Product Description

Boston Acoustics Horizon powered subwoofers feature large front-firing cones and Boston's proprietary Deep Channel Design (DCD) technology. This 12", 300-Watt powered subwoofer is ideally suited for use in a high-quality 5.1-channel home theater or stereo music system. It is capable of impressive deep bass and high output from a remarkably compact enclosure. In addition, it features BassTrac, a proprietary Boston-design circuit that tracks the input signal to the subwoofer and prevents its amplifier from being driven to audible distortion.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88 in Speakers
• Color: Mist
• Brand: Boston Acoustics
• Model: HPS 12HO Mist
• Dimensions: 22.05" h x 21.61" w x 17.95" l, 45.00 pounds

Features

• 12" 300-Watt RMS powered subwoofer
• High-output, front-firing rear-ported Deep Channel Design (DCD) drivers
• BassTrac circuitry for tight, distortion-free bass at all output levels
• 25Hz-150Hz frequency response (3dB)
• 40Hz-180Hz 24dB/octave low-pass subwoofer crossover

From the Manufacturer

Horizon Series HPS-12HO Subwoofer Speaker -- Power and Style

The Horizon Series HPS-12HO 12-inch subwoofer is power in a box. There's no denying the HS 12HO is powerful, but it cannot be confused with a blunt instrument. The front baffle's gently curving surface minimizes diffraction. The woofer assembly features a low-mass poly cone and is heavily braced against the rear cabinet wall. The ABS cabinet itself is extensively ribbed to reduce unwanted resonances. Equipped with a 12-inch woofer cone and a high-output front firing, rear ported DCD driver.

Lots of clean, dynamic bass, virtually distortion-free (Shown in black)

Feel the Pounding Beat

The Horizon series includes four powered subwoofers, each of which features a high-output, front-firing, DCD woofer. DCD means powerful bass without bottoming out. The front-firing design increase placement flexibility, including use in cabinets. Boston's patent-pending BassTrac® circuitry means distortion-free bass at all levels. Click on the hyperlink to learn more. Ultra-rigid, reinforced cabinets means that the amplifier and driver are moving the air in the room rather than making the box shake...you'll get more and cleaner output.

Consistent Features for Consistent Performance

There's a continuously variable level control plus a two-position phase switch. Even when a subwoofer is electrically in phase with the rest of the speakers in the room, it is possible for it to be acoustically out of phase based on subwoofer placement and primary listening position. Just have someone flip the switch back and forth while you're in your favorite spot...use which position sounds best. There are both line and LFE inputs for connection flexibility.

Woofers traditionally have used a dust cap to seal the motor structure from dirt and debris. It is possible to engineer the dust cap so that it works in a proper acoustic manner, but one inherent disadvantage of dust caps is that they seal in the heat created by the voice coil. A woofer phase plug improves power handling by venting the voice coil, and it can help smooth the response of the driver at its high frequency limit.

There's a racetrack-shaped, dual-flared, rear port to help eliminate chuffing, an adjustable footing just like you will find on most of the speakers, and the same soft-touch finish as well on three of the four models.

Variety is the Spice of Life

The HPS 10SE is Boston Acoustics most affordable powered subwoofer, but it's no wimp: 150 watts RMS with a 10-inch woofer. Want more output from a smaller enclosure? Then the HPS 10HO is the right choice. The HO stands for high output, and its 250 watts of RMS power will deliver an amazing amount of bass for a subwoofer of this size. Then, there's the HPS 12HO, the same size as the 10SE, but with twice as much power, 300 watts, and a 12-inch DCD front-firing woofer. All three subwoofers are available in either Midnight or Mist. The HPS 10HO and 12HO feature the same soft-touch finish that is found on the bookshelf, LCR, and floorstanding speakers.

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Technical Specifications

• Frequency Response: 25Hz-150Hz
• Bass Unit: 12-inch DCD
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 17.63 x 17.63 x 13.63 inches
• Subwoofer Crossover: 40Hz-180Hz 24dB/octave low-pass
• Amplifier Power: 300 watts RMS
• Weight: 45.8 lbs

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Complete the Pulse Pounding Power of Your Subwoofer with these Horizon Series Speakers

Boston Acoustics Horizon series subwoofer speakers are the foundation of any pulse pounding beat. Augment and compliment your system with everything from surround sound speakers to center channel speakers to satellite speakers. There's no need to limit your entertainment system when you have a myriad of speakers to choose from.

	Horizon Series HS460 Dual 6.5" Speakers: Both dual passive radiators and rear ports are used to improve bass performance — without the audible noise of ports alone. And Proprietary Deep Channel Design (DCD) poly cones with phase plugs deliver smooth, consistent response at any output level. Includes dual 6.5-inch woofers with matching passive radiators and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter as well as MBOS (Maximized Bass Output System) for improved bass acoustics.
	Horizon Series HS450 Speakers: Dual Deep Channel Design (DCD) poly cones with phase plugs, dual passive radiators and rear vent ports used in tandem to enhance bass performance and eliminate audible noise. Includes dual 5.25-inch woofers with matching passive radiators and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter as well as MBOS (Maximized Bass Output System) for improved bass acoustics.
	Horizon Series MCS100 Satellite Speakers: With the same Deep Channel Design (DCD) woofers and soft-dome tweeters found in Boston Acoustics MCS 100 speakers, these are ideal rear-speakers solution for expanding any system--even the MCS 100 itself. Includes a 3-inch mid bass driver and a 3/4-inch soft dome tweeter as well as Reduced Baffle Diffraction Design (RBDD) for wider, smoother sound dispersion.
	Horizon Series MCS130-SUR Surround Speakers: With the same Deep Channel Design (DCD) driver as the Boston Acoustics MCS 130LCR speaker, but a significantly smaller footprint, the 130SUR works as both a great standalone bookshelf system and an ideal home theater surround system. Equipped with a 3.5-inch mid bass driver and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter as well as Reduced Baffle Diffraction Design (RBDD) for wider, smoother sound dispersion.

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Customer Reviews

I love this subwoofer!
I bought this subwoofer when upgrading my Spherex Xbox 5.1 Surround System. I paired this subwoofer up with a Onkyo TX-SR806 and Klipsch Quintet III speakers.

The subwoofer, although heavy, has a fantastic design. I personally believe that it's a very designer look to it. Also with the ability to change the color of the grille (at a cost), it's also a welcomed addition.

When it comes to the sound and performance, this is one of the best I've heard. Not only is it loud, but the sound also comes out very clean and clear and not muffled. This subwoofer also has the ability to vibrate my couch and I sit 10 feet away from the subwoofer. The 300 Watts RMS is more than enough power in my book. I also own a HPS-10HO (see my review on the HPS-10HO page), and never would I buy another subwoofer if Boston Acoustics continually produces such a great product.

More excellence from Boston
I've owned Boston Acoustics speakers of various types for over 10 years now. I love the precision of their sound, the quality of their construction and components, and their value. The HPS12HO met these expectations and more. I like the fact that it has an automatic power mode where it detects whether it's getting input and then powers itself on and off, silently and seamlessly, as needed. It also seems to work great with both stereo and LFE inputs provided in parallel -- it appears to defalut to the LFE if a signal exists, otherwise it takes the L/R inputs. This works well if you have a variety of sources. Output is crisp and clear with no distortion up to painful volumes. Even though it's not down-firing, the sound is totally non-directional and it goes down to low enough frequencies (with no noticable drop-off until about maybe 28Hz) that you can really feel the bass, which is what you want. This is a great product!

Boston Acoustics HPS12HO "THUNDER-BOX"
I recently gave a review on the HS 450 Horizon floor-mounted speakers, and said "they provide such good bass, you don't need a sub-woofer". As this is still true, I am a greedy Audiophile!

I like to call this sub-woofer a "THUNDER-BOX"!! It is absolutely amazing! My entire "Sci-Fi Room" feels like it's in the throws of an Earth Quake! It is VERY well balanced bass. There is entirely NO distortion, or garbled vibrations. The exterior of the cabinet is made of the same materials as the HS 450's are. A very elegant look & feel indeed. I have recently become a "Pro Boston Acoustics" individual!

If you are a true "Audiophile", then you'll absolutely LOVE the HPS12HO sub-woofer! jahoosafatz....................