In this review, we will be comparing Varro PS350-BK and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from ELAC 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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK 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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK 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.
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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.ELAC Varro PS350-BKand Polk Monitor XT12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Varro PS350-BK has a frequency range of 24-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz.
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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK 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
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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. ELAC Varro PS350-BK has external dimensions of 439.0 x 418.0 x 420.0mm ( 17-1/4inch x 16-7/16inch x 16-1/2inch ) 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 10mm narrower and 21mm shorter than ELAC Varro PS350-BK but it is also 65mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Varro PS350-BK and Polk Monitor XT12 Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK is approximately 1755.6cm2 / 272.1inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Varro PS350-BK requires 11% 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 ELAC Varro PS350-BK weighs 21.86kg / 48.1lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Varro PS350-BK 23% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Varro PS350-BK and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Varro PS350-BK?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Varro PS350-BK:
Grill Power Cord 4 Spikes
What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT12:
Black powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordGrilleOwners ManualOnline registration card
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1755cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
439mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Varro PS350-BK |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
350 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
700-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
418.0mm (16.5") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
420.0mm (16.5") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
21.86kg (48.1lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
USB-A port for firmware updates |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |