Subwoofers · Mid-range
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES12 Powered Subwoofer, Stunning Black
The ported 12 in pick that Amazon actually stocks: a 300 W DSP-controlled Class D amp behind a 12 in mineral-filled polypropylene cone in a braced, front-ported cabinet that stays clean into the low 20s. HomeTheaterReview recommended it as a capable sub for the money, and Polk's Time-Smart Phase Control makes blending with the mains simple.
- 12" front-firing long-throw driver, ported
- 300 W continuous Class D with 32-bit DSP
- 22 Hz (-3 dB), 18 Hz (-10 dB)
- Dual front Power Ports, LFE and stereo RCA inputs
HomeTheaterReview found the ES12 handled music and movies with equal composure and called it an excellent value under 700 USD, singling out the 32-bit DSP and the way the dual Power Ports suppress chuffing at high output. The published -3 dB point of 22 Hz is honest for a 300 W ported 12 in, and the narrow 14.3 in cabinet fits where a Monolith or PB-2000 Pro will not. It is one of the few mid-priced 12 in subs that Amazon itself stocks and ships.
Watch out: The Amazon price has been running above Polk's 599 list, and there is no app or parametric EQ, so room modes have to be handled by the receiver.
Pros
- Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
- Honest 22 Hz extension with low port noise
- Compact for a ported 12 in
Cons
- Amazon price above Polk's list
- No app, PEQ, or XLR input
- Less output than a PB-2000 Pro or Monolith M-12
Specifications
| Driver | 12 in front-firing long-throw, mineral-filled polypropylene cone |
|---|---|
| Amplifier | Class D, 300 W continuous, DSP-optimized with 32-bit floating point processing |
| Low-frequency extension | 22 Hz (-3 dB); 18 Hz (-10 dB) |
| Enclosure | Ported, dual front-facing Power Ports, FEA-braced cabinet |
| Dimensions | 19.0 x 14.3 x 19.0 in (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 47.6 lb |
| DSP / app | Onboard DSP with limiters and group-delay-minimizing filters; Time-Smart Phase Control (-135 to 180 degrees); no app |
Specs come from manufacturer documentation and published reviews; check the retailer listing for the current revision.