In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and Alpha P5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and PSB.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and PSB P5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk XT20 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 38-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:5.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 332.0" x 7-9/16" x 11-1/16"( 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm )
PSB P5 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer
- 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-90watts
- Weight:4.61kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 289.0" x 6-3/4" x 10"( 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm )
What size room are the Polk XT20 and PSB P5 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 XT20 |
PSB P5 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 XT20 and PSB P5 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 XT20 and Alpha P5 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT20 |
PSB P5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-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 Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha P5'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
XT20 and Alpha P5 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Alpha P5's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the PSB P5 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 Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 110 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 5-way post type posts and Alpha P5 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB P5'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 Polk XT20's and PSB P5'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 PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm ( 11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) .
Polk XT20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 43mm taller and 27mm deeper than PSB P5.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk XT20 and PSB P5 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk XT20 and PSB P5 Size and External Dimensions
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 PSB P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2. The XT20 requires 24% more surface area than the Alpha P5 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:
Size Comparison image of Polk XT20 and PSB P5 on a Media Console
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 PSB P5 weighs 4.61kg / 10.1lbs. This makes the XT20 18% heavier than the Alpha P5.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and Alpha P5'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 PSB P5?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
90 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
449USD
|
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 |
 Height |
289mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
436cm2
vs
542cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
PSB Alpha P5 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
10-90 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
4.61kg (10.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut,Black Ash |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| 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 |