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Polk Audio Polk Monitor XT12 Subwoofer Review

Main Features

  • 12" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
  • 50 watts RMS Output
  • 24-160 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 39.00 lbs / 17.73kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 16-7/16" x 16-1/16" x 19-1/16"
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Polk Monitor XT12 Subwoofer Review

Monitor XT12 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Polk Audio with a frequency range of 24-160 Hz. It features 1 x 12" Bi-laminate paper Woofer, and powered by a 50 watts amplifier.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Polk Monitor XT12 has a Frequency response range of 24-160 Hz at ±3dB. With the help of its 1 x 12-inch driver and 50 watts RMS amplifier, the Monitor XT12 can go as low as 24 Hz which doesn't quite offer full range sound (20Hz-2kHZ) but it gets really close. Here we have a comparison of how Monitor XT12'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 Monitor XT12
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Monitor XT12
Min
Average
Max

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 500$, these are the 1 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Polk Monitor XT12's 24Hz:

  • SVS PB-1000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ Monitor XT12)


Low-Pass Crossover

Polk Monitor XT12 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 80-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Polk Monitor XT12 also features a High-pass filter (HFP) working at N/A Hz, used to block any frequencies below that point.

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA/LFE
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: Spring-clip
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: Spring-clip
  • Wireless: Spring-clip

Polk Monitor XT12 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Monitor XT12 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch (418.0 x 408.0 x 485.0mm ).

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 Monitor XT12 is approximately 1978.8cm2 / 306.7inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk Monitor XT12, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk Monitor XT12 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk Monitor XT12 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk Monitor XT12 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk Monitor XT12 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk Monitor XT12 Subwoofer next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Polk Monitor XT12 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. 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 Monitor XT12's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Monitor XT12
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $500
Polk Monitor XT12
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk Monitor XT12 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 Monitor XT12 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.

Does the Polk Monitor XT12 come with a Grille?

Monitor XT12 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.

What's in the Box of Polk Monitor XT12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT12:
  • Black powered subwoofer
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • Online registration card
  • Warranty

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

    Polk Monitor XT12 Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
    Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
    Klipsch R-121SW
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    28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch "
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    SVS SB-1000 Pro
    Compare
    20-270k Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch "
    Klipsch R-101SW
    Compare
    30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch "
    KEF KC62
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    11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch "
    Wharfedale SW-15
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    30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch "
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    Compare
    34-140k Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch"
    Klipsch R-100SW
    Compare
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    Compare
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    SVS PB-1000 Pro
    Compare
    17-260k Hz 12" 325 watts 18-13/16inch x 15inch x 20-15/16inch "
    SVS PB-1000
    Compare
    19-270k Hz 10" 300 watts 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch"
    Jamo S 808 SUB
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    KEF KUBE 10b
    Compare
    24-140k Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch"
    Klipsch SPL-120
    Compare
    24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch"
    Cambridge Audio Minx X201
    Compare
    36-200k Hz 6.5" 200 watts 8-5/8 x 8-1/4 x 10-1/16inch"
    Wharfedale SW-12
    Compare
    35-120k Hz 12" 300 watts 18-7/8inch x 15-13/16inch x 20-1/8inch "
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Monitor XT12
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Monitor XT12


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