In this review, we will be comparing SVS 3000 Micro and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from SVS 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 SVS 3000 Micro 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 SVS 3000 Micro 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.SVS 3000 Micro and Polk Monitor XT12 have a totally different setup: the SVS 3000 Micro features 2 x 8-inch drivers whereas the Monitor XT12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SVS 3000 Micro has a frequency range of 23-240 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 23Hz, the SVS 3000 Micro can go slightly deeper then the Monitor XT12's min frequency of 24Hz.
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 SVS 3000 Micro 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 SVS 3000 Micro's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. SVS 3000 Micro has external dimensions of 277.0 x 297.0 x 310.0mm ( 10-7/8inch x 11-11/16inch x 12-3/16inch ) 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 Monitor XT12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 111mm wider, 141mm taller and 175mm deeper than SVS 3000 Micro.
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 SVS 3000 Micro is approximately 920.7cm2 / 142.7inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The SVS 3000 Micro requires 53% 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 SVS 3000 Micro weighs 10.23kg / 22.5lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 73% heavier than the SVS 3000 Micro.
Here is a comparison of how SVS 3000 Micro 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 SVS 3000 Micro?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SVS 3000 Micro:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordQuick Start GuideSVS Brochure
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
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
23 Hz
vs
24 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
240k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Height |
277mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
920cm2 (297x310mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS 3000 Micro |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
800 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
23-240 Hz |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
800-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
2500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
277.0mm (10.9") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
297.0mm (11.7") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
10.23kg (22.5lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
3 Years |