In this review, we will be comparing D12s and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Perlisten 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 Perlisten D12s 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.
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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.Perlisten D12s and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the Perlisten D12s features x -inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
D12s has a frequency range of 20-289 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the D12s 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 Perlisten D12s 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 Perlisten D12s's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Perlisten D12s has external dimensions of 448.1 x 420.1 x 450.1mm (17.64 x 16.54 x 17.72inch) 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 12.1mm narrower and 30.1mm shorter than Perlisten D12s but it is also 34.9mm deeper.
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 Perlisten D12s is approximately 1890.9cm2 / 293.1inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The D12s requires 4% 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 Perlisten D12s weighs 41.00kg / 90.2lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the D12s 131% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how D12s and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
289k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1890cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
418mm
vs
448mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
5495USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten D12s |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
20-289 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
n/a |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
1 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
448.1mm (17.6") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
420.1mm (16.5") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
450.1mm (17.7") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
41.00kg (90.2lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |