In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and GoldenEar. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2 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 Polk XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk XT20 |
GoldenEar Aon 2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6-inch
|
XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the GoldenEar Aon 2 features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas GoldenEar Aon 2 has a frequency range of 42-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go slightly deeper then the GoldenEar Aon 2's min frequency of 42Hz.
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
XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the GoldenEar Aon 2's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the GoldenEar Aon 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT20, 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.
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
XT20 features 5-way post type posts and GoldenEar Aon 2 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 Polk XT20's and GoldenEar Aon 2's external dimensions. 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) whereas GoldenEar Aon 2 has external dimensions of 305.0 x 204.0 x 258.0mm ( 12 x 8 x 10-1/8inch) .
GoldenEar Aon 2 is 27mm shorter and 23mm less deeper than Polk XT20 but it is also 11mm 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 Polk XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar Aon 2 is approximately 526.3cm2 / 81.6inch2. The XT20 requires 3% more surface area than the GoldenEar Aon 2 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 Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the GoldenEar Aon 2 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and GoldenEar Aon 2'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 XT20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of GoldenEar Aon 2?
Here are the items that come with the GoldenEar Aon 2:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Key-hole hanger
2 Screws
Owner's Manual
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
42 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
898USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Passive Radiator |
two 6-1/2
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
305mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
526cm2 (204x258mm)
vs
542cm2 (193x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
GoldenEar Aon 2 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
GoldenEar |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-200 watts |
10-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
42-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6" |
Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Folded Ribbon |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
305.0mm (12") |
Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
204.0mm (8") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
258.0mm (10.2") |
Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Yes |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
26-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |