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Polk Audio Polk Monitor XT12 vs Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 Comparison
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Polk Monitor XT12

Powered Subwoofer | 24-160 Hz

Polk Monitor XT12
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Definitive ProSub 1000

Powered Subwoofer | 18-150 Hz

Definitive Technology ProSub 1000
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Polk Monitor XT12 Polk Monitor XT12
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Definitive ProSub 1000 Definitive ProSub 10...
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Polk Monitor XT12
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Definitive ProSub 10...
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Polk Monitor XT12 vs Definitive ProSub 1000 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and ProSub 1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Definitive Technology. 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 XT12 and Definitive ProSub 1000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Polk Monitor XT12 Key Specs

  • 12" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
  • 24-160 Hz Frequency Response
  • 50 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:17.73kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 418.0" x 16-1/16" x 19-1/16"( 418.0 x 408.0 x 485.0mm )

Definitive ProSub 1000 Key Specs

  • 10" Polymer Woofer
  • 18-150 Hz Frequency Response
  • 300 watts Max Amplifier Output
  • Weight:14.09kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 366.0" x 12-1/16" x 19-1/8"( 366.0 x 307.0 x 486.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Polk Monitor XT12 and Definitive ProSub 1000 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my 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.Both Polk Monitor XT12and Definitive ProSub 1000 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Definitive ProSub 1000 features a 10-inch woofer.

Frequency Response

Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas ProSub 1000 has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ProSub 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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

Polk Monitor XT12
Definitive ProSub 1000
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Subwoofer Speakers

Polk Monitor XT12
Definitive ProSub 1000
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet Type

The Polk Monitor XT12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Definitive ProSub 1000 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 XT12's and Definitive ProSub 1000's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas Definitive ProSub 1000 has external dimensions of 366.0 x 307.0 x 486.0mm ( 14-3/8 x 12-1/16 x 19-1/8inch) .

Definitive ProSub 1000 is 101mm narrower and 52mm shorter than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 1mm 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 Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProSub 1000 is approximately 1492.0cm2 / 231.3inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 33% more surface area than the ProSub 1000 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 Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Definitive ProSub 1000 weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 26% heavier than the ProSub 1000.

Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and ProSub 1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Monitor XT12
Definitive ProSub 1000
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT12:
  • Black powered subwoofer
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration card
  • What's in the Box of Definitive ProSub 1000?

    Here are the items that come with the ProSub 1000:
  • 10-inch Powered subwoofer
  • Detachable grille (installed)
  • 7-feet AC power cord
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration card

  • Reasons to choose Polk Monitor XT12 over Definitive Technology ProSub 1000
    Woofer Size 12 inches vs 10 inches Larger woofer
    High Frequency Response 160k Hz vs 150k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Reasons to choose Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 over Polk Monitor XT12
    Low Frequency Response 18 Hz vs 24 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Height 366mm vs 418mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1492cm2 vs 1978cm2 Takes less floor space
    Polk Monitor XT12 vs Definitive ProSub 1000 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Monitor XT12 Definitive Technology ProSub 1000
    Brand Polk Audio Definitive Technology
    Speaker Type Powered Subwoofer Powered Subwoofer
    Max Amplifier Output 50 watts 300 watts
    Frequency Response 24-160 Hz 18-150 Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 50-watt RMS 300-watt RMS
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 12" 10"
    Woofer Composition Bi-laminate paper Polymer
    Tweeter Size - -
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 40-150 Hz and 80 Hz
    Firing Direction front front
    Physical Specs
    Height 418.0mm (16.5") 366.0mm (14.4")
    Width 408.0mm (16.1") 307.0mm (12.1")
    Depth 485.0mm (19.1") 486.0mm (19.1")
    Weight 17.73kg (39lbs) 14.09kg (31lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Passive Radiator
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 3 Years 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 3 Years 3 Years

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