded aluminium Distortion Killer Shorting Rings also guarantee absolute control and distortion-free, exemplary performance in all settings.
M&K Sound's iconic Push-Pull subwoofer architecture and "reversed double driver" non-isobaric configuration mean that both drivers in the cabinet are 'exposed' to room air. Consequently, and like the X-Series before, the X+ Series models are effectively two subwoofers in one cabinet enabling a further associated reduction in distortion. This is made possible by having one inverted driver in relation to the other cancelling non-linearities to produce totally symmetric waveforms.
The X15+, X12+ and X10+ all feature full 25mm MDF construction and bracing for negligible panel vibrations or cabinet resonances, and increased venting at the base of the woofers mitigates distortion due to air turbulence. These milled cavities also act as convenient carrying handles for installation efficiency
Product Strengths
- Deep bass response with extremely high output
- Impeccable build quality
- THX Dominus Certified
- Built like a tank with exceptional fit and finish
Product Considerations
- No included room correction or tuning app
- Large and heavy, difficult to position
- Prone to auto standby during light content
- Omits onboard room correction
Takeaway: The X15+ is a commanding presence that can achieve reference level output in a large room and smoothly engages protection mechanisms, preventing itself from coming undone. If one has big demands, the M&K Sound X15+ is certainly able to fulfill them.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The D12s is Perlisten's smallest subwoofer, but still delivers impressive performance, especially considering its sealed design
- Features a powerful 1.5kW amplifier, a 32-bit processor, and a TI DSP
- Has an intuitive mobile app for controlling settings like gain, EQ, and parametric EQ
- The D12s produces clear, fast, and tight bass, making it very musical and integrating well with various systems
- Offers parametric equalizations, with each one giving you 10 parametric equalization bands
- Requires a spare preamplifier output since it only has XLR and RCA inputs, unlike some active subs that use high-level outputs
Product Considerations
- The D12s is quite heavy, weighing around 90 pounds
- One reviewer noted a spike around 60Hz in their room
- Might not be ideal for very large rooms or those who prefer very bass-heavy music like dub—unless paired with larger units
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS-2000 Pro, the D12s has significantly lower THD at 20Hz, even at higher SPLs
- Vs Arendal 1723-1V, the D12s sounds clearer, faster, and tighter
- Vs Velodyne DD12+, the D12s is comparable in dynamic bass performance, but has more modern technology
- Vs REL offerings, the D12s performs similarly in terms of speed and clarity but has more power
Takeaway: The Perlisten D12s is a high-quality subwoofer that offers a combination of power, precision, and advanced features, resulting in a detailed and immersive listening experience for both music and movies. Its versatile design and user-friendly controls make it a great addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Top-tier build quality, the best subwoofer DSP, and LFE quality
- Massive sound with ferocious speed and body-slamming tactility
- Extended low-end reach and produces pressure in the room comparable to more expensive subwoofers
- Home theater-friendly satin black finish to minimize reflections, fingerprints, and micro scratches
- Can be controlled via a 2.4-inch capacitive touchscreen or a subwoofer app for both iOS and Android
Product Considerations
- A single D215 kicks a little bit harder than a single R18
- At louder volumes, the subwoofers may reach their limit
- The screen wall may need to be secured better because it felt like it was going to collapse
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- A single D215 kicks a little bit harder than a single R18, and is better for music setup
- The R18s are not quite as speedy as R210s, but have more forceful output
Takeaway: The Perlisten R18 is a great home theater subwoofer, especially for those wanting a tactile experience and fantastic low-end extension. Its top-tier build quality and the best subwoofer DSP make it a worthwhile consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Push-pull configuration reduces even order harmonics distortion by an additional 10-12 dB
- Built-in DSP and accompanying iOS/Google Play app makes integration into a system relatively easy
- Delivers a clean, controlled sound without boominess or strange noises from the driver or enclosure
- Described as hard-hitting and impactful, delivering a 'slam to the chest' feeling like much larger subs
- Musical and accurate enough to complement a 2-channel setup, with clear articulation and speed
Product Considerations
- May still be considered 'a little pricey'
- While it digs super low, it won't do a substantial amount of damage in the single digits, where structural damage might be feared
- Does not come in matte black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Perlisten D215S, the R210S moves less air, but still provides a large portion of the same low-end experience
- Vs Larger Subwoofers, the R210S provides performance that blows away so many bigger subs the reviewer has had in for review
- Vs 12-inch Perlisten Subwoofers, the R210S is pretty close in performance
- Vs 15-inch Perlisten Subwoofers, while not quite the same—the R210S provides a large portion of the same experience
Takeaway: The R210s subwoofer is a compact yet powerful option, delivering clean and robust bass for both movies and music. It's easy to integrate into a system and offers impressive performance for its size, making it ideal for small to mid-sized spaces.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful aesthetic with walnut veneer, fitting well with mid-century modern or classic speaker setups
- Provides a warmer, richer, more textured, and room-filling bass, enhancing the musicality of the system
- Capable of delivering more bass output at deeper frequencies compared to the Classic 98, beneficial for music and movies
- Seamlessly integrates with speakers, creating a cohesive sound field, and improving vocals and soundstage
Product Considerations
- The setup process can be tedious, as adjustments need to be made manually without an app
- Limited phase adjustment options (0 and 180 degrees) may restrict integration flexibility in some rooms
- May not be the best choice for systems that already sound warm or for those prioritizing punchy—fast bass
- Substantial size may require careful placement in smaller rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Classic 98, the 99 has more bass output at deeper frequencies, and is faster and more nimble
Takeaway: The Classic 99 is a beautiful and musical subwoofer that enhances the overall warmth and richness of a sound system, making it more inviting and enjoyable, especially for those with smaller speakers or systems that could benefit from additional low-end texture. It delivers a smooth, tactile, and spacious bass experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Deep, rich, punchy, and precise bass enhances the overall sound experience
- Exceptional control and accuracy with articulate and precise bass notes avoids muddiness
- A muscular amplifier pressurizes the room well, making movies sound huge
- A user-friendly experience is offered via the MaestroUnite app for advanced configuration
- Elegant design with a premium finish is available in Gloss Black or Satin White
Product Considerations
- Substantial weight at 32.4kg
- May be overkill for smaller rooms
- Lacks auto EQ for self-calibration
- Some people may miss high-level inputs
Takeaway: The Anthra W12 is a powerful subwoofer that brings depth and detail to both music and movies. With its precise bass and user-friendly features, it's a great addition to any serious hifi setup and will make any media experience more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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