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Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered subwoofer (Washed Black Walnut)

Item # 107HTS12

I've been a Polk Audio home theater enthusiast for years, having owned several different-sized Polk systems that...

I've been a Polk Audio home theater enthusiast for years, having owned several different-sized Polk systems that...

11 questions - 38 answers

Item # 107HTS12

In stock
$549.00

About the Polk Audio HTS 12

Kramer Crane

Mark "movie night" as a special event on your calendar

I've been a Polk Audio home theater enthusiast for years, having owned several different-sized Polk systems that I've loved. If I was building a new surround sound system today, I'd strongly consider the HTS 12 for my all-important bass production.

Mark "movie night" as a special event on your calendar

I've been a Polk Audio home theater enthusiast for years, having owned several different-sized Polk systems that I've loved. If I was building a new surround sound system today, I'd strongly consider the HTS 12 for my all-important bass production.

This hard-hitting sub can fill even large rooms with deep, responsive bass. My hunch? If you're like me, you may look forward to watching movies with family or friends, just to show them how good the bass sounds.

Polk Audio HTS 12 powered subwoofer

The Polk Audio HTS 12 powered sub features a sleek, rounded enclosure and a removable grille.

A new design adds visual interest

This sleek sub features a hip, updated design with rounded corners and a slot on the bottom that shows off the flared, down-firing port — a bit of a departure from Polk's previous enclosures. Cosmetically, it's my favorite Polk sub design to date.

But the HTS 12 offers more than just good looks. It pairs a 12", front-firing driver with a 200-watt amp for impactful bass from music and movies. Use it as part of a stereo music system, or as part of a Polk Audio Signature home theater system.

Get the most out of your sub

Where you place your sub within your room makes a big difference in how it sounds. Check out our tips for placement and setup to get the best performance out of your system. 

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • bass-reflex (ported) enclosure with down-firing Power Port® for clear, accurate bass
  • 12" front-firing polypropylene woofer
  • 200-watt RMS (400-watt peak) Class D amplifier
  • frequency response: 28-120 Hz (-3dB)
  • RCA line level/LFE (low frequency effects) input
  • variable low-pass crossover control
  • phase switch to acoustically match the subwoofer's output to your main speakers
  • automatically powers off when it no longer receives signal from the receiver
  • 17-3/16"W x 18-13/16"H x 20-1/16"D
  • weight: 49.9 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years woofer, 3 years amplifier
  • MFR # AM7516-A

What's in the box:

  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 8' AC power cord
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online Product Registration sheet

Customer reviews for Polk Audio HTS 12

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5.0 out of 5 stars
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More details on the Polk Audio HTS 12

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Ported
Woofer Size (inches) 12
Woofer Composition Polypropylene
Firing Direction Front
Amplifier Output (watts) 200
Frequency Response 28-120 Hz
Connections
Preamp-Level Inputs LFE, Stereo RCA
Speaker-Level Inputs No
Speaker-Level Outputs No
Wireless No
Controls
Low-Pass Crossover Freq 40-160
High-Pass Crossover Freq None
Phase Switch Yes
App Control No
Remote No
Other Info
Height (inches) 18-13/16
Width (inches) 17-3/16
Depth (inches) 20-1/16
Weight 49.9 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty 5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty 5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty 3 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty 3 Years
The Polk Audio HTS 12 replaces these items:

Product Research

Features

12" Polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer: The HTS 12 houses a front-firing 12" polypropylene long-throw woofer with rubber surround for deep, accurate bass. The woofer incorporates Polk's patented Dynamic Balance technology and is Klippel optimized to provide clean, clear bass, better linearity, lower distortion, and greater durability.

200W Class D Amplifier: The Polk HTS 12 employs a 200 watt (RMS) / 400 watt (Peak) Class D amplifier for dynamic bass performance.

Power Port Technology: The Polk HTS 12 powered subwoofer utilizes floor-firing patented Power Port Technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise. The Power Port floor-firing design smoothly transitions air flow from the speaker into your listening area for deep, extended bass impact while minimizing turbulence, distortion, and port noise. At the port tuning frequency, Power Port equipped subwoofers have 3dB less port noise than similarly configured subwoofers without Power Port.

Non-Resonant Enclosure: The powered sub's strong, rigid, and acoustically inert curved enclosure reduces unwanted internal standing waves for less audible coloration. Its non-resonant Meddite MDF construction, with extra bracing and thick baffle, ensures a more lifelike sound.

Controls: Built-in controls for variable volume, low pass filter, and phase let you tune in optimum bass levels. All controls are found on the rear-panel of the powered sub.

