In our Polk HTS 12 Review, we examine the value this sub-$500 subwoofer can provide. 12″ subwoofers are the home theater sweet spot. The best available subwoofers can approach $1,000. Can Polk’s HTS 12 deliver deep bass for music and movies? Check our review for the answer!
- 400 Watts Can Thump and Rumble
- Bass is Impactful, Clear, and Accurate
- Low Pass Filter + LFE Connectivity
- Attractive & Stylish Design
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
| Dimensions | 18.5″ (H) x 17.1 (W) x 18.1″ (D) |
| Weight | 49.9 lbs. |
| Subwoofer Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Floor Firing Power Port / Ported Enclosure |
| Enclosure Material | Medium-density Fibreboard (MDF) |
| Power | 200 Watts RMS / 400 Watts (Peak) – Class D Amplifier |
| Frequency Response | 22-180 Hz / 28-120 Hz (-3dB) |
| Woofer: | 12″ Polypropylene Dynamic Balance/Klippel optimized driver |
| Connectivity Options | LFE and Stereo Line-in |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Driver) & 3 Years (Electronics) |
| Onboard Controls | Low Pass Filter (40Hz – 160Hz), Gain/Volume dial, and Phase Switch (0/180°) |
| Additional Features | Indicator light, Auto on/off, DC Control, and detachable speaker grill |
What’s Included With Polk HTS 12 Subwoofer:
- 12″ Powered Subwoofer [Ported Enclosure]
- Speaker Grill
- 8′ Power Cord
- Manual and Warranty Info
Product Summary: Polk Audio HTS 12
For those in search of a 12″ subwoofer for home theater, the Polk HTS 12 should make the shortlist. Choices for a 12″ sub at this price point can force sacrifices. Polk subs have a reputation for providing good value and the HTS 12 is no different. The HTS 12 packs a 400W Class D amplifier for those looking for impactful bass and low-level rumbles. The 400 Watts of peak power should please those with a larger listening area. In addition to extended bass impact, the Polk HTS 12 has clear bass. Features like Polk’s Power Port technology help the HTS 12 with reduced port noise and low distortion.
Design isn’t always a critical aspect of subwoofers. Many subwoofer offerings get plain black enclosures. Not the HTS 12 and its rounded corners. We’re huge fans of its refined and stylish design. It’s an attractive design that will look great in any home theater system with or without the removable grille. There’s a pretty good feature set that goes along with the sound quality and good looks. We’ll expand on those features and more. There’s a ton that AV enthusiasts will like about the Polk HTS 12. Paired with your main speakers, it can add more lifelike sound for watching movies. And it’s got the thump and bass response to let the music flow. Polk’s HTS 12 has a good case for one of the best subwoofers under $500.
Polk HTS 12 Highlights
400 Watts + Rumbling Bass
One big worry when purchasing a subwoofer is volume and power. You want to ensure a sub can get loud enough for your listening area and provide some thump when necessary. Luckily, the Polk HTS 12 has 400 Watts of peak power from its onboard amplifier. The class D amp also outputs 200 Watts of continuous power. That’s enough to provide the guttural bass necessary for a home theater system or to just play music. The Polk HTS 12 manages hard-hitting, deep bass that can shake the house for AV enthusiasts and bass heads.
Power Port Technology + Reduced Port Noise
With 400 Watts of power and ported sub, there can be a fear of port noise and other issues. Polk’s power port technology ensures reduced port noise and lower distortion. The result is clear bass in addition to bass that can slam. It’s something that sounds simple, but that’s often difficult to implement. The Power Port technology and down-firing port help to transition air flow smoothly, minimizing turbulence and unwanted port noise. The result is the ability to reach optimum bass levels while minimizing distortion and muddy bass.
Low Pass Filter + Good Connectivity
On the rear panel, you’ll find the HTS 12’s connectivity features. That includes a low pass filter (40 Hz to 160 Hz) to dial in the bass in your sound system. There is also a volume knob and switches for phase control and power. The power switch allows you to toggle from Auto mode to DC control. DC control will let those with home theaters utilize a trigger. This is great for those who want more advanced power management capability. Stereo RCA line level inputs are available. You also get LFE input for convenient connections to your AV receiver. Controls and connectivity check all the right boxes on the Polk HTS 12.
Stylish and Refined Design
The Polk HTS 12 makes a great impression just like its 10-inch counterpart. We love its black finish and curves along the enclosure. Unlike other subs, it will look nice in your home theater system. It’s a design that should please your spouse if aesthetics are a factor at all. The opening for the down-firing port is even pulled off well. It’s also easy to tell how well constructed this powered subwoofer is. The MDF enclosure has extra bracing for greater durability and peace of mind. Polk’s speakers have reputation for value and good construction. With a speaker at this price, it’s also good to see a long 5-year woofer warranty. The actual class D amp has a 3-year warranty.
Polk HTS 12: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 400 Watts of peak power for rumbling Bass
- Capable of clear bass without distortion
- Good connectivity + low pass function
- Great home theater features
- Attractive and stylish design
Cons
- Frequency range (28-120 Hz) could be better
- Tricky price point despite the value
In Conclusion: Polk Audio HTS 12 Review
There’s good value with the Polk HTS 12. There are other subs a little less than it clearly outperforms. It’s also difficult not to ignore competitors that are a little more expensive. Those will be the HTS 12’s biggest competitors. They’ll likely be able to hit lower frequencies and might even be more powerful. That doesn’t change the fact that there’s still value at its usual price point. You’re still getting one of the best home theater subwoofers with deeper bass and less audible coloration than similar-priced subs. There are also great connectivity options no matter how you’re connecting your subwoofer. It’s the perfect addition of clear and tactile bass to a sound system for a more lifelike sound.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.