In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT12 and SubSeries 450, 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 450 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 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 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 SubSeries 450 has a frequency range of 20-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SubSeries 450 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 PSB SubSeries 450 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or 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 PSB SubSeries 450'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 450 has external dimensions of 401.0 x 413.0 x 453.0mm ( 15-3/4 x 16-1/4 x 17-13/16inch) .
PSB SubSeries 450 is 17mm shorter and 32mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 5mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk Monitor XT12 and PSB SubSeries 450 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk Monitor XT12 and PSB SubSeries 450 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 450 is approximately 1870.9cm2 / 290.0inch2. The Monitor XT12 requires 6% more surface area than the SubSeries 450 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 450 weighs 20.45kg / 45lbs. This makes the SubSeries 450 15% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT12 and SubSeries 450'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 450?
Here are the items that come with the SubSeries 450:
Powered subwooferDetachable grille8-feet Power cordOwners Guide (En/Fr/Sp)Specifications sheetWarranty Card
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
401mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1870cm2 (413x453mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
PSB SubSeries 450 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
50 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
24-160 Hz |
20-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
50-watt RMS |
400-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 |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
418.0mm (16.5") |
401.0mm (15.8") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
413.0mm (16.3") |
| Depth |
485.0mm (19.1") |
453.0mm (17.8") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
20.45kg (45lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
1 Year |