In this review, we will be comparing XT20 and XT15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Polk Audio Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT20 and Polk XT15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
XT20 and XT15 are members of Polk Audio's Monitor XT series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the Polk XT20 and Polk XT15 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 Polk XT15 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 XT15 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT20 |
Polk XT15 |
|
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 XT15 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz whereas XT15 has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the XT15'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 XT15 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT20 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the XT15's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk XT20 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.
XT20 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas XT15 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 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 XT15 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 Polk XT15'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 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) .
Polk XT20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 62mm taller and 98mm deeper than Polk XT15.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk XT20 and Polk XT15 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk XT20 and Polk XT15 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 Polk XT15 is approximately 305.6cm2 / 47.4inch2. The XT20 requires 77% more surface area than the XT15 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 Polk XT15 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 Polk XT15 weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs. This makes the XT20 33% heavier than the XT15.
Here is a comparison of how XT20 and XT15'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 Polk XT15?
Here are the items that come with the XT15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
270mm
vs
332mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
305cm2 (167x183mm)
vs
542cm2 (193x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
Polk Audio Monitor XT15 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-40k Hz |
48-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Bi-laminate paper |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
183.0mm (7.2") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
4.09kg (9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
28-32" |
| 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 |