In this review, we will be comparing R-25C and Monitor XT35, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Polk XT35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch Reference R-25C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer
- 82-24K Hz Frequency Response
- 98 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:6.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 184.0" x 18.75" x 7.25"( 184 x 476 x 184mm )
Polk XT35 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
- 57-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-200watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 5-9/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Polk XT35 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Polk XT35 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Polk XT35 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 R-25C and Monitor XT35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Polk XT35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 3-inch
|
R-25C features a " LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) aluminum diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800 Hz. On the other hand, the Monitor XT35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Monitor XT35 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-25C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
R-25C and Monitor XT35 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-25C sensitivity is rated at 98 dB and the Monitor XT35's is at 87 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
R-25C can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-25C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Monitor XT35.
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
R-25C features 5-Way post type posts and Monitor XT35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch Reference R-25C's Binding post terminals
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
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 Klipsch Reference R-25C's and Polk XT35's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R-25C has external dimensions of 184 x 476 x 184mm ( 7.25 x 18.75 x 7.25-inch) whereas Polk XT35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 5-9/16inch) .
Polk XT35 is 77mm shorter and 42mm less deeper than Klipsch Reference R-25C but it is also 145mm wider.
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 Klipsch Reference R-25C is approximately 876.0cm2 / 135.8inch2 and base area of the Polk XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2. The R-25C requires 1% less surface area than the Monitor XT35 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.