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Polk Audio Polk Signature Elite ES12 Subwoofer Review

Main Features

  • 12" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
  • 300 watts RMS Output
  • 22-250 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 47.60 lbs / 21.64kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 9-1/16" x 14-5/16" x 20-15/16"
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Polk Signature Elite ES12 Subwoofer Review
Polk Signature Elite ES12 Polk Signature Elite...
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Elite ES12 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Polk Audio with a frequency range of 22-250 Hz. It features 1 x 12" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer, and powered by a Class D 300 watts amplifier.

Polk Signature Elite ES12  Lifestyle
Polk Signature Elite ES12 Lifestyle

Elite ES12 is a member of Polk Audio's Signature Elite series of Powered subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
Polk Signature Elite ES12
22-250k Hz 12" 300 watts 21.64kg
Polk Signature Elite ES8
Compare
32-180k Hz 8" 100 watts 17.73kg
Polk Signature Elite ES10
Compare
28-250k Hz 10" 200 watts 17.73kg
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers


**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 Signature Elite ES12 has a Frequency response range of 22-250 Hz at ±3dB. With the help of its 1 x 12-inch driver and 300 watts RMS amplifier, the Elite ES12 can go as low as 22 Hz which doesn't quite offer full range sound (20Hz-2kHZ) but it gets really close. Here we have a comparison of how Elite ES12'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 Signature Elite ES12
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Min
Average
Max
Polk Signature Elite ES12 Woofer
Polk Signature Elite ES12's Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1000$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Polk Signature Elite ES12's 22Hz:

  • GoldenEar ForceField 4 with Low Frequency of 14 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES12)
  • SVS PB-1000 Pro with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES12)
  • Klipsch RP-1200SW with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES12)
  • GoldenEar ForceField 30 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES12)
  • GoldenEar ForceField 3 with Low Frequency of 18 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES12)

Low-Pass Crossover

Polk Signature Elite ES12 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 50-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Polk Signature Elite ES12 Back View
Polk Signature Elite ES12 Back View

Inputs and Outputs

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

Polk Signature Elite ES12 Connections
Polk Signature Elite ES12 Connections

Polk Signature Elite ES12 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Signature Elite ES12 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 9-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch x 20-15/16inch (231.0 x 364.0 x 532.0mm ).

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 Signature Elite ES12 is approximately 1936.5cm2 / 300.2inch2.

Weight

The Polk Signature Elite ES12 weighs 21.64kg / 47.6lbs. 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 Elite ES12's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $1000
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk Signature Elite ES12 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 Signature Elite ES12 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 Signature Elite ES12  Port
Polk Signature Elite ES12 double Port

Does the Polk Signature Elite ES12 come with a Grille?

Elite ES12 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 Signature Elite ES12  with Grille
Polk Signature Elite ES12 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES12?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES12:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6-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 Signature Elite ES12.

    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators 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.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Signature Elite ES12, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Polk Signature Elite ES12

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Signature Elite ES12 speaker:
    Official Brochure for Polk Signature Elite ES12

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Signature Elite ES12 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk Signature Elite ES12

    Warranty

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

    Polk Signature Elite ES12  Lifestyle
    Polk Signature Elite ES12 Lifestyle

    Polk Signature Elite ES12 Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
    Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
    Polk Monitor XT12
    Compare
    24-160k Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch "
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    10-350k Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch"
    Klipsch R-101SW
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    30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch "
    Klipsch R-121SW
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    28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch "
    Klipsch RP-1200SW
    Compare
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    SVS SB-1000 Pro
    Compare
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    30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch "
    KEF KUBE 8b
    Compare
    34-140k Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch"
    Klipsch SPL-100
    Compare
    27-125k Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch"
    KEF KUBE 10b
    Compare
    24-140k Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch"
    JBL Stage A120P
    Compare
    32-150k Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch"
    KEF KC62
    Compare
    11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch "
    SVS PB-1000
    Compare
    19-270k Hz 10" 300 watts 18-7/8 x 15 x 20-15/16inch"
    Klipsch RP-1400SW
    Compare
    16-141k Hz 14" 500 watts 21-5/16inch x 20inch x 25-11/16inch "
    B&W ASW610
    Compare
    27-140k Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch"
    Klipsch R-100SW
    Compare
    32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch"
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Signature Elite ES12
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Signature Elite ES12
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