In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and SuperCube 4000, 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 DT SuperCube 4000 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 XT12 and DT SuperCube 4000 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 XT12and DT SuperCube 4000 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the DT SuperCube 4000 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas SuperCube 4000 has a frequency range of 16-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 16Hz, the SuperCube 4000 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
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
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 DT SuperCube 4000 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 DT SuperCube 4000'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 DT SuperCube 4000 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 281.0 x 318.0mm ( 11-7/8 x 11-1/16 x 12-1/2inch) .
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 127mm wider, 116mm taller and 167mm deeper than DT SuperCube 4000.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and DT SuperCube 4000 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and DT SuperCube 4000 Size and External Dimensions
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 DT SuperCube 4000 is approximately 893.6cm2 / 138.5inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 121% more surface area than the SuperCube 4000 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 DT SuperCube 4000 weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 56% heavier than the SuperCube 4000.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and SuperCube 4000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT12:
Black powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordGrilleOwners ManualOnline registration card
What's in the Box of DT SuperCube 4000?
Here are the items that come with the SuperCube 4000:
8-inch Powered subwoofer7-feet AC power cordRemote control (CR2025 battery installed)4 Threaded rubber-feet4 Spike feet (hex-nut attached)Owners ManualSC4000 Booklet
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
16 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
302mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
893cm2 (281x318mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
Definitive Technology SuperCube 4000 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
1200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
16-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
1200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 40-150 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
302.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |