In this review, we will be comparing D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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 D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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.Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall features x -inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
D3is In-Wall / On-Wall has a frequency range of 20-290 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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
Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall
Cabinet Type
Both Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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 D3is In-Wall / On-Wall's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall has external dimensions of () 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 408mm wider, 418mm taller and 485mm deeper than Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall.
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 D3is In-Wall / On-Wall weighs 39.70kg / 87.3lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 124% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how D3is In-Wall / On-Wall and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
290 Hz
vs
160 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
0mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
0cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
5995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
20-290 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 |
mm (0") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
mm (0") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
mm (0") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
39.70kg (87.3lbs) |
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 |
Different price classes - Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall costs roughly 15x what Polk Monitor XT12 does. Before paying it, read the note below about two smaller subwoofers.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | A | Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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. |
| Enclosure | evenly matched | Both are ported designs, so they roll off in much the same way. |
| Price | B | Polk Monitor XT12 costs less - $399 against $5,995, about 93% less. |
A Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall 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?
Perlisten D3is In-Wall / On-Wall is ahead, but on only 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 15x the price. Polk Monitor XT12 is the sensible buy unless your room is large enough to need the extra. 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 $5,995 for one of the other, which is worth a thought.
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.