A Review of The Polk Monitor XT12 Subwoofer
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- #GenerationBehindHiFi #PolkAudio #PolkMonitorXT12
Have you ever wondered how good Polk's new budget friendly subwoofer is? In this video I put the Polk Monitor XT12 subwoofer through its paces and give you my thoughts about it. I even test it's SPL during the intro scene from the movie Doom. Is this subwoofer a value proposition or a value failure? Lets find out.
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Get the Polk Monitor XT12 subwoofer here: amzn.to/436jmIx
Products that will help reduce cabinet resonances
Peal and stick damping material (2mm): amzn.to/40CoQJs
Peal and stick damping material (3mm): amzn.to/40Uq9Dl
Tool for laying peal and stick material: amzn.to/3McYclR
Acoust-X: www.parts-express.com/Acry-Tech-Acoust-X-1-Gal-Absorption-Coating-Paintable-Dampin-260-105?quantity=1
Foam damping material: amzn.to/3MdvX6W
Check out my other look inside videos here: ua-cam.com/play/PLg0Xq1LbiZBXWNQtsEOqq_LynPGsLNpxy.html
Check out my other videos about subwoofers here: ua-cam.com/play/PLg0Xq1LbiZBW6xl4N0qoMVjsAFOOyq1Me.html
I'm running ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 from a Gustard R26 and a Monolith M2100 power amp and just added the Polk XT12 and I have to say, it does the job very well at the price point.
Thank you for your quick and enlightening response. Our currency (Real in Brazil) is very devalued and taxes on imported electronics are very high. It's good to know that I can improve my humble system without having to sell a kidney to get it. I really admire people who share their hobbies, just for the pleasure of spreading knowledge and exchanging experiences. Without You Tube this would be impractical. There wasn't even a review of this subwoofer on You tube, but thanks to you, now there is!!! Long live those who appreciate good music and great movies!!
No problem! I appreciate the nice comment! Its always fun sharing this hobby with people all over the world!
Nice system, I was honestly surprised that sub impressed you judging by how nice and expensive your components are lol. FYI I cam here to see if the polk is a great budget sub since I am on a budget. Thanks for the review!
Thanks! Amazon has it on sale for $212 right now! The Polk XT12 and JBL 550P are my favorite budget subwoofers in the under $300 price category. For the money they offer tremendous value for money. If you get the Polk I recommend doing some cabinet upgrades to combat the resonances taking place. The peel and stick damping material I have a link to in the description will benefit this subwoofer greatly. At the end of the day, it's a cheap subwoofer so if you're reasonable with what a subwoofer like this can deliver I think most people will be happy. Happy listening!
Polk xt 12 and Sony Core SSCS9
Their sounds soo greatly Bass deeper for real ❤❤
I have a warfdale sw-150 sub that's dying and I am looking at this sub and my amp is 7.2 so I am thinking of buying a pair of theses
What do you think?
How would this compare to the $200-$300 Klipsch subwoofer range?
Does the height dimension include the legs?
I have never watched Stranger Things & I have no plans to. But I've been well aware of Kate Bush & that song since the 80's.
I have two home theater setups. My current subs are a Paradigm PDR-10 (reaches low, accurate enough, not super loud at all) and a Klipsch KSW-12 (nasty peak at about 50hz, low notes sound dead, kick drum sounds like a “mm” sound, boomy as heck, but it goes REALLY loud)
Will this Polk sub be an upgrade over either of these, or is it a step to the side? Is it worth it? I’m looking for something that can accurately reproduce the sound of a kick drum AND dig deep while still going fairly loud, but not something that will be “just loud” with no clarity whatsoever like my Klipsch. This is for a tiny bedroom, 9.5 feet by 11 feet at most. My speakers in the 5.1 system with the Klipsch subwoofer are 2 Polk XT15s and an XT35 for L/C/R, and 2 old T15s for satellite speakers. I WILL NOT ONLY BE USING THIS SYSTEM FOR MOVIES. I also use the XT15s and sub for listening to music: good music that uses actual instruments, not just hip hop and EDM. It’s worth noting I have a second Paradigm PDR-10, but I don’t have room for 2 subs on one setup because it would block my bedroom door, plus the finish on them does not match.
Cheap Klipsch subs are known for being one note subwoofers. I think the Polk would be an upgrade because it was much more musical than any of the cheaper Klipsch subs that I have heard. I would recommend buying the subwoofer from a vendor who has an excellent return policy that way you can try it in your home and decide for yourself. Amazon currently has this subwoofer on sale for $212. For that kind of money you get quite a bit of subwoofer for your dollar. Hope this helps!
Great review! Do you have any info or comments on Polk hts10”. Going to use it mainly for music and the occasional movie, 2 channel setup only. I’m thinking of buying. Any help is appreciated! Thank you
Thanks! I would recommend an RSL Speedwoofer over a HTS10. You can order both and return the one you don't like. Both of these companies offer great in home trials.
Thanks for the fast reply! The rsl is on back order . And being here in Canada to have it shipped with duties at the border makes it a bad option. I really appreciate the feedback though!
Great video and review. But I had a doubt. When testing the sub for music, its B&W speakers go down to 14Hz while the Sub reaches 25Hz with 80H to 160Hz crossover. And as the sub lets pass the full signal to the front B&W then, these helped too, right?
Hello, my 802 Diamonds (D2) can do -6dB at 27Hz and 33kHz, which isn't very loud at that low frequency. Also, don't forget the processor's crossover settings. I have these speakers configured as "small" and the crossover is set at 50Hz (mains) with the remaining bass frequencies being sent to my subwoofers (80Hz crossover point).
Normally I do run the speakers using the "large" speaker setting for my music listening sessions, but I set the front speakers to small during movies so the subwoofer can do most of the work. Plus, I think configuring the setup this way reveals just how well a subwoofer can blend with the main speakers. Hopefully this helps clarify my testing parameters a little bit better here.
@@generationbehindhifi Thanks a lot for the clarification. I understand very little about settings. In my case, I have a pro-logic receiver with no subwoofer output. As my front speakers theoretically can go down to 38Hz and the XT-12 subwoofer reaches 25Hz, my problem is how to use the crossover of the subwoofer whose lower cutoff frequency is 80Hz. I will have an overlapping of bass frequencies on the fronts and on the subwoofer from 80Hz to 38Hz since I have no way to define my front speakers as small. I no longer have the remote control, nor the manual for the receiver, as I got it from a friend .
@@julianoweil1006 No problem! I made this channel so we can all learn from one another. I'm no expert either, but I do enjoy this hobby immensely.
Overlapping of bass output is fine. For your setup, you will have to use the high level inputs on the Polk in order to connect it to your system, which means the full audio bandwidth (generally 20Hz-20Khz) will be sent to the subwoofer. Generally if you have big floor standing speakers, then I would start with setting the crossover at 60Hz on the subwoofer and then adjust the volume until you can just barely make out where those bass tones are coming from. When adjusting the crossover to 60Hz on the subwoofer that means the subwoofer will only produce bass tones at 60Hz or lower. If you have smaller speakers, then you might have to adjust the crossover a bit higher to 80Hz to make up for the weak bass performance from your mains. Hope this helps! The main thing is to play with settings and decide for yourself what sounds best to you. 🙂
@@generationbehindhifi Thank you again. As the Polk XT-12 subwoofer's lowest cutoff frequency is 80 Hz, I'll start from there. My front speakers are tower speakers (Monitor Audio RX-6 with 6 Ohm impedance, 4.2 Ohm minimum, 88db sensitivity and 38Hz to 35Khz frequency response). I'd like more bass impact for music, so I thought I'd buy a subwoofer to help with that. I listen proportionally to about 70% of music, mainly movie soundtracks and some rock, pop and classical music. The remaining 40% of the time, I watch movies. I hope that with this sub I can improve the performance of the system in general since, I think, it is more due to the lack of power from the receiver (70 WRMs per channel at 0.7%THD) than the lack of performance from the front speakers.. Thank you in advance for all your attention and a big hug here from Brazil.
@@julianoweil1006 No problem! Happy to help! Monitor Audio makes some nice stuff. Those are nice speakers! I'm skeptical that a single 6" bass driver can produce very audible bass down to 38Hz! I found a magazine review that stated your speakers can do -6db just above 40Hz, which isn't very audible. I would be shocked if you didn't hear a dramatic improvement in bass by adding a subwoofer to this setup.
Looks like a good sub for the money. I used to have the Energyvsw10. I thought it was an amazing subwoofer. Unfortunately it got stolen right out of my house. So now I'm looking for similar quality without breaking my wallet. I also love the black piano finish. Anyone have any advice?
