In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and Muro SUB2010, 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 Muro SUB2010 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 Muro SUB2010 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 Muro SUB2010 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the ELAC Muro SUB2010 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas Muro SUB2010 has a frequency range of 38-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Muro SUB2010's min frequency of 38Hz.
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 XT12 and ELAC Muro SUB2010 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 XT12's and ELAC Muro SUB2010'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 Muro SUB2010 has external dimensions of 388.0 x 135.0 x 405.0mm ( 15-1/4 x 5-5/16 x 15-15/16inch) .
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 273mm wider, 30mm taller and 80mm deeper than ELAC Muro SUB2010.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and ELAC Muro SUB2010 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and ELAC Muro SUB2010 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 Muro SUB2010 is approximately 546.8cm2 / 84.8inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 262% more surface area than the Muro SUB2010 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 Muro SUB2010 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 127% heavier than the Muro SUB2010.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and Muro SUB2010'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 Muro SUB2010?
Here are the items that come with the Muro SUB2010:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord4 Cone feet2 Brackets2 Machine screws2 Wood screws2 Washers2 Wall anchorsOperating Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
770USD
|
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 |
388mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
546cm2 (135x405mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
ELAC Muro SUB2010 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
ELAC |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
38-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
side or bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
135.0mm (5.3") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
405.0mm (15.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |