In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and Monitor SE Atom, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Paradigm. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and Paradigm SE Atom first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT20 and Paradigm SE Atom 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 Paradigm SE Atom 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 Monitor SE Atom are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT20 |
Paradigm SE Atom |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Monitor SE Atom features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas Monitor SE Atom has a frequency range of 61-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE Atom's min frequency of 61Hz.
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 Monitor SE Atom have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Monitor SE Atom's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE Atom 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 Monitor SE Atom has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 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 Post type posts and Monitor SE Atom has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE Atom's 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 Paradigm SE Atom'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 Paradigm SE Atom has external dimensions of 324.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) .
Polk XT20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12mm wider, 8mm taller and 4mm deeper than Paradigm SE Atom.
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 Paradigm SE Atom is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2. The XT20 requires 8% more surface area than the Monitor SE Atom 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 Paradigm SE Atom weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and Monitor SE Atom'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 Paradigm SE Atom?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor SE Atom:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
2 Grilles
8 Rubber feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
300USD
|
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 |
324mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
501cm2 (181x277mm)
vs
542cm2 (193x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
15-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
61-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
324.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Matte Black,Gloss White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
26-28" |
| 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 |