In this review, we will be comparing Monitor SE 2000C and Monitor XT30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Paradigm and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm SE 2000C and Polk XT30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Paradigm SE 2000C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 65-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-100watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 19-3/4" x 11"( 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm )
Polk XT30 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
- 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:5.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 166.0" x 19-1/16" x 8-3/16"( 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm )
What size room are the Paradigm SE 2000C and Polk XT30 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* |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
Polk XT30 |
| 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 Paradigm SE 2000C and Polk XT30 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 Monitor SE 2000C and Monitor XT30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
Polk XT30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Monitor SE 2000C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Monitor XT30 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor SE 2000C has a frequency range of 65-21k Hz whereas Monitor XT30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Monitor XT30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE 2000C's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
Monitor SE 2000C and Monitor XT30 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor SE 2000C sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Monitor XT30's is at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE 2000C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT30, 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.
Monitor SE 2000C can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Monitor XT30.
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
Monitor SE 2000C features 5-Way post type posts and Monitor XT30 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE 2000C's Binding post terminals
Polk XT30'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 Paradigm SE 2000C's and Polk XT30's external dimensions. Paradigm SE 2000C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-3/4 x 11inch) whereas Polk XT30 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm ( 6-1/2 x 19-1/16 x 8-3/16inch) .
Paradigm SE 2000C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 17mm wider, 15mm taller and 72mm deeper than Polk XT30.
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 Paradigm SE 2000C is approximately 1405.6cm2 / 217.9inch2 and base area of the Polk XT30 is approximately 1008.8cm2 / 156.4inch2. The Monitor SE 2000C requires 39% more surface area than the Monitor XT30 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 Paradigm SE 2000C weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs and the Polk XT30 weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Monitor SE 2000C 46% heavier than the Monitor XT30.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor SE 2000C and Monitor XT30'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 Paradigm SE 2000C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor SE 2000C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration Card
What's in the Box of Polk XT30?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT30:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
166mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1008cm2
vs
1405cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
250USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C |
Polk Audio Monitor XT30 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
15-100 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-21k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
mineral-filled polypropylene |
bi-laminate paper cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Width |
502.0mm (19.8") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
280.0mm (11") |
208.0mm (8.2") |
| Weight |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |