In this review, we will be comparing SuperSub XXL and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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.GoldenEar SuperSub XXL and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the GoldenEar SuperSub XXL features 2 x 12-inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SuperSub XXL has a frequency range of 10-250 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the SuperSub XXL 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. 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
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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperSub XXL has external dimensions of 447.0 x 485.0 x 434.0mm ( 17-9/16inch x 19-1/16inch x 17-1/16inch ) 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 77mm narrower and 29mm shorter than GoldenEar SuperSub XXL but it is also 51mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar SuperSub XXL and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar SuperSub XXL 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL is approximately 2104.9cm2 / 326.3inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The SuperSub XXL requires 6% more surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL weighs 37.27kg / 82lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the SuperSub XXL 110% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how SuperSub XXL 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 GoldenEar SuperSub XXL?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperSub XXL:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 13-inch x 15-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
418mm
vs
447mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
vs
2104cm2 (485x434mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperSub XXL |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1600 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
10-250 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1600-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
447.0mm (17.6") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
485.0mm (19.1") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
434.0mm (17.1") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
37.27kg (82lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |