In this review, we will be comparing SA-CS9 and Monitor XT12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Sony 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 Sony SA-CS9 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 Sony SA-CS9 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.Both Sony SA-CS9and Polk Monitor XT12 have a single woofer setup however the Sony SA-CS9's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk Monitor XT12 features a 12-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SA-CS9 has a frequency range of 28-200 HZ whereas Monitor XT12 has a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the Monitor XT12 can go slightly deeper then the SA-CS9's min frequency of 28Hz.
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
Both Sony SA-CS9 and Polk Monitor XT12 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.
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 Sony SA-CS9's and Polk Monitor XT12's external dimensions. Sony SA-CS9 has external dimensions of 295 x 345 x 400 mm ( 11.6 x 13.6 x 15.7 inch) 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 113mm wider, 73mm taller and 85mm deeper than Sony SA-CS9.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony SA-CS9 and Polk Monitor XT12 in scale.
Comparison image of Sony SA-CS9 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 Sony SA-CS9 is approximately 1180.0cm2 / 182.9inch2 and base area of the Polk Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2. The SA-CS9 requires 40% 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 Sony SA-CS9 weighs 11.50kg / 25.3lbs and the Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. This makes the Monitor XT12 54% heavier than the SA-CS9.
Here is a comparison of how SA-CS9 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 Sony SA-CS9?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SA-CS9:
Sony SA-CS9 10-inch 115W Subwoofer 6.5-feet Phono Cord 4 x Foot Pads Grille Limited 90-Day Manufacturer Warranty
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
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
160k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
345mm
vs
418mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1180cm2 (295x400mm)
vs
1978cm2 (408x485mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
248USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
10 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
24 Hz
vs
28 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Sony SA-CS9 |
Polk Monitor XT12 |
| Brand |
Sony |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
115 watts |
50 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-200 HZ |
24-160 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
115-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
foamed-mica cellular reinforced |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
345.0mm (13.6") |
418.0mm (16.5") |
| Width |
295.0mm (11.6") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
400.0mm (15.7") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
11.50kg (25.3lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
3 Years |