In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and R-10SWi, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. 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 Klipsch R-10SWi first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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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 Klipsch R-10SWi have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Klipsch R-10SWi features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas R-10SWi has a frequency range of 32-120 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 R-10SWi's min frequency of 32Hz.
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 Klipsch R-10SWi 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.
Klipsch R-10SWi Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Klipsch R-10SWi'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 Klipsch R-10SWi has external dimensions of 370.0 x 318.0 x 462.0mm (14-9/16 x 12-1/2 x 18-3/16inch).
Polk Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 90mm wider, 48mm taller and 23mm deeper than Klipsch R-10SWi.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and Klipsch R-10SWi in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and Klipsch R-10SWi 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 Klipsch R-10SWi is approximately 1469.2cm2 / 227.7inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 35% more surface area than the R-10SWi 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 Klipsch R-10SWi weighs 11.59kg / 25.5lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 53% heavier than the R-10SWi.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and R-10SWi'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 subwoofer
- 6.5-feet AC power cord
- Grille
- Owners Manual
- Online registration card
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-10SWi?
Here are the items that come with the R-10SWi:
- Powered sub
- Wireless transmitter (attached 12
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
370mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1469cm2
vs
1978cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
274USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
Klipsch Reference R-10SWi |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
150 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
32-120 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" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Copper IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
462.0mm (18.2") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
11.59kg (25.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |