In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT10 and SPL-120, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. 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 Polk Monitor XT10 and Klipsch SPL-120 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Polk Monitor XT10 and Klipsch SPL-120 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.Both Polk Monitor XT10and Klipsch SPL-120 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Klipsch SPL-120 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT10 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas SPL-120 has a frequency range of 24-125 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
Both Polk Monitor XT10 and Klipsch SPL-120 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 Polk Monitor XT10's and Klipsch SPL-120's external dimensions. Polk Monitor XT10 has external dimensions of 399.0 x 302.0 x 422.0mm ( 15-11/16 x 11-7/8 x 16-5/8inch) whereas Klipsch SPL-120 has external dimensions of 450.0 x 375.0 x 540.0mm ( 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch) .
Klipsch SPL-120 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 73mm wider, 51mm taller and 118mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT10.
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 Polk Monitor XT10 is approximately 1274.4cm2 / 197.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch SPL-120 is approximately 2025.0cm2 / 313.9inch2. The Monitor XT10 requires 37% less surface area than the SPL-120 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.