In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES10 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Polk Audio. 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 Signature Elite ES10 and Polk Monitor XT12 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 Signature Elite ES10 and Polk Monitor XT12 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 Signature Elite ES10and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES10 has a frequency range of 28-250 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go slightly deeper then the Elite ES10's min frequency of 28Hz.
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
Polk Signature Elite ES10
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES10
Cabinet Type
Both Polk Signature Elite ES10 and Polk Monitor XT12 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES10 double Port
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 Signature Elite ES10's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES10 has external dimensions of 439.0 x 332.0 x 469.0mm ( 17-1/4inch x 13-1/16inch x 18-7/16inch ) whereas 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 ) .
Polk Signature Elite ES10 is 76mm narrower and 16mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 21mm taller.
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 Signature Elite ES10 is approximately 1557.1cm2 / 241.4inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Elite ES10 requires 21% less surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small advantage 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 Signature Elite ES10 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES10 and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES10
What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES10:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT12:
Black powered subwoofer6.5-feet AC power cordGrilleOwners ManualOnline registration card
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1557cm2 (332x469mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
418mm
vs
439mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
649USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES10 |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-250 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
332.0mm (13.1") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
469.0mm (18.5") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |