In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and Cub Evo, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Focal. 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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Focal Cub Evo features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas Cub Evo has a frequency range of 35-150 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 Cub Evo's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Focal Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo'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 Focal Cub Evo has external dimensions of 308.0 x 285.0 x 328.0mm ( 12-1/8 x 11-3/16 x 12-7/8inch) .
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 123mm wider, 110mm taller and 157mm deeper than Focal Cub Evo.
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 Focal Cub Evo is approximately 934.8cm2 / 144.9inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 112% more surface area than the Cub Evo 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 Focal Cub Evo weighs 7.95kg / 17.5lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 123% heavier than the Cub Evo.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and Cub Evo'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 Focal Cub Evo?
Here are the items that come with the Cub Evo:
Powered subwoofer8-feet AC power cordUser ManualThank You Card
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
308mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
934cm2 (285x328mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
Focal Cub Evo |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
35-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polyflex |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
308.0mm (12.1") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
328.0mm (12.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
7.95kg (17.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |