In this review, we will be comparing Performa3 B112v2 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Revel and 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 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.
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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.Revel Performa3 B112v2and Polk Monitor XT12 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 12" drivers.
Frequency Response
Performa3 B112v2 has a frequency range of 29-150 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Performa3 B112v2's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Polk Monitor XT12 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. 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.
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 Revel Performa3 B112v2's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Revel Performa3 B112v2 has external dimensions of 469.0 x 405.0 x 472.0mm ( 18-7/16inch x 15-15/16inch x 18-9/16inch ) 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 ) .
Revel Performa3 B112v2 is 3mm narrower and 13mm less deeper than Polk Monitor XT12 but it is also 51mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Revel Performa3 B112v2 and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of Revel Performa3 B112v2 and Polk Monitor XT12 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 is approximately 1911.6cm2 / 296.3inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The Performa3 B112v2 requires 3% 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 Revel Performa3 B112v2 weighs 29.45kg / 64.8lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Performa3 B112v2 66% heavier than the Monitor XT12.
Here is a comparison of how Performa3 B112v2 and Monitor XT12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 B112v2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Performa3 B112v2:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordGrille4 Spike feetOwners Manual
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
 Base Surface Area |
1911cm2 (405x472mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
160k Hz
vs
150k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
418mm
vs
469mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
2695USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Revel Performa3 B112v2 |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Revel |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-150 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated Paper/Pulp |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
469.0mm (18.5") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
405.0mm (15.9") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
472.0mm (18.6") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
29.45kg (64.8lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |