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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Powered Subwoofers
  4. Polk Audio HTS 12
Polk Audio HTS 12 Subwoofer Review
Polk HTS 12 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 12" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 200 watts RMS Output
  • 28-120 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 49.90 lbs / 22.68kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 18-13/16" x 17-3/16" x 20-1/16"
MSRP: $549 (list price)
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Polk HTS 12 Subwoofer Review
Polk HTS 12 Polk HTS 12
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

HTS 12 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Polk Audio with a frequency range of 28-120 Hz. It was released in 2018. It features 1 x 12" Polypropylene Woofer, and powered by a Class D 200 watts amplifier.

Polk HTS 12  Lifestyle
Polk HTS 12 Lifestyle

HTS 12 is a member of Polk Audio's HTS series of Powered subwoofers. The HTS range are Polk Audio's home-theater subwoofers with Power Port technology. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

Polk Audio HTS Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
Polk HTS 10
Compare
30-120 Hz 10" 100 watts 17.16kg
Polk HTS 12
28-120 Hz 12" 200 watts 22.68kg

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

Polk HTS 12 has a Frequency response range of 28-120 Hz. With the help of its 1 x 12-inch driver and 200 watts RMS (400 watts MAX) amplifier, the HTS 12 can go as low as 28 Hz which doesn't quite offer full range sound (20Hz-2kHZ) but it gets really close.

Here we have a comparison of how HTS 12's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
Polk HTS 12
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk HTS 12
Min
Average
Max

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 750$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Polk HTS 12's 28Hz:

  • OSD Nero DueVoce DualX8 with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ HTS 12)
  • Definitive ProSub 1000 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ HTS 12)
  • GoldenEar ForceField 3 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ HTS 12)
  • SVS PB-1000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ HTS 12)
  • SVS SB-2000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ HTS 12)

Low-Pass Crossover

Polk HTS 12 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 40-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: LFE, Stereo RCA
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

Polk HTS 12 Connections
Polk HTS 12 Connections

Polk HTS 12 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk HTS 12 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 18-13/16 x 17-3/16 x 20-1/16inch (478.0 x 437.0 x 510.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk HTS 12 is approximately 2228.7cm2 / 345.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk HTS 12, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk HTS 12 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk HTS 12 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk HTS 12 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk HTS 12 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk HTS 12 Subwoofer next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk HTS 12 weighs 22.68kg / 49.9lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how HTS 12's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk HTS 12
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $750
Polk HTS 12
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk HTS 12 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems whereas the sealed designs are preferred for music oriented systems.

Port Position

Polk HTS 12 is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Polk HTS 12  Port
Polk HTS 12 Port

Does the Polk HTS 12 come with a Grille?

HTS 12 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Polk HTS 12  with Grille
Polk HTS 12 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk HTS 12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HTS 12:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 8-feet AC power cord
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration sheet

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio HTS 12.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Polk HTS 12 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio HTS 12
TypePowered Subwoofer
Release Date2018
Frequency Response28-120 Hz
Enclosure TypePorted
EnclosureBass Reflex
Firing DirectionFront
Port Positionfront
Amplifier & Driver
Power (RMS)200 watts
Power (Peak)400 watts
Amplifier TypeClass D
Woofer12-inch Polypropylene

Controls & Connections
Low-pass Crossover40-160 Hz
Phase ControlYes
WirelessNo
Line-level InputsLFE, Stereo RCA
Speaker-level InputsNo
Speaker-level OutputsNo
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)18-13/16" x 17-3/16" x 20-1/16" (478.0 x 437.0 x 510.0mm)
Weight22.68 kg (49.9 lbs)
GrilleYes
Mounting BracketNo
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
Polk Audio HTS 12 Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
Polk Monitor XT12
Compare
24-160 Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Compare
20-270 Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch
B&W DB4S
Compare
10-350 Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch
Klipsch R-121SW
Compare
28-120 Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch
Klipsch R-101SW
Compare
30-160 Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch
Klipsch RP-1200SW
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17-138 Hz 12" 400 watts 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch
KEF KC62
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Klipsch R-100SW
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Wharfedale SW-15
Compare
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Klipsch SPL-100
Compare
27-125 Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch
B&W ASW610
Compare
27-140 Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch
KEF KUBE 8b
Compare
34-140 Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch
KEF KUBE 10b
Compare
24-140 Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch
B&W ASW608
Compare
32-140 Hz 8" 200 watts 10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch
JBL Stage A120P
Compare
32-150 Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch
Klipsch SPL-120
Compare
24-125 Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio HTS 12

How low can the Polk HTS 12 go?

The Polk HTS 12 has a frequency response of 28-120 Hz. It reaches down to 28Hz, deep enough for the low end of most music and movie effects.

How much power does the Polk HTS 12 have?

The Polk HTS 12 has a built-in 200-watt RMS (400-watt peak) Class D amplifier.

Is the Polk HTS 12 sealed or ported?

The Polk HTS 12 uses a Ported enclosure. Ported (bass-reflex) designs use a tuned vent to move more air, giving deeper, louder output for the same driver, which suits home theater.

What driver does the Polk HTS 12 use?

The Polk HTS 12 has a 12-inch Polypropylene driver.

Does the Polk HTS 12 have app control or room correction?

Yes. The Polk HTS 12 offers an adjustable low-pass crossover (40-160 Hz) and phase control, letting you dial the sub into your room and blend it with your speakers.

How do you connect the Polk HTS 12?

The Polk HTS 12 connects via line-level LFE, Stereo RCA inputs.

How big and heavy is the Polk HTS 12?

The Polk HTS 12 weighs 22.68kg / 49.9lbs and measures 18-13/16" x 17-3/16" x 20-1/16" (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk HTS 12 cost?

The Polk HTS 12 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $549.

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