In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES12 and ASW610, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and Bowers Wilkins. 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 ES12 and B&W ASW610 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 ES12 and B&W ASW610 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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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 Signature Elite ES12and B&W ASW610 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the B&W ASW610 features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES12 has a frequency range of 22-250 Hz whereas ASW610 has a frequency range of 27-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the Elite ES12 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ASW610's min frequency of 27Hz.
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 ES12
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Cabinet Type
The Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 B&W ASW610 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.
Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 ES12's and B&W ASW610's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES12 has external dimensions of 231.0 x 364.0 x 532.0mm ( 9-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch x 20-15/16inch ) whereas B&W ASW610 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 312.0 x 394.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch) .
B&W ASW610 is 52mm narrower and 138mm less deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES12 but it is also 90mm 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 ES12 is approximately 1936.5cm2 / 300.2inch2 and base area of the B&W ASW610 is approximately 1229.3cm2 / 190.5inch2. The Elite ES12 requires 58% more surface area than the ASW610 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 Signature Elite ES12 weighs 21.64kg / 47.6lbs and the B&W ASW610 weighs 12.55kg / 27.6lbs. This makes the Elite ES12 72% heavier than the ASW610.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES12 and ASW610's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of B&W ASW610?
Here are the items that come with the ASW610:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cord4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet4 Lock-nutsManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
27 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
231mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
849USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Base Surface Area |
1229cm2 (312x394mm)
vs
1936cm2 (364x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES12 |
Bowers & Wilkins ASW610 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
200 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-250 Hz |
27-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
200-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Paper/Aramid Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
231.0mm (9.1") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
364.0mm (14.3") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
394.0mm (15.5") |
| Weight |
21.64kg (47.6lbs) |
12.55kg (27.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
2 Years |