In this review, we will be comparing R-30C 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 R-30C and Polk XT35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-30C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer
- 78-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-13/16"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm )
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 R-30C 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 R-30C |
Polk XT35 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 R-30C and Polk XT35 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R-30C and Monitor XT35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-30C |
Polk XT35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
4 x 3-inch
|
R-30C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 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-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k 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-30C's min frequency of 78Hz.
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-30C and Monitor XT35 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-30C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Monitor XT35's is at 87 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-30C 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-30C can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-30C 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-30C 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 R-30C's Binding post terminals
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-30C and Monitor XT35 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 R-30C's and Polk XT35's external dimensions. Klipsch R-30C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm ( 4-15/16inch x 26-1/16inch x 6-13/16inch ) 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) .
Klipsch R-30C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41mm wider, 19mm taller and 32mm deeper than Polk XT35.
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 R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2 and base area of the Polk XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2. The R-30C requires 31% more surface area than the Monitor XT35 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 Klipsch R-30C weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Polk XT35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs. This makes the Monitor XT35 27% heavier than the R-30C.
Here is a comparison of how R-30C and Monitor XT35's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-30C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-30C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Polk XT35?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT35:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
3.5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
78 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
126mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
881cm2
vs
1151cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-30C |
Polk Audio Monitor XT35 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
25-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
78-21k Hz |
57-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
3" |
| Woofer Composition |
spun-copper TCP |
bi-laminate paper cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1650 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
107.0mm (4.2") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
621.0mm (24.4") |
| Depth |
174.0mm (6.9") |
142.0mm (5.6") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Ported |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black,White,Mocha |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |