In this review, we will be comparing Studio 630 and XT20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL Studio 630 and Polk XT20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL Studio 630 and Polk XT20 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL Studio 630 and Polk XT20 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Studio 630 and XT20 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
JBL Studio 630 |
Polk XT20 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Studio 630 features a 1" High Frequency Compression Tweeter and 1 x 6.25" PolyPlas Woofer . On the other hand, the XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Studio 630 has a frequency range of 45-40k Hz whereas XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Studio 630's min frequency of 45Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Studio 630 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the XT20 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Studio 630 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the XT20's is rated at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk XT20 a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Studio 630, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Studio 630 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Studio 630 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the XT20.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Studio 630 features 5-Way post type posts and XT20 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL Studio 630's and Polk XT20's external dimensions. JBL Studio 630 has external dimensions of 230 x 280 x 372mm ( 14.6 x 9-1/16inch x 11-1/16inch ) whereas Polk XT20 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) .
Polk XT20 is 37mm narrower and 40mm shorter than JBL Studio 630 but it is also 1mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the JBL Studio 630 is approximately 644.0cm2 / 99.8inch2 and base area of the Polk XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2. The Studio 630 requires 19% more surface area than the XT20 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL Studio 630 weighs 9.02kg / 19.8lbs and the Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs. This makes the Studio 630 66% heavier than the XT20.
Here is a comparison of how Studio 630 and XT20's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL Studio 630?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Studio 630:
2 x JBL Studio 630 Bookshelf Loudspeaker 1 x Owner’s Manual 1 x Warranty Card 8 x Feet Pads
What's in the Box of Polk XT20?
Here are the items that come with the XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
332mm
vs
372mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
542cm2 (193x281mm)
vs
644cm2 (230x280mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
JBL Studio 630 |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
Brand |
JBL |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
30-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
85 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45-40k Hz |
38-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
PolyPlas |
Bi-laminate paper |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
High Frequency Compression |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
372.0mm (14.6") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
Width |
230.0mm (9.1") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
Depth |
280.0mm (11") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
Weight |
9.02kg (19.8lbs) |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF, Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Wood, Dark Wood |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |