In this review, we will be comparing SubSeries BP8 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from PSB 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 PSB SubSeries BP8 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 PSB SubSeries BP8 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 PSB SubSeries BP8and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the PSB SubSeries BP8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SubSeries BP8 has a frequency range of 25-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go slightly deeper then the SubSeries BP8's min frequency of 25Hz.
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 PSB SubSeries BP8 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 PSB SubSeries BP8's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. PSB SubSeries BP8 has external dimensions of 355 x 330 x 330mm ( 14 x 13 x 13 inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 78mm wider, 63mm taller and 155mm deeper than PSB SubSeries BP8.
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 PSB SubSeries BP8 is approximately 1089.0cm2 / 168.8inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The SubSeries BP8 requires 45% 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 PSB SubSeries BP8 weighs 19.10kg / 42lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the SubSeries BP8 8% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how SubSeries BP8 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 PSB SubSeries BP8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SubSeries BP8:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners GuideSpecifications sheetWarranty Card
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
 Height |
355mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1089cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
25 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB SubSeries BP8 |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
500 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
25-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
500-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon Fibre |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
High Density Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
355.0mm (14") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
330.0mm (13") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
330.0mm (13") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
19.10kg (42lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Satin Black, Satin White |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |