In this review, we will be comparing SB-3000 R|Evolution 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 SB-3000 R|Evolution and Polk Monitor XT12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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 SVS SB-3000 R|Evolutionand Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution's woofer is 13-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SB-3000 R|Evolution has a frequency range of 17-230 Hz whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 17Hz, the SB-3000 R|Evolution can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 SB-3000 R|Evolution 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 SB-3000 R|Evolution's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution has external dimensions of 396.0 x 386.0 x 427.0mm (15-9/16 x 15-3/16 x 16-13/16inch) 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 22mm wider, 22mm taller and 58mm deeper than SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution.
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 SB-3000 R|Evolution is approximately 1648.2cm2 / 255.5inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The SB-3000 R|Evolution requires 17% less surface area than the Monitor XT12 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.