MTX Terminator TNE212D Review—Is It Worth The Hype?

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When you’re looking to add a subwoofer to your vehicle, there are three things that should be your primary considerations: excellent sound, great power handling, and durability. While factory car stereos are great to some extent, adding a good aftermarket subwoofer changes the way you listen to music.

MTX delivers with its vast collection of subwoofers that offer high value in terms of volume, power, and overall sound quality. The TNE212D is an incredible car subwoofer that lets you enjoy every second you’re in the car listening to music.

One thing that stands out is its sturdy construction. The cabinet is made of tough MDF, so it is built to last and withstand banging inside your car trunk. MTX Terminator TNE212D is an absolute beast if you’re looking for some serious bass output and arguably one of the best 12-inch subwoofers in the market.

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MTX Terminator TNE212D Specs

Power handling400 watts RMS
Frequency response10Hz – 150Hz
Subwoofer sizeDual 12″
Impedance2 ohms
Height14”
Width29.63″
Top depth11.13″
Bottom depth13.5″
Weight56 lbs.
Enclosure typeSealed
MaterialMDF

This review breaks down features of the sub while taking into account users’ reviews across the board. Let’s explore further!

MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D Review

If you’re truly after value and sound quality, then you may want to consider this MTX Audio Terminator Series TNE212D sub. The subwoofer is robust, loud, and pretty much anything you may want from your subwoofer. Although it is not quite as powerful as high-end 15-inch units, it delivers more than enough bass to get your vehicle shaking. You may however want to ensure that your ears and vehicle can handle it.

MTX Terminator TNE212D features

Outstanding power handling capability

First, let’s dwell on the power handling capacities of the TNE212D. This massive subwoofer is capable of delivering a total of 800 watts max power and 400 watts RMS. While this power level is not at par with most high-end units out there, it is still substantial, and for what the sub costs, there is little to complain about.

Whether you love to listen to rock, country, rap, or classical, this sub will deliver a well-rounded bass that will make heads turn from a distance. However, if you’re a serious audiophile or bass head, you may want to step up to a more powerful model.

Dual woofer construction

The MTX Terminator TNE212D comes as a complete combo comprising of two woofers to make a huge impact in any sized car. The two woofers translate to better bass quality that is smoother and more dynamic, which is also slightly louder and effortless to feel. Provided you have the space, this dual subwoofer will let you enjoy a more dynamic range with reduced distortion even at extreme volume levels.

Rugged construction

MTX Terminator TNE212D sports a competition-grade polypropylene cone housed in a strong rubber surround. The cone is designed to withstand the high excursion produced by the motor structure. For us, this is one of the best constructions, especially for the entry price.

In addition, it comes with a single2-inch voice coil made of anodized aluminum. This material helps to dissipate heat more efficiently, so can drive the sub for longer hours without risking damaging the voice coil. The coil is rated at 2 ohms which gives you more flexibility while wiring your sub to an amplifier.

5/8″ MDF Construction

MTX utilized a 5/8″ medium-density fiberboard to make an enclosure that will match the subwoofer and to ensure that the sub will stand up to daily abuse. The MDF construction helps keep massive low-frequency sound waves under control, and it is the most preferred material for enclosures and speakers’ cabinets. The design also incorporates an aviation grade black carpet and an embroidered Terminator logo to add to the look.

Sealed enclosure

The TNE212D comes in a sealed enclosure, but you can customize it to provide the type of sound you’re just looking for. The high-efficiency enclosure provides a punchy and very deep low end while also keeping the notes separated regardless of the music genre.

Besides, the sealed enclosure excels in reproducing the instrumentals more accurately and convincingly. The box measures 14″ x 29.63″ x 11.13″, so you may want to ensure you have enough space for it for optimal performance.

What we like

  • It is super easy to install in any vehicle
  • Dual woofers offer more accurate bass
  • Durable and tough construction
  • High-end performance at an entry-level price
  • Detailed and punchy low end
  • It is built to last
  • Comes in a sealed enclosure for more articulate and tighter bass
  • Excellent heat dissipation

What we don’t like

  • Needs more space for optimal performance
  • Minimal distortion at high volumes
  • The need for a powerful amplifier-you’ll need to sacrifice a few more bucks, but it’s all worth it
  • Comes with a single voice coil, but it handless power pretty well

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Our Verdict

For what it costs, we don’t think there is any other unit that could beat this deal. The subwoofer is incredibly powerful and sturdily constructed to not only shake your windows but last for years to come. In addition, at 12 inches, the subwoofer is fairly compact, so it should fit in most cars, small or big.

The TNE212D maintains the MTX reputation of making powerful subwoofers, and we were blown away by its rich and deep bass and astonishingly little distortion. So if you’re craving car-shaking bass and serious power level, you’ll definitely enjoy this subwoofer, plus we felt the entry price is pretty reasonable.

There are few complaints in the MTX Terminator TNE212D reviews about the performance and average power handling of this subwoofer. But as long you install the sub in the right enclosure and fine-tune the settings, you should get plenty of punch from the budget subwoofer.

We hope this review has helped make up your mind. Please feel free to share your thoughts or your experience with the MTX Terminator TNE212D in the comments section below.

Avatar for Jamie K. Martin

Jamie K. Martin holds a degree in Audio engineering from Husson University, Bangor. Martin spends most of his time testing and trying the technology he writes about to ensure that he provides first-hand information to our customers from all walks of life.

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