In this review, we will be comparing RP-1400SW and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Klipsch 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW 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.Both Klipsch RP-1400SWand Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Klipsch RP-1400SW's woofer is 14-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-1400SW has a frequency range of 16-141 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the RP-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-1400SW has external dimensions of 542.0 x 508.0 x 653.0mm ( 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch ) 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 ) .
Klipsch RP-1400SW is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 100mm wider, 124mm taller and 168mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT12.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-1400SW and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-1400SW 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW is approximately 3317.2cm2 / 514.2inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The RP-1400SW requires 68% 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 Klipsch RP-1400SW weighs 38.05kg / 83.7lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the RP-1400SW 115% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how RP-1400SW and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Woofer Size |
14 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
141k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
542mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
vs
3317cm2 (508x653mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
16-141 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
1000-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
14" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
542.0mm (21.3") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
508.0mm (20") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
653.0mm (25.7") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
38.05kg (83.7lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF with Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Ebony |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
3 Years |