What is your budget? When the XT12 is on sale its a hard sub to beat. I have also heard good things about he RSL Speedwoofer. I don't have any personal experience with this subwoofer, but have heard a lot of favorable things about it.
Hı! My main speaker has 43hz -40 khz frequeny response (polk es20) but this sub crossover cut start 80 hz so should n need this sub has 40 or 50 hz crossover cut point? İsn't it? Do you think about fact that overlapping bass region in my setup?
When a subwoofer's crossover point starts at 80Hz, that means the sub will play frequencies at 80Hz and lower. If you need to adjust this crossover point lower, you should be able to do so on any modern AV receiver which has an onboard DSP. Considering your Polk ES20's only have a small 6.5" driver, I doubt hearing bass notes in the 40Hz range is very audible so I would overlap the crossover point. I good starting point is 80Hz for mains of that size. Hope this helps. The main thing is to play with the settings and let your ears decide what sounds best to you. Happy listening!
@@generationbehindhifi l want to try under 80 Hz crossover cut point but impossible but still very good sound yet. You right about es20's that does not audible capable 40 hz range. Just crurrious about how would sound under 80 Hz. Thank you a lot.
@@muhendisabi1697 No problem! Have fun with it!
Nice toys! Can i come over??😅
My one arrived yesterday but alas it seems to have a mains transformer issue with an evil hum. At first I thought the classic connection issue causing the hum but adjusting the volume on the rear makes no difference (with or without my woofer RCA cable to the LFE port). Also no vibration when touching the cone. Looking at your video of stripping it the mains transformer looks pretty cheap and nasty. Hoping to arrange for a replacement next week.
Sorry to hear! Hopefully Polk gets you taken care of quickly! The nice thing about Polk is that they do offer one of the best warranties on amplifiers at this price point (cheap). I have seen this subwoofer for sale @ 299.99 more then I have seen it for sale at it's original MSRP. I guess what I'm getting at is that it is a cheap subwoofer and as long as your reasonable with your expectations on what a cheap subwoofer can deliver, then I think you will be happy.
@@generationbehindhifi I got my replacement today which is a lot better but not perfect. If it begins to annoy me I may see if I can improve on the transformer mounting or replace it with a toroidal one (depending upon costs).
@@IM35461 I wouldn't mess with the amplifier otherwise you will void your warranty. I would concentrate my efforts on adding damping material to the inside cabinet walls. Something like sonic barrier will work very well in this cabinet (link in description).
Is this better than the JBL sub? Does it reach very low frequencies like 40 hertz?
If you're looking for maximum bass, then yes, the XT12 will hit harder than the JBL. The XT12 has a bigger driver and piston area so the law of physics is at play here.
I can either buy this or an SVS-SB1000 (non-Pro) for about $130 USD more. Is the SVS worth the extra premium?
It is. Get the SVS.
Is your light on all the time?(after receiver is turned off) i bought 2 and the lights in back of sub are on all the time
No, about 10 mins after shutting off the receiver the light on the back of mine would turn red.
This or should I spend an extra $100 on a SVS PB/SB1000 for 2.1 channel music listening paired with Klipsch RP600's?
I would order both and send back the one you don't like. Both Polk and SVS have great in home trial periods with free returns. If you primary want this subwoofer for music listening, then I would go with a SB over a PB, but that's just my personal preference.
the sub looks perfect for my needs,,,,but i am afraid the 50watts are noy enough !!!..Am i wrong ??? i dont have the chance to test it before i buy it
Did you see the SPL drag that I did with this sub? It is almost as loud as the ones twice the cost during my Doom SPL test. I was impressed by what this sub was able to accomplish for the price. If you're reasonable with your expectations, then I think you will be happy. If you like earth shattering bass, then you will need to look at a different sub as well as open your wallet more. :)
@@generationbehindhifi yes i saw that is a capable sub ...and i think you are doing right measurments ,,,,i have already a monitor audio mrw10 and i want one more sub ,,,,the monitor audio is doing fine ...its rated in 100w rms 10 inch ..and i want a bigger sub on papers and in reality ...this polk audio promises that will bring me in the next step ..but i this 50 watts for 12 inch does not sound too much ..i know that watts on paper are not the ultimate thing .
The price range for it and the HTS 10 are similar, which is better?
Get them both and send back the one you don't like. There are plenty of companies who offer free in home trials.
