Monitor Audio has just dropped its new Vestra Series subwoofers—W10, W12, and W15—into the ever-growing pool of bass boxes flooding the market. These latest additions aim to deliver “performance-driven bass for every listener” at a more accessible price point.
Each model is named after its driver size: 10″, 12″, and 15″, respectively. Designed for versatility, the Vestra subs can integrate into various systems, whether for home AV setups or custom installations. Monitor Audio’s goal is to expand its independent subwoofer range, offering more options for consumers and integrators alike.
In a market where subwoofers seem to be dropping from the sky, the Vestra Series stands out by balancing performance and affordability. While they may not boast the high-end specs of the Anthra Series, the Vestras offer solid performance for those looking to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank.
The W10 and W12 stick to a sealed box design for that tighter, more controlled low-end, while the bigger W15 goes ported—because sometimes you just want to rattle the walls.
All three use Monitor Audio’s trusty C-CAM cones, which are both lightweight and rigid enough to hold their shape under pressure. Translation: less distortion, more accurate bass, even when pushed hard.
You’ve got a stereo input with a tunable low-pass filter that runs from 32Hz all the way up to 200Hz, giving you decent flexibility whether you’re pairing these with bookshelves or towers.
They’re available in two finishes—matte black or matte white—and thankfully, Monitor Audio kept the controls right where they belong: on the back, not buried in some app or hidden under a logo badge. Setup’s straightforward, no decoder ring required.
Vestra Series
Vestra W10
The Vestra W10 is a compact, sealed 10-inch subwoofer built for clean, punchy bass without the boom. Behind the grille is a high-excursion C-CAM driver powered by a 250-watt Class D amp—plenty of muscle for small to mid-sized rooms. It’s simple to set up, thanks to three DSP presets, RCA and LFE inputs, a 12V trigger, and a 3.5mm jack. Whether you’re running it solo or doubling up, the W10 delivers tight, distortion-free low end in a sleek, no-fuss design.
Key Specifications
- System Type: Active, sealed subwoofer
- Driver: 1 x 10″ (254mm) high-excursion C-CAM
- Amplifier: 250W RMS, Class D
- Frequency Response: 19Hz – 200Hz (-6dB in-room)
- Max SPL (Peak): 111dB (CTA 2010-B)
- Low Pass Filter: 32Hz – 200Hz
- EQ Modes: 3 DSP presets – Impact, Movie, Music
- Inputs: Stereo RCA, LFE RCA, 12V trigger (3.5mm)
- Phase Control: 0° / 180° switch
- Auto Sensing: On >3mV, standby after 20 mins
- Power Supply: Universal (85–265V, 50/60Hz)
- Power Draw (1/8 max): 60W
- Impedance: 47kΩ
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 344 x 330 x 360mm (13.5 x 13 x 14.2″)
- Weight: 13.3kg
- Grille: Cloth-covered
Vestra W12
The Vestra W12 is built to hit harder and dig deeper than its little brother, making it a strong choice for high-fidelity systems or serious home theater setups. It features a 12-inch high-excursion C-CAM driver with a triple suspension design for better control and less distortion when things get loud.
The sealed box is powered by a beefy 500-watt Class D amp, and you still get the same three DSP modes—Impact, Movie, and Music—for simple tuning. With both stereo and LFE RCA inputs, plus a 12V trigger and 3.5mm jack, the W12 plays nice with just about any system. Use one or stack a few—either way, it’s built to shake things up.
Key Specifications
- System Type: Active, sealed subwoofer
- Driver: 1 x 12″ (305mm) high-excursion C-CAM with triple suspension
- Amplifier: 500W RMS, Class D
- Frequency Response: 17Hz – 200Hz (-6dB in-room)
- Max SPL (Peak): 115dB (CTA 2010-B)
- Low Pass Filter: 32Hz – 200Hz
- EQ Modes: 3 DSP presets – Impact, Movie, Music
- Inputs: Stereo RCA, LFE RCA, 12V trigger (3.5mm)
- Phase Control: 0° / 180° switch
- Auto Sensing: On >3mV, standby after 20 mins
- Power Supply: Universal (85–265V, 50/60Hz)
- Power Draw (1/8 max): 120W
- Impedance: 47kΩ
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 385 x 371 x 401mm (15.1 x 14.6 x 15.8″)
- Weight: 18.3kg
- Grille: Cloth-covered
Vestra W15
The Vestra W15 is the bruiser of the bunch—the one you call in when you want your room to rumble and your movies to hit with real impact. It packs a 15-inch high-excursion C-CAM driver with a triple suspension setup into a ported cabinet, all driven by a 500-watt Class D amp. Whether you’re building a serious home theater or just want your music to feel more visceral, the W15 brings scale, slam, and low-end authority. You still get the same practical inputs, 3 DSP presets, and a 12V trigger, but this one’s built to shake foundations, not just furniture.
Key Specifications
- System Type: Active, ported subwoofer
- Driver: 1 x 15″ (381mm) high-excursion C-CAM with triple suspension
- Amplifier: 500W RMS, Class D
- Frequency Response: 17Hz – 200Hz (-6dB in-room)
- Max SPL (Peak): 117dB (CTA 2010-B)
- Low Pass Filter: 32Hz – 200Hz
- EQ Modes: 3 DSP presets – Impact, Movie, Music
- Inputs: Stereo RCA, LFE RCA, 12V trigger (3.5mm)
- Phase Control: 0° / 180° switch
- Auto Sensing: On >3mV, standby after 20 mins
- Power Supply: Universal (85–265V, 50/60Hz)
- Power Draw (1/8 max): 120W
- Impedance: 47kΩ
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 540 x 526 x 556mm (21.25 x 20.69 x 21.88″)
- Weight: 18.3kg
- Grille: Cloth-covered
Vestra vs. Anthra: Bass for the Rebellion
Monitor Audio’s Vestra subs may be the new kids on the block, but they’re clearly cut from the same cloth as the pricier Anthra series—just tailored for a leaner budget and a less flashy war chest.
Design & Build
Vestra W10 and W12 go sealed for that classic British discipline—tight, fast, no-nonsense bass. The W15 goes ported, which gives it more low-end extension and room-filling grunt. Anthra models, in contrast, are all sealed but benefit from deeper engineering, including massive internal bracing and heavier-duty enclosures. You can feel where the money goes.
Drivers
Both series use Monitor Audio’s C-CAM drivers, which aren’t just marketing gloss—they genuinely perform. But Anthra pushes it further with long-throw drivers and beefier magnet structures that handle more power and deliver tighter slam. Vestra still benefits from the same cone tech but lacks the same excursion range and brute force.
Power & Processing
This is where Anthra pulls away. Vestra keeps things simple: stereo input, tunable low-pass filter, basic onboard controls. It’s plug-and-play, and that’s the point. Anthra, on the other hand, comes armed with DSP control via the MaestroUnite app, parametric EQ, and more advanced integration options. Anthra is command-center stuff—Vestra is field-ready.
Use Case
Vestra is the sub you toss into your setup when you want a serious bass upgrade without entering four-figure territory. It’s honest, does its job, and doesn’t ask questions. Anthra is for those who want full-scale immersion, deep integration, and the freedom to tweak every last detail. You’re paying for that precision.
The Bottom Line
The Vestra subs land at a much friendlier price point than Monitor Audio’s flagship Anthra range. In the U.S., the W10 comes in around $900, the W12 at roughly $1,100, and the W15 tops out near $1,300—not exactly bargain bin, but far more accessible than their big siblings.
Compare that to the Anthra series, which starts at $2,350 and climbs all the way up to $3,500, and it’s clear the Vestra line is aimed at folks who want serious low-end without needing to finance a second mortgage. You’re not getting the full-throttle muscle or advanced DSP of the Anthras, but for half the price? You’re still getting a taste of the family DNA—and enough firepower to make your walls twitch.
If Anthra is the MI6 operative with custom gear and satellite backup, Vestra is the rebel fighter with dirt under their nails and just enough ammo to hold the line. Different missions. Same bloodline.
For more information: monitoraudio.com
Where to buy:
- Vestra W10 – $899
- Vestra W12 – $1,099
- Vestra W15 – $1,299
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