In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and Debut 2.0 SUB3010, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and ELAC. 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas Debut 2.0 SUB3010 has a frequency range of 28-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go slightly deeper then the Debut 2.0 SUB3010's min frequency of 28Hz.
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 have Passive radiator type enclosure.
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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010'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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 has external dimensions of 374.0 x 355.0 x 383.0mm ( 14-11/16 x 13-15/16 x 15-1/16inch) .
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 53mm wider, 44mm taller and 102mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 is approximately 1359.7cm2 / 210.8inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 46% more surface area than the Debut 2.0 SUB3010 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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 weighs 14.59kg / 32.1lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 22% heavier than the Debut 2.0 SUB3010.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and Debut 2.0 SUB3010'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 ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010?
Here are the items that come with the Debut 2.0 SUB3010:
Powered subwoofer9-feet AC power cord4 Spikes4 Hex-nutsOperating Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
650USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
374mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1359cm2 (355x383mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
ELAC Debut 2.0 SUB3010 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
28-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Doped Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
374.0mm (14.7") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
355.0mm (14") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
14.59kg (32.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |