In this review, we will be comparing XT15 and Bronze 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT15 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk XT15 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 48-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:4.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 270.0" x 6-9/16" x 7-3/16"( 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm )
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.5" C-CAM Woofer
- 55-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-70watts
- Weight:3.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 260.0" x 6.4" x 8.0"( 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm )
What size room are the Polk XT15 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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* |
Polk XT15 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* 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 Polk XT15 and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 XT15 and Bronze 1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT15 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
XT15 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Bronze 1 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
XT15 has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz whereas Bronze 1 has a frequency range of 55-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the XT15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Bronze 1's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
XT15 and Bronze 1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT15 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Bronze 1's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT15, 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.
XT15 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 1 has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the XT15.
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
XT15 features Post type posts and Bronze 1 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Bronze 1's Post terminals
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Port
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 Polk XT15's and Monitor Audio Bronze 1's external dimensions. Polk XT15 has external dimensions of 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm ( 10-5/8 x 6-9/16 x 7-3/16inch) whereas Monitor Audio Bronze 1 has external dimensions of 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm ( 10.2 x 6.4 x 8.0inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 is 2mm narrower and 10mm shorter than Polk XT15 but it is also 22mm 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 Polk XT15 is approximately 305.6cm2 / 47.4inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 is approximately 338.3cm2 / 52.4inch2. The XT15 requires 10% less surface area than the Bronze 1 which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk XT15 weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs and the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 weighs 3.50kg / 7.7lbs. This makes the XT15 17% heavier than the Bronze 1.
Here is a comparison of how XT15 and Bronze 1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk XT15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 1?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
70 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
305cm2
vs
338cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
260mm
vs
270mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT15 |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
20-70 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-40k Hz |
55-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
C-CAM |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
270.0mm (10.6") |
260.0mm (10.2") |
| Width |
167.0mm (6.6") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
| Depth |
183.0mm (7.2") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Weight |
4.09kg (9lbs) |
3.50kg (7.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-32" |
30-31" |
| 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 |