In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and Dynamo 1100X, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and MartinLogan. 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 MartinLogan 1100X 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 MartinLogan 1100X 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.Polk Monitor XT12and MartinLogan 1100X have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas Dynamo 1100X has a frequency range of 22-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Dynamo 1100X can go slightly deeper then the Monitor XT12's min frequency of 24Hz.
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 MartinLogan 1100X 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 MartinLogan 1100X'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 MartinLogan 1100X has external dimensions of 435.0 x 381.0 x 410.0mm ( 17-1/8 x 15 x 16-1/8inch) .
MartinLogan 1100X is 27mm narrower and 75mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 17mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and MartinLogan 1100X in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and MartinLogan 1100X 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 MartinLogan 1100X is approximately 1562.1cm2 / 242.1inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 27% more surface area than the Dynamo 1100X 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 MartinLogan 1100X weighs 20.91kg / 46lbs. This makes the Dynamo 1100X 18% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and Dynamo 1100X'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 MartinLogan 1100X?
Here are the items that come with the Dynamo 1100X:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 Height |
418mm
vs
435mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Base Surface Area |
1562cm2 (381x410mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
MartinLogan Dynamo 1100X |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
MartinLogan |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
650 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
22-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
650-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front and bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
410.0mm (16.1") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
20.91kg (46lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Satin Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Yrs w/ Registration |