In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT30 and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT30 and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk XT30 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
- 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:5.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 166.0" x 19-1/16" x 8-3/16"( 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 175.0" x 18-9/16" x 10"( 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm )
What size room are the Polk XT30 and Klipsch RP-500C 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 XT30 |
Klipsch RP-500C |
| 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 XT30 and Klipsch RP-500C 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 Monitor XT30 and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT30 |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Monitor XT30 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Monitor XT30 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500C's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Monitor XT30 and RP-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor XT30 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-500C's is at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT30, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Monitor XT30 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Monitor XT30.
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
Monitor XT30 features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT30's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch RP-500C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Monitor XT30 and RP-500C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 XT30's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. Polk XT30 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm ( 6-1/2 x 19-1/16 x 8-3/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch) .
Polk XT30 is 9mm shorter and 46mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500C but it is also 13mm 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 XT30 is approximately 1008.8cm2 / 156.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The Monitor XT30 requires 16% less surface area than the RP-500C which gives it a small advantage 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 XT30 weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 38% heavier than the Monitor XT30.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT30 and RP-500C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk XT30?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT30:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
166mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1008cm2
vs
1198cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT30 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-40k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
bi-laminate paper cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
166.0mm (6.5") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
485.0mm (19.1") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
208.0mm (8.2") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |