In our age of portable acoustics called “subwoofer” sometimes you have to come across funny cubes in which miniature speakers the size of a good tweeter, well, at most a mid-range driver, are installed. Fortunately, the range of correct low-frequency modules has not decreased at all, and buyers who understand a lot about good bass are practically unlimited in their choice. There are subwoofers for every taste, you just have to pay.

True, recently we have been asked to pay more and more, and in order to get at our disposal a device with a solid power reserve and capable of successfully working in both a cinema and a music system, sometimes we have to shell out serious sums.

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Fortunately for us, there are pleasant exceptions to this rule. One of them is the active subwoofer HTS SUB 12, offered for a very modest price for its size and capabilities.

We are studying

This is a classic model that has all the necessary adjustments for successful integration into a stereo system or home theater system. The only thing missing here is an automatic calibration function, but this is usually available in the arsenal of an AV receiver, so why duplicate it? In addition, the operation of such systems does not always lead to an unambiguously positive result, and the user most often has to resort to fine-tuning “by ear”.

So, what’s inside? The Polk Audio HTS SUB 12 has a solid 12-inch speaker with a rigid polypropylene diffuser on a wide and soft rubber suspension. The manufacturer promises operation up to 28 Hz at a level of -3 dB, and the speaker is assisted in this matter by a built-in class D amplifier with a power of 400 watts, which can reliably control any of its movements. Another component of success is the Power Port phase inverter, the opening of which is brought out to the bottom panel. Its main feature is cones of a certain profile installed exactly opposite the pipe, allowing for the reduction of turbulence of the passing airflow. The second cone is located inside the subwoofer. In addition, this solution helps to increase the pressure on the low frequencies due to the reflection of the flow from the bottom plate and its output through the front and rear slots.

The subwoofer’s enclosure is made of medium-density fiberboard and covered with high-quality white vinyl (a black version is also available). The rounded-corner design makes the subwoofer appear smaller than its actual size, but when you try to move it, you realize that its compact appearance is deceptive. The unit weighs almost 23 kilograms.

All controls and outputs are located on the rear panel, where the inputs are also located. The set of adjustments is traditional – one knob is responsible for the signal gain level, and the second provides a smooth change in the cutoff frequency of the incoming signal, the available range is from 180 to 40 Hz. Two two-position switches located one above the other are used to turn on the power and select the phase – 0 or 180 degrees. The inputs are limited to stereo RCA, as well as a mono LFE input for feeding a low-frequency effects signal already filtered by the receiver. It is noteworthy that the effect of the subwoofer cutoff frequency regulator extends to both inputs.

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Let’s Connect

The listening took place as part of a branded system consisting of a full set of Polk Audio Signature series acoustic systems for multichannel and stereo modes. The home theater was sounded by an Onkyo TX-NR575 AV receiver, and the music was “played” by an Onkyo TX-8270 stereo receiver. The switching was carried out using AudioQuest cables.

Setting up

Although the subwoofer is theoretically capable of operating from 180 Hz, the best sound quality is achieved when it is turned on from 55-60 Hz. In this case, it provides the necessary support for movie soundtracks and does not try to jump over its head with music and reproduce those frequencies that are difficult for it to properly work out. Of course, in each specific system, the optimal values of the cutoff frequency and gain level will differ, but not by much.

If you look closely at the subwoofer speaker, you will notice the inscription AMERICAN HIFI on the diffuser – this immediately sets you in a serious mood, and you will involuntarily expect truly beastly power from the Polk Audio HTS SUB 12. However, it turned out that the subwoofer could work with musical material very carefully and accurately. As you know, with a properly configured active bass, any stereo system opens up better, sometimes from the most unexpected side. So in our case, the front Signature S55e played wide and large-scale, and the octave added “from below” allowed them to better convey not only the scope of the fortissimo of a symphony orchestra but also, surprisingly, the smallest details in the mid-frequency and high-frequency ranges.

The rhythm section on the Runnin’ Wild album by Australians Airbourne performed powerfully and impressively, the electronic bass on the Hi-Res version of Peter Gabriel’s So gained additional weight, volume, and plasticity. When properly configured, the HTS SUB 12 does not stand out from the overall musical picture, its presence in the system can only be determined by switching it off – in this case, the sound immediately loses a significant part of its charm.

In the home cinema, the device also showed its best side – the roar of monsters and the grinding of metal in the second part of “Hellboy” made not only the chair, but also the insides of the viewers tremble, and the cannon volleys in the sea battle in the film “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Earth” were so convincing that you wanted to hide from the flying cannonballs.

FAQs for Polk’s Powerful HTS Subwoofer

What are the key features of the Polk HTS Subwoofer?

The Polk HTS Subwoofer features a 12-inch front-firing driver that delivers deep, impactful bass. It is equipped with a built-in amplifier that provides up to 200 watts of continuous power and 400 watts of peak power. The subwoofer also includes advanced connectivity options like LFE and speaker-level inputs for easy integration into various home theater setups.

How does the sound quality of the HTS Subwoofer compare to other models?

The HTS Subwoofer is known for its impressive sound quality, delivering deep and rich bass without distortion. It excels in both music and movie playback, providing a cinematic experience. Compared to other subwoofers in its price range, the HTS stands out for its clarity and powerful low-frequency response.

Is the HTS Subwoofer suitable for large rooms?

Yes, the Polk HTS Subwoofer is well-suited for larger rooms due to its powerful output and ability to fill space with deep bass. Its design allows for effective sound dispersion, ensuring an immersive audio experience regardless of the room size.

What are the setup and placement recommendations for optimal performance?

For optimal performance, the HTS Subwoofer should be placed near a wall or corner to enhance bass response. It’s best to experiment with placement to find the sweet spot that provides the best low-frequency performance. The subwoofer’s adjustable phase and volume controls also allow for fine-tuning based on room acoustics.

How does the Polk HTS Subwoofer perform with music versus movies?

The HTS Subwoofer performs exceptionally well with both music and movies. In music playback, it delivers tight and accurate bass, enhancing genres like hip-hop, rock, and electronic music. For movies, it provides impactful low-end support, enhancing explosions, sound effects, and overall cinematic immersion.

What are the connectivity options available with the HTS Subwoofer?

The Polk HTS Subwoofer offers versatile connectivity options, including LFE and line-level inputs for seamless integration with home theater receivers. It also features speaker-level inputs and outputs, allowing for easy connection to a variety of audio systems.

Is the HTS Subwoofer easy to integrate into an existing audio system?

Yes, the HTS Subwoofer is designed for easy integration. With its flexible connectivity options and adjustable settings, it can be paired with various audio systems and receivers without any issues.

Are there any downsides to the Polk HTS Subwoofer?

Some users may find that the subwoofer’s size is substantial, requiring adequate space for placement. Additionally, while it offers impressive performance for the price, those seeking the absolute lowest frequencies may need to consider more specialized subwoofer options.

Specification

PASSPORT DATA

Type – active subwoofer

Name – Polk Audio HTS SUB 12

Acoustic design – bass reflex

Output power, W – 400

Frequency response, Hz – 22 — 180 (- 10 dB)

Number of speakers – 1 | Diffuser – 300 cm

Audio inputs – RCA, LFE | Audio outputs – no

Dimensions, mm – 355 x 406 x 406

Weight, kg – 22.6