In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Monitor XT30 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the XT70 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT30 and Polk XT70 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): 6-1/2" x 19-1/16" x 8-3/16" ( 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm )
Polk XT70 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 35-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-200watts
- Weight:15.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 40-9/16" x 10-13/16" x 13-3/8" ( 1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm )
Monitor XT30 and XT70 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 XT30 and Polk XT70 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 |
Polk XT70 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 Polk XT70 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 Monitor XT30 and XT70 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT30 |
Polk XT70 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 XT70 features a 1" Terylene dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz whereas XT70 has a frequency range of 35-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the XT70 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor XT30'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 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 XT70 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 XT70's is at 86 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk XT30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT70, 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.
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 5-Way post type posts and XT70 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT30'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 XT30's and Polk XT70'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 Polk XT70 has external dimensions of 1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm ( 40-9/16 x 10-13/16 x 13-3/8inch) .
Polk XT30 is 865mm shorter and 132mm less deeper than Polk XT70 but it is also 210mm 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 Polk XT70 is approximately 935.0cm2 / 144.9inch2. The Monitor XT30 requires 8% more surface area than the XT70 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Polk XT30?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT30:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille (attached)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration
- Wall-Mount Template
What's in the Box of Polk XT70?
Here are the items that come with the XT70:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Grille (attached)
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration