In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and SubSeries 150, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and PSB. 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 PSB SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Monitor XT12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the PSB SubSeries 150 features a 6.5-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz whereas SubSeries 150 has a frequency range of 26-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go slightly deeper then the SubSeries 150's min frequency of 26Hz.
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 PSB SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150'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 PSB SubSeries 150 has external dimensions of 280.0 x 447.0 x 143.0mm ( 11 x 17-9/16 x 5-5/8inch) .
PSB SubSeries 150 is 138mm shorter and 342mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 39mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and PSB SubSeries 150 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and PSB SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 is approximately 639.2cm2 / 99.1inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 210% more surface area than the SubSeries 150 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 PSB SubSeries 150 weighs 6.05kg / 13.3lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 193% heavier than the SubSeries 150.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and SubSeries 150'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 PSB SubSeries 150?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 150:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord2 Mounting feetWall-mount bracketQuick Start Subwoofer GuideLimited Warranty sheetImportant Safety Instructions
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
26 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
280mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
639cm2 (447x143mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
PSB SubSeries 150 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
100 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
26-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
447.0mm (17.6") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
143.0mm (5.6") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
6.05kg (13.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |