In this review, we will be comparing C1SUB Mk2 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ATC and Polk Audio. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of ATC C1SUB Mk2 and Polk Monitor XT12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both ATC C1SUB Mk2and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the ATC C1SUB Mk2's woofer is -inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
C1SUB Mk2 has a frequency range of whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of Hz, the C1SUB Mk2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor XT12's min frequency of 24Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The ATC C1SUB Mk2 has a Sealed type cabinet. On the other hand the Polk Monitor XT12 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ATC C1SUB Mk2's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. ATC C1SUB Mk2 has external dimensions of () whereas Polk Monitor XT12 has external dimensions of 418.0 x 408.0 x 485.0mm (16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch).
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 408mm wider, 418mm taller and 485mm deeper than ATC C1SUB Mk2.