In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES8 and Elite ES12, 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 ES8 and Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 ES8 and Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 ES8and Polk Signature Elite ES12 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Polk Signature Elite ES12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES8 has a frequency range of 32-180 Hz whereas Elite ES12 has a frequency range of 22-250 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 Elite ES8's min frequency of 32Hz.
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
Both Polk Signature Elite ES8 and Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 ES8 Port
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 ES8's and Polk Signature Elite ES12's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES8 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm ( 15-1/8inch x 12-13/16inch x 17-3/16inch ) whereas 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 ) .
Polk Signature Elite ES8 is 38mm narrower and 95mm less deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES12 but it is also 154mm 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 ES8 is approximately 1424.6cm2 / 220.8inch2 and base area of the Polk Signature Elite ES12 is approximately 1936.5cm2 / 300.2inch2. The Elite ES8 requires 26% less surface area than the Elite ES12 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 ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Polk Signature Elite ES12 weighs 21.64kg / 47.6lbs. This makes the Elite ES12 22% heavier than the Elite ES8.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES8 and Elite ES12'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 ES8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES8:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES12?
Here are the items that come with the Elite ES12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feet AC power cordOwners ManualOnline Product Registration sheet
 Base Surface Area |
1424cm2 (326x437mm)
vs
1936cm2 (364x532mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
849USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
22 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
231mm
vs
385mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES8 |
Polk Signature Elite ES12 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
100 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
22-250 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
385.0mm (15.2") |
231.0mm (9.1") |
| Width |
326.0mm (12.8") |
364.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
437.0mm (17.2") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
21.64kg (47.6lbs) |
| 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 |