In this review, we will be comparing R212s 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 R212s 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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.Perlisten R212s and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the Perlisten R212s features x -inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
R212s has a frequency range of 20-256 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the R212s 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 R212s 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 R212s's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Perlisten R212s has external dimensions of 599.9 x 410.0 x 500.1mm (23.62 x 16.14 x 19.69inch) 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).
Perlisten R212s is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 181.9mm taller and 15.1mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT12.
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 R212s is approximately 2050.4cm2 / 317.8inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The R212s requires 4% 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 Perlisten R212s weighs 48.20kg / 106lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the R212s 172% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how R212s 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 |
256k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
418mm
vs
599mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1978cm2
vs
2050cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
5495USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Perlisten R212s |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Perlisten |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
20-256 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 |
599.9mm (23.6") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
410.0mm (16.1") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
500.1mm (19.7") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
48.20kg (106lbs) |
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 |