In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES12 and ForceField 3, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Polk Audio and GoldenEar. 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the GoldenEar ForceField 3 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES12 has a frequency range of 22-250 Hz whereas ForceField 3 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 3 can go slightly deeper then the Elite ES12's min frequency of 22Hz.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 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.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 3'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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 has external dimensions of 288.0 x 293.0 x 432.0mm ( 11-5/16inch x 11-1/2inch x 17inch ) .
GoldenEar ForceField 3 is 71mm narrower and 100mm less deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES12 but it is also 57mm 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 is approximately 1265.8cm2 / 196.2inch2. The Elite ES12 requires 53% more surface area than the ForceField 3 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the Elite ES12 83% heavier than the ForceField 3.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES12 and ForceField 3'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 GoldenEar ForceField 3?
Here are the items that come with the ForceField 3:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
231mm
vs
288mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
22 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
1265cm2 (293x432mm)
vs
1936cm2 (364x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
849USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES12 |
GoldenEar ForceField 3 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
1000 watts |
| Frequency Response |
22-250 Hz |
18-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
1000-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
231.0mm (9.1") |
288.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
364.0mm (14.3") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
532.0mm (20.9") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Weight |
21.64kg (47.6lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |