In this review, we will be comparing Defiance X12 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 and Polk Monitor XT12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Paradigm Defiance X12and Polk Monitor XT12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Defiance X12 has a frequency range of 20-230 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the Defiance X12 can go slightly deeper then 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm Defiance X12's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance X12 has external dimensions of 494.0 x 459.0 x 529.0mm (19-7/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch) 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).
Paradigm Defiance X12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 76mm taller and 44mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT12.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance X12 and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance X12 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 is approximately 2428.1cm2 / 376.4inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Defiance X12 requires 23% 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Defiance X12 59% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance X12 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 Paradigm Defiance X12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance X12:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feetAC power cord
- ARC microphone
- 12
What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT12:
- Black powered subwoofer
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- Grille
- Owners Manual
- Online registration card
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
230 Hz
vs
160 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
 Height |
418mm
vs
494mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1978cm2
vs
2428cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
Paradigm Defiance X12 needs about 23% more floor area. Paradigm Defiance X12 stands 44mm further into the room. Paradigm Defiance X12 is 76mm taller.
| General |
Paradigm Defiance X12 |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
650 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-230 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
650-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
494.0mm (19.4") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Different price classes - Paradigm Defiance X12 costs roughly 3.8x what Polk Monitor XT12 does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | A | Paradigm Defiance X12 goes deeper - 20Hz against 24Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Amplifier power | A | Paradigm Defiance X12 has the bigger amplifier - 650W against 50W RMS, about 11.1dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (12" against 12"). |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are ported designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Wireless option | depends | Only Paradigm Defiance X12 offers a wireless link (as a paid option). It decides where the sub can go if you cannot run a cable, and is worth nothing if you can. |
| Cabinet size | depends | Polk Monitor XT12 is about 31% smaller by volume. In a subwoofer that is a real trade rather than a preference: box volume is how you get output low down without a bigger amplifier. |
| Price | B | Polk Monitor XT12 costs less - $399 against $1,499, about 73% less. |
A Paradigm Defiance X12 B Polk Monitor XT12
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
The usual trade-off: Paradigm Defiance X12 measures better, Polk Monitor XT12 costs about 73% less. In a normal room, placement will make a bigger difference than the gap between these two. Two small subwoofers beat one big one in most rooms - a pair evens out the room modes in a way no single box can, whatever its specs. At $399 each, two Polk Monitor XT12 cost about $798 against $1,499 for one of the other, which is worth a thought. If placement is the constraint - a corner, behind a sofa, under a desk - Polk Monitor XT12 is the one that will actually go there, and a well-placed small subwoofer beats a badly-placed big one every time.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.