In this review, we will be comparing MilleniaSub 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 MilleniaSub 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 MilleniaSub 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Paradigm MilleniaSuband Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm MilleniaSub's woofer is ----inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
MilleniaSub has a frequency range of 24-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz.
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 Paradigm MilleniaSub 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 Paradigm MilleniaSub's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Paradigm MilleniaSub has external dimensions of 386.0 x 180.0 x 467.0mm ( 15-3/16inch x 7-1/16inch x 18-3/8inch ) 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 228mm wider, 32mm taller and 18mm deeper than Paradigm MilleniaSub.
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 MilleniaSub is approximately 840.6cm2 / 130.3inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The MilleniaSub requires 58% 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 Paradigm MilleniaSub weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 63% heavier than the MilleniaSub.
Here is a comparison of how MilleniaSub 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 MilleniaSub?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of MilleniaSub:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordStand4 Feet4 Locking collars4 Felt-pads2 Screws4 Rubber insertsOwners ManualImportant Operating Info
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 |
386mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
840cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
--- inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm MilleniaSub |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
---" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Reinforced Polymer |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front and back |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
386.0mm (15.2") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
467.0mm (18.4") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |