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.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Paradigm Defiance X12 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.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
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 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 subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
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
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
230k Hz
vs
160k 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 (408x485mm)
vs
2428cm2 (459x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| 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 |