In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and SUB8 v2, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Kanto. 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Kanto SUB8 v2 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas SUB8 v2 has a frequency range of 35-175 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 SUB8 v2'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
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 Kanto SUB8 v2 have Acoustic Suspension type enclosure. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported 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 Kanto SUB8 v2'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 Kanto SUB8 v2 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 281.0 x 326.0mm ( 11-7/8inch x 11-1/16inch x 12-13/16inch ) .
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 127mm wider, 116mm taller and 159mm deeper than Kanto SUB8 v2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and Kanto SUB8 v2 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and Kanto SUB8 v2 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 is approximately 916.1cm2 / 142.0inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 116% more surface area than the SUB8 v2 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 Kanto SUB8 v2 weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 127% heavier than the SUB8 v2.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and SUB8 v2'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 Kanto SUB8 v2?
Here are the items that come with the SUB8 v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord10-feet mono-RCA cableUser ManualUser Manual Language Update Note
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
175k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
302mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
916cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
240USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
Kanto SUB8 v2 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Kanto |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
35-175 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
150-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| 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") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |