Looking at the specs they are both very similar but the Optimum 12 actually has a better frequency response and has one more band (7 as opposed to the 6 of the SPL-R) of room EQ. In all practicality if you set them both up in the same room and EQ'd them the same I do not think you could pick one over the other as the drivers are basicvally the same. Same magnet structure, cone material etc. By physics I would obviously think the 15 will move more air. The fact that the 12 has a frequency response down to 13 Hz +/- 3 is quite exceptional however. The SPL-R is rated only down to 20 Hz. Due to the fact that the Optimum 12 is the newer of the two you are looking at as far as when they were released from Velodyne (the SPL-R's have been out for quite a few years now) I would imagine that Velodyne has a little newer technology in the Optimum amp and are able to get more out of it.
Again once set up and EQ'd both would be very good performing subs. If HT is your thing as much or more than music the extra few Hz of low end and the one more band of Eq would lean me to the Optimum.
I hope this helps out and good luck, and enjoy what you end up with.
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Again once set up and EQ'd both would be very good performing subs. If HT is your thing as much or more than music the extra few Hz of low end and the one more band of Eq would lean me to the Optimum.
I hope this helps out and good luck, and enjoy what you end up with.
