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12" Stage II Sound Quality Subwoofer - Single 4Ω
Engineered in Georgia, USA for Multi-Purpose Excellence | Previous Display Model
Premium Sound Quality Subwoofer | Lifetime Guaranteed Value Program | 1-Year Self-Install / 3-Year Professional Install Warranty
The Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I12SW-V2 represents the company's Stage II subwoofer offering—a premium 12-inch driver that boasts exceptional performance and a high-fidelity design philosophy. Engineered at Hybrid Audio's Georgia facility, the Imagine I12SW-V2 delivers remarkable sound quality improvement in virtually any mobile audio system with mechanical and electrical parameters amenable to a variety of vented and sealed enclosures. At home in virtually any arrangement, this subwoofer combines 225 watts RMS power handling, 27Hz resonant frequency, and 91.5 dB efficiency in a polypropylene cone-type design with low moving mass and 2-inch aluminum voice coil. For enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance of fidelity, output, and flexibility, the Imagine I12SW-V2 delivers uncompromising performance at an exceptional value.
| Parameter | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fs (Resonant Frequency) | 27 Hz | Exceptionally low Fs enables deep bass extension—enables legitimate 25Hz infrasonic response in proper enclosures |
| Qts (Total Q) | 0.37 | Optimal for ported enclosures—indicates well-damped system with good transient response and low group delay |
| Qms (Mechanical Q) | 7.0 | Moderate mechanical damping—balanced suspension design allows both sealed and ported applications |
| Qes (Electrical Q) | 0.39 | Moderate electrical damping—voice coil provides good motor control for tight, accurate bass |
| Vas (Equivalent Volume) | 71 Liters | Moderate compliance—allows relatively compact sealed enclosures while maintaining excellent ported performance |
| Xmax (Linear Excursion) | 24mm (Two-Way) | Exceptional linear excursion—enables high output with low distortion and protected against over-excursion |
| Mms (Moving Mass) | 171 grams | Moderate moving mass—balanced design for transient response without sacrificing output capability |
| BL (Force Factor) | 16.4 T·m | Strong motor force—delivers tight control and excellent damping for accurate bass reproduction |
| Cms (Suspension Compliance) | 202 µm/N | Moderate compliance—suspension engineered for balance between sealed and ported applications |
| Sd (Effective Piston Area) | 49,876 mm² | Large effective cone area—maximizes air displacement for powerful bass output |
| Le (Voice Coil Inductance) | 1.56 mH | Moderate inductance—aluminum voice coil minimizes inductance while maintaining power handling |
The stamped steel basket design with semi-gloss black powder coating provides robust structural integrity while maintaining reasonable weight. The frame includes spider venting for improved thermal power handling—allowing heat generated by the voice coil to escape through the spider area rather than being trapped inside the motor structure. The basket also features reverse-roll surround tooling proprietary to Hybrid Audio Technologies, enabling close-tolerance flush and iso-mounting for easy grille clearance and locational flexibility (underneath seats, in touring motorcycle saddle bags, or in center console enclosures).
The Imagine I12SW-V2 utilizes a polypropylene diaphragm with low moving mass (171g total)—a material choice that provides an excellent balance of strength, moving mass, and water resistance. Polypropylene's inherent properties make it ideal for all-weather climates, perfect for motorcycle, ATV, golf cart, and marine applications where moisture exposure is inevitable. The tinsel leads are bonded directly to the former and brought out to nickel-plated push terminals, minimizing tinsel lead slap and preserving the structural integrity of the cone. This design choice ensures long-term reliability even in harsh environments.
| Component | Material | Performance Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Inverted Surround | Butyl Rubber | Highly consistent material (no natural rubber variance), low stiffness for positive damping, terminates mechanical vibrations effectively |
| Spider | 90/10 Cotton/Nomex Blend with Single-Dip Low-Viscosity Phenolic | Optimal stiffness without brittleness, well-damped to prevent vibration translation into former or cone, long-term durability |
| Terminals | Nickel-Plated Push Terminals | Flexibility for tinned wire or crimp terminal terminations, corrosion resistance for all-weather applications |
Hybrid Audio Technologies provides specific enclosure recommendations optimized for the Imagine I12SW-V2's Thiele-Small parameters. The recommendations differ based on vehicle type—trunk/boot installations versus SUV/hatchback/wagon installations with different cabin gain characteristics.
| Enclosure Type | Volume (Vb) | Port Area (Av) | Port Length (Lv) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed | 39 Liters (1.38 cu.ft.) | N/A | N/A | Tight, accurate bass with excellent transient response—ideal for jazz, classical, acoustic music |
| Ported (Vented) | 48 Liters (1.70 cu.ft.) | 45.57 cm² (7.07 sq.in.) | 23 cm (9.06 inches) | Extended low-frequency output with enhanced efficiency—ideal for rock, hip-hop, electronic music |
| Enclosure Type | Volume (Vb) | Port Area (Av) | Port Length (Lv) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed | 42 Liters (1.48 cu.ft.) | N/A | N/A | Slightly larger sealed volume compensates for different cabin gain characteristics in open-cabin vehicles |
| Ported (Vented) | 52 Liters (1.84 cu.ft.) | 45.57 cm² (7.07 sq.in.) | 18 cm (7.09 inches) | Tuned for optimal low-frequency extension in larger cabin volumes with different acoustic loading |
The Imagine I12SW-V2's 91.5 dB sensitivity (2.83V/1m) represents above-average efficiency for a sound quality subwoofer. This means the subwoofer produces 91.5 dB SPL when driven with 2.83 volts (equivalent to 2 watts into 4Ω) at 1 meter distance. In practical terms, the I12SW-V2 requires less amplifier power to achieve a given output level compared to less efficient designs (typically 87-89 dB). Combined with the 27Hz resonant frequency and 0.37 Qts, this efficiency enables impressive output capability with moderate amplifier power—ideal for sound quality enthusiasts who prioritize fidelity over maximum SPL competition.