  • Volume: The rotary volume knob adjusts the volume of the powered sub relative to the other speakers in the system.
  • Low-Pass Filter: The variable low-pass filter is adjustable from 40-160 Hz. The low-pass filter is only active for the powered sub's stereo RCA inputs. The low-pass filter is deactivated when using the powered sub's LFE input.
  • Phase: The phase switch allows you to select 0-degrees (normal) or 180-degrees (reverse). If the bass sounds muddy or unclear, toggling the phase control can sometimes strengthen the bass attack.

Line-Level Inputs: The Polk HTS 12 powered subwoofer is outfitted with an unfiltered LFE input and filtered stereo RCA inputs (subwoofer cable not included).

  • LFE Input (Unfiltered): The LFE input consists of an unfiltered mono-RCA jack (the LFE input bypasses the powered sub's variable low pass filter). Using the LFE input when connecting to an AV receiver or integrated amp with a filtered LFE output and built-in crossover control.
  • Stereo RCA Input (Filtered): The Stereo input consists of a left & right RCA jack (both jacks are filtered). Use the Stereo input when connecting to a receiver or integrated amp that does not have an LFE output, but does provide a preamp output.

Auto & DC Power On/Off: The powered subwoofer will automatically turn on when an audio signal is received and off when there is no audio signal for about 20 minutes. There is also a 12V trigger input on the back of powered sub which allows it to power on with your receiver or integrated amp that features a 12V trigger output (the 12V trigger provides a faster auto on/off).

Note: There is a switch on the back of the powered sub that indicates which power on/off method you will be using - Auto or DC.

Placement: You may place the powered subwoofer anywhere in your room, but it will perform best when it's on the same side of the room as your system's front speakers. Also, placing the subwoofer near a wall or in a corner will increase its loudness.

Frequency Response: The overall frequency response for the subwoofer is 22-180Hz, and the -3 dB frequency response is 28-120Hz.