@@generationbehindhifi Here in Brazil they are very expensive for a common worker, and the only way to test it would be to buy it on the open market and then return it, which is very useful, but thanks for the tip
@@edivansilva6414 I haven't heard or have owned an HTS 10 so I won't be able to help you with how it performs, but I was very happy with the XT12. It provided good bass and transient response.
thank you very much@@generationbehindhifi
Suggested reference track with plenty of sustained bass: speed ballad by Hainbach
Thanks! I'll keep it in mind.
@@generationbehindhifi check out his youtube channel. Hainbach is a real treasure.
@@generationbehindhifi and here's another reply for engagemometrics boosting and to say thanks for the review video. I found it helpful.
Hey man thanks for all the info! We are fairly new to the home audio world and we recently got a 5.2 system using 2 of these Polk XT12’s. Honestly I simply don’t know what settings to use to best feel and hear the subs. You can adjust the volume of the base side of things through either the nob on the back of the subwoofer or by the EQ…not sure at all how to balance the two settings to really let us get the best out of these subs. What were the settings/balance you would recommend or that you used during the testing?
Hello, Sure. What kind of front speakers are you running? I will need to know this before I can provide a recommendation.
Absolutely - thanks for the reply! For our first stuff we are rocking a full Polk Audio system: 2X Polk XT60 Tower Speakers for the front left and right, a Polk XT35 Center Speaker, a pair of Polk XT20 Bookshelf speakers for the rear left and right, and then 2X of these Polk XT12’s as the subwoofers. All are connected to a Sony 725W 5.2 Channel Receiver!
@@pladpant If it were me, I would set all of the speakers to "small" on your Sony receiver and then cross them over at 80Hz. That should at least get you started. You can turn the crossover knob on your subwoofer all they way up and then let the DSP on your receiver handle the cutoff point -- set it to 80Hz in the on screen menu. On most A/V receiver's the default crossover point for the subwoofer is 80Hz when setting the speakers are set to "small". Hope this helps. Below is more information that should help get you started. www.svsound.com/blogs/svs/should-speakers-be-set-to-large-or-small-on-an-av-receiver
Thanks for all the info - I really appreciate your time. I got a lot to learn about all this, so I am soaking up the pointers! I’ll make the updates and check out some more stuff from the link, again thanks for all the help
@@pladpant No problem! Just remember to have fun with it (settings) and let your ears decide what sounds best to you. For a person who is just learning this hobby its a lot to take in, but the settings I recommended above should get you in the ballpark.
Does this sub play deep without having to turn it crazy levels
This is not the sub for you if you want deep subsonic bass. You will have to open your wallet a heck of a lot more if that's what you're after. But on sale at $299 or lower, I think its a decent buy if you are reasonable with your expectations. I have even seen these subwoofers on sale for as low as $249. Hope this helps!
@@generationbehindhifi thanks yeah that helps I just prefer not to have the volume up but still get the room filling bass
@@Baz-s1983 This sub hit over 100dB on my SPL test in a medium to large size room so it can provide some decent output for the money. It just won't provide very audible output below 30Hz .I would say this sub is pretty powerful in the 35-40Hz range which is pretty typical around this price point.
Looks like polk cheaped out on the driver with the stamped frame. I guess if it sounds good with that compromise who am I to say theyre wrong. IDK
For the money it isn't bad. Sadly you won't find diecast aluminum speaker baskets at this price point.
Xt 10
Within 2 week after purchase this sub achieve far superior performance than initial stuation. So sub need to burn-in period.
You will be shocked when you hear the HTS12 and the Polk psw505
Ab class xt12 is unique one which is while almost has d class amph. Not on volume power just accurate.
HTS12 is a lot more expensive which means a lot more competition at that price point. :)
@@generationbehindhifi I own two of them
@@Lowkey_nxthxn I might have to give them a try. 🙂
@@generationbehindhifi they will shake your whole entire house including your body lol
Stage 120 JBL 12" 500 Watt sub should easily beat your Frankenstein Klipsch
Challenge accepted if I can ever get a working BASH 500S amplifier. ;)
@@generationbehindhifi what sub can I throw in there for an upgrade
@@BoRerunn Unfortunately it's not that easy. You need some tools like a DATS v3 and a software program called WinISD so you can calculate which subwoofer will work best with your enclosure and ports. I touch on this in my FrankenKlipsch series as well as my Supercharging a JBL series. Hope this helps!
@@generationbehindhifi your video are 🔥🔥🔥🔥 to use DIYers