The 27Hz resonant frequency (Fs) is the frequency at which the subwoofer naturally resonates when mounted in free air—and represents one of the Imagine I12SW-V2's most significant performance advantages. This exceptionally low Fs enables legitimate deep bass extension to 25Hz and below when installed in properly designed ported enclosures. Most budget 12-inch subwoofers exhibit Fs of 30-35Hz, limiting their infrasonic capability. The I12SW-V2's 27Hz Fs delivers 5-8Hz deeper bass extension than typical competitors, reproducing the lowest frequencies in music (kick drums, bass synths, orchestral bass) with authority and impact.
| Feature | Hybrid Audio I12SW-V2 | Typical 12" SQ Subwoofers | Imagine Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice Coil Diameter | 51mm (2-inch) Aluminum | 38-44mm (1.5-1.75") Copper/Aluminum | Larger coil = better heat dissipation, higher power handling, reduced moving mass |
| Resonant Frequency (Fs) | 27Hz | 30-35Hz (typical) | 5-8Hz deeper bass extension—legitimate infrasonic capability |
| Linear Excursion (Xmax) | 24mm (Two-Way) | 12-18mm (typical) | 30-50% more excursion = higher output with lower distortion |
| Sensitivity | 91.5 dB @ 2.83V/1m | 87-89 dB (typical) | 2-4dB higher efficiency = requires less amplifier power for same output |
| Qts (Total Q) | 0.37 | 0.40-0.55 (typical) | Lower Qts = optimal for ported enclosures with better transient response |
| All-Weather Design | Polypropylene Cone, Water-Resistant | Variable (often moisture-sensitive) | Perfect for motorcycle, marine, ATV, golf cart applications |
| Warranty | 1-Year Self / 3-Year Pro Install | 1-Year typical | Triple warranty coverage with professional installation |
| Dimension | Specification | Installation Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Diameter | 309.5mm (12.19 inches) | Verify enclosure cutout accommodates full basket diameter with adequate clearance |
| Mounting Depth | 127mm (5.0 inches) | Ensure enclosure depth allows full excursion without magnet/enclosure interference |
| Bolt Circle Diameter | 294mm (11.57 inches) | Mounting holes should align with bolt circle—use template for precision drilling |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 283mm (11.14 inches) | Cutout diameter for flush mounting—router/jigsaw recommended for clean cuts |
The I12SW-V2's proprietary reverse-roll surround tooling enables close-tolerance flush and iso-mounting installations. This design allows the subwoofer to be mounted flush with the enclosure surface or recessed for easy grille clearance—perfect for applications where space is limited (underneath seats, in touring motorcycle saddle bags, or in center console enclosures). The reverse-roll design maintains full excursion capability while reducing overall mounting depth requirements.
The Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I12SW-V2 represents the sweet spot in sound quality subwoofer design—delivering premium performance without flagship pricing. The 2-inch aluminum voice coil with superior heat dissipation enables sustained high-power operation with minimal compression. The 27Hz resonant frequency delivers 5-8Hz deeper bass extension than typical 12-inch competitors, enabling legitimate infrasonic capability. The 91.5 dB sensitivity represents above-average efficiency, requiring less amplifier power for impressive output. The 0.37 Qts (Total Q) is optimal for ported enclosures, delivering excellent transient response with extended low-frequency output. Combined with polypropylene cone water-resistance, 24mm linear excursion, and detailed enclosure recommendations, the I12SW-V2 delivers exceptional performance that justifies the $199.99 investment. For sound quality enthusiasts seeking multi-purpose versatility and all-weather capability, the Imagine I12SW-V2 is a compelling choice in the Stage II category.
| Product Name | Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I12SW-V2 12" Subwoofer - Single 4Ω |
| Sale Price | $199.99 |
| Manufacturer | Hybrid Audio Technologies (Cumming, Georgia, USA) |
| Product Category | Stage II Sound Quality Subwoofer |
| Woofer Diameter | 12" (309.5mm) |
| Voice Coil | 51mm (2-inch) Four-Layer High-Purity Aluminum |
| Power Handling | 225 Watts RMS / 450 Watts Peak |
| Sensitivity | 91.5 dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Impedance | Single 4Ω (3.6Ω DC Resistance) |
| Frequency Response | 27Hz - 1000Hz (±3dB) |
| Resonant Frequency (Fs) | 27Hz (Exceptionally Low) |
| Qts (Total Q) | 0.37 (Optimal for Ported Enclosures) |
| Linear Excursion (Xmax) | 24mm (Two-Way) |
| Recommended Enclosure (Trunk) | Sealed: 39L | Ported: 48L with 45.57cm² port (23cm length) |
| Recommended Enclosure (SUV) | Sealed: 42L | Ported: 52L with 45.57cm² port (18cm length) |
| Cone Material | Polypropylene (Water-Resistant, All-Weather) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Self-Install / 3 Years Professional Install |
| Origin | Engineered in Cumming, Georgia, USA |
| Expert Rating | 4.3/5.0 - STRONG BUY - EXCEPTIONAL VALUE |
| Recommendation | Ideal for sound quality enthusiasts seeking multi-purpose versatility, all-weather capability, and exceptional value |
The Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I12SW-V2 delivers Stage II sound quality engineering with 2-inch aluminum voice coil, 27Hz resonant frequency, and 91.5 dB efficiency. Perfect for sealed or ported installations, all-weather applications, and budget-conscious audiophiles. Exceptional performance at exceptional value—secure yours today.