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Customer Q&A

11 questions already asked

Q
Where should you set the volume and low pass knobs on the HTS12 if you're using a Marantz receiver?
brian  Jul 06, 2022
1 answer
A
That's a great question, Brian! There is always some personal preference involved in setting your subwoofer level, but we can talk through the basic steps for a good setup. If you are using the Marantz NR1711 that you got from us, it's super easy! Set your volume knob at 12 o clock, right at the little notch. You can also set the crossover at the same position, right at around 80hz. This is a good "middle of the road" setting for setup. After you set those settings make sure to re run the Audyssey speaker calibration setup again on your NR1711, it will auto calibrate the subwoofer level. Personally, I feel that can sometimes set the bass low so once that setup is done, feel free to adjust the volume up or down, or that crossover to your liking! I hope this helps Brian.
bo  Jul 07, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Does the Marantz NR1200 have enough power to drive a pair of cerwin vega xls215 speakers or do I need a pre amp with it?
john  Jan 19, 2022
2 answers
A
The NR1200 is a true 75 watt per channel stereo receiver which already has a preamp built in. I am not familiar with the XLS215 but the Marantz should have the juice to drive just about anything. If I remember correctly Vegas are 8ohms, ported and very efficient. That means that the speakers will have a clear flat response at very low listening levels. If you want to throw on some Zepplin and blow out the windows without distortion it should be a great match. I have an old Marantz 2270 which rated at 70 watts per channel but on the bench pegged over 90!. I drove a pair of very inefficient Bose 901 II's with it for years. You should be just fine!
michael  Jan 21, 2022
A
It would depend on your room size and preferences I believe. It powers my medium sized room set up just fine.
grant  Jan 20, 2022
Q
How does one connect to a mono signal RCA?
richard  Dec 06, 2020
2 answers
A
The sub has a mono RCA input on the back of it. You will just need a single LFE RCA cable to connect it to your source.
robert  Dec 06, 2020
A
I connected all 4 of mine through LFE on my reciver which is subwoofer out put i used Y connectors to add 4 from 2 outputs. Im not sure what u mean Mono output.
ralph  Dec 06, 2020
Q
What is the impedance/ohm rating on this sub?
james l  Apr 21, 2020
2 answers
A
The Polk Audio HTS 12 delivers 400W of peak power. The frequency response is of 22 to 180 Hz. The low pass filter is 40 to 160 Hz. It has an impedance of 8 Ohms. I hope this information helps.
donaldo  Apr 21, 2020
A
It is self powered. All you need is an LFE cable from your receiver and a power outlet. Awesome sub.
robert  Apr 21, 2020
Q
Is the grille metal or cloth?
marcus  Mar 29, 2019
8 answers
A
Ridgid Plastic with a cloth overlay. Nicely constructed!
john d  Mar 30, 2019
A
The grille is cloth.
thomas  Mar 29, 2019
A
Cloth
john  Mar 29, 2019
A
It is cloth, and is flush with the cabinet. Killer sub.
loran  Mar 29, 2019
A
cloth.
james  Mar 29, 2019
A
Black mesh cloth.
michael  Mar 29, 2019
A
Cloth
brent  Mar 29, 2019
A
Cloth
james  Mar 29, 2019
Q
Would it be ok to lay this subwoofer on it's side?
nicholas  Sep 09, 2018
8 answers
A
I do not see why not however I would recommend adding some type of rubber "feet" to eliminate vibration between the enclosure and floor. This sub is impressive and does a great job filling a room!
anthony  Sep 10, 2018
A
Should nbe fine, but you might decrease the output slightly, as the sound coming out of the vent (normally on the bottom) wouldn't be reinforced by reflecting off of the floor.
robert  Sep 09, 2018
A
That would block part of the airflow into the speaker box so I don't think that would be a good idea besides it's almost a perfect cube
michael  Sep 09, 2018
A
Not sure but I think it wouldn't be a good idea to get the best performance
balaji  Sep 09, 2018
A
I don't think that would be a good idea
michael  Sep 09, 2018
A
Oh I'm sure it would work for a while. I would not though due heat build up. I have had to replace mine due to amp failure. The air moves at the bottom sort of like a free air port. Also, I would think it would move a little on the throttling low frequency this sub creates.
john d  Sep 09, 2018
A
You could lay it on it's side. Just not the back {or front}.
james  Sep 09, 2018
A
I would not recommend it. No
reggie  Sep 09, 2018
Q
Why do I get a red flashing light from the power indicator after several hours of play in the auto sensor position? If I unplug the sub-woofer, it does regain its' power and plays without a hitch. No heat build up that is obvious. There seems to me that the unit is not receiving a signal? Does anyone have any thoughts? I will contact Crutchfield and /or Polk for further details for follow up.
john d  Apr 16, 2018
2 answers
A
Mine does the same thing. When I push it to hard it stops playing and I have the red flashing light from the rear. I had the gain to high on back of sub. I cut it down just a bit and all has been good.
cameron  Apr 16, 2018
A
We added two 2x4 boards to lift it off of the floor and we have never had any problem. I would recommend trying it to see if perhaps the heating up is happening. My neighbor plays in a band professionally and recommended it.
deidre  Apr 16, 2018
Q
Does the power cord plug in to the unit or is it hardwired?
john d  Feb 26, 2018
8 answers
A
separate cord that plugs into the back of unit
eddie  Feb 26, 2018
A
It plugs directly into the unit.
thomas  Feb 26, 2018
A
Plugs in
aaron  Feb 26, 2018
A
the power cord plugs into the unit and into the wall at the other end fantastic speaker -very very happy with it
greg  Feb 26, 2018
A
The power cord plugs into the unit. It is not hard-wired.
david  Feb 26, 2018
A
It plugs into the back
cameron  Feb 26, 2018
A
No, it is a separate cord.
wesley  Feb 26, 2018
A
It has it's own cord that plugs in and can be removed
ronald  Feb 26, 2018
Q
Can this sub woofer be kept inside a closed cabinet?
adam  Jan 02, 2023
1 answer
A
You can put it in a cabinet but, depending on how large or small it is, it may dramatically increase the boom or loudness of it. If you wanted to discuss your particular set up, we have knowledge advisors available at 800.324.9695 so please give us a call and we will be more than happy to dive deeper into your set up!
arielle  Jan 02, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Is this sub good for music? The write-ups focus on home theater, but I'm looking for something for a hi-fi setup, particularly to pair with a good turntable and Wharfedale speakers, I like a natural sound :)
michal  Mar 07, 2020
3 answers
A
I use it for movies and music. I'm not an expert on surround sound. I am very satisfied with this speaker and it compliments my system....
james  Apr 07, 2020
A
Hi Michal. I do play music quite often with all 9 of my speakers and the bass sounds very smooth never too deep I am more of a classic rock guy so i really cannot say how it handles classical music or Jazz but, for me its an outstanding all around Sub.
matthew  Apr 07, 2020
A
That's exactly what it produces very natural .excellent when listening to music very pleased with it
tony  Apr 06, 2020
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