In this review, we will be comparing Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Bluesound 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 Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Polk Monitor XT12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Polk Monitor XT12 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Bluesound PULSE SUB+and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s woofer is 8-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has a frequency range of 22-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ can go slightly deeper then 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
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Bluesound PULSE SUB+'s and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Bluesound PULSE SUB+ has external dimensions of 300 x 457 x 146 mm ( ) 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 ) .
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is 118mm shorter and 339mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 49mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is approximately 667.2cm2 / 103.4inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ requires 66% less surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ weighs 8.28kg / 18.2lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 114% heavier than the Bluesound PULSE SUB+.
Here is a comparison of how Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 App-Based Control |
BluOS Controller (iOS, Android)
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
300mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
667cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1149USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Bluesound |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
22-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
150-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
457.0mm (18") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
146.0mm (5.7") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
8.28kg (18.2lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Matte |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
Type A (upgrade only), Type B mini (service) |
n/a |
| Ethernet Port |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |