In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT20 and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M 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 XT20 and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk XT20 |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500M's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M 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.
XT20 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 125 watts less than the XT20.
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 Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts 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 Klipsch RP-500M'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 Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 20mm narrower and 40mm less deeper than Polk XT20 but it is also 11mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk XT20 and Klipsch RP-500M in scale.
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 Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The XT20 requires 30% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the XT20 1% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and RP-500M'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 Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
332mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
579USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
542cm2 (193x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-200 watts |
up to 75 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
93 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
28-30" |
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 |