In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT10 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 Polk Monitor XT10 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.Both Polk Monitor XT10and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT10 and Monitor XT12 has exactly the same 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
Both Polk Monitor XT10 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 Polk Monitor XT10's and Polk Monitor XT12'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 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 106mm wider, 19mm taller and 63mm deeper than Polk Monitor XT10.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Polk Monitor XT12 needs about 55% more floor or shelf area. Polk Monitor XT12 is 63mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Polk Monitor XT12 is 19mm taller.
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 Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Monitor XT10 requires 36% less surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.