In this review, we will be comparing Sub V-16 F and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from DALI 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 DALI Sub V-16 F 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.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both DALI Sub V-16 Fand Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the DALI Sub V-16 F's woofer is 16-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Sub V-16 F has a frequency range of 19-200 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 19Hz, the Sub V-16 F 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
Both DALI Sub V-16 F and Polk Monitor XT12 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 DALI Sub V-16 F's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. DALI Sub V-16 F has external dimensions of 590 x 560 x 650 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).
DALI Sub V-16 F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 152mm wider, 172mm taller and 165mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT12.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
DALI Sub V-16 F needs about 84% more floor or shelf area. DALI Sub V-16 F is 165mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. DALI Sub V-16 F is 172mm taller.
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 DALI Sub V-16 F is approximately 3640.0cm2 / 564.2inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Sub V-16 F requires 84% more surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.