In this review, we will be comparing Stage 220P and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from JBL 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 JBL Stage 220P 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 JBL Stage 220P 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.JBL Stage 220P and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the JBL Stage 220P features x 12-inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
Stage 220P has a frequency range of 29-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Stage 220P's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 JBL Stage 220P 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 JBL Stage 220P's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. JBL Stage 220P has external dimensions of 418.0 x 405.0 x 445.0mm ( 16-7/16inch x 15-15/16inch x 17-1/2inch ) 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 ) .
JBL Stage 220P is 3mm narrower and 40mm less deeper than JBL Stage 220P but they have the same height of 418.0mm.
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 JBL Stage 220P is approximately 1802.3cm2 / 279.4inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Stage 220P requires 9% 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 JBL Stage 220P weighs 18.73kg / 41.2lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Stage 220P 6% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Stage 220P and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Base Surface Area |
1802cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL Stage 220P |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
250 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
250-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polycellulose |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
405.0mm (15.9") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
445.0mm (17.5") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
18.73kg (41.2lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Espresso,Latte |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 year |
3 Years |