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Polk XT35 vs Klipsch R-34C Comparison

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Polk XT35

Passive Center Channel | 57-40k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT35
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Klipsch R-34C

Passive Center Channel | 82-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-34C
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Polk XT35 Polk XT35
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Klipsch R-34C Klipsch R-34C
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Polk XT35
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Klipsch R-34C
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Polk XT35 vs Klipsch R-34C Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk XT35 and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Polk XT35 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" High-res dome Tweeter
  • 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
  • 57-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-200watts
  • Weight:6.36kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 5-9/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm )

Klipsch R-34C Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
  • 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer
  • 82-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:5.91kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-1/4"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm )

What size room are the Polk XT35 and Klipsch R-34C 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 XT35 Klipsch R-34C
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 XT35 and Klipsch R-34C 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 XT35 and R-34C are 2-way speakers.

Driver Polk XT35 Klipsch R-34C
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 4 x 3-inch 4 x 3.5-inch

Monitor XT35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer . On the other hand, the R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer .

Frequency Response

Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Monitor XT35 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.

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

Monitor XT35
R-34C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Polk XT35
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Max

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 XT35 and R-34C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor XT35 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-34C's is at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Monitor XT35
R-34C
Min
Average
Max

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 XT35 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Monitor XT35.

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 XT35 features Binding post type posts and R-34C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Polk XT35 Terminals
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals

Klipsch R-34CBinding post Terminals
Klipsch R-34C's Binding 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 XT35's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. Polk XT35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 5-9/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) .

Klipsch R-34C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41mm wider, 19mm taller and 17mm deeper than Polk XT35.

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 XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 16% less surface area than the R-34C 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 XT35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Monitor XT35 8% heavier than the R-34C.

Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and R-34C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Polk XT35?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT35:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Wall-Mount Template
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?

    Here are the items that come with the R-34C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT35 over Klipsch Reference R-34C
    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 57 Hz vs 82 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 107mm vs 126mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 881cm2 vs 1052cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-34C over Polk Audio Monitor XT35

    Sensitivity 96 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 3.5 inches vs 3 inches Larger woofer
    Polk XT35 vs Klipsch R-34C Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Audio Monitor XT35 Klipsch Reference R-34C
    Brand Polk Audio Klipsch
    Speaker Type Low-profile center channel speaker Center channel speaker
    Power Range 25-200 watts up to 100 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 96 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 57-40k Hz 82-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 4 4
    Woofer Size 3" 3.5"
    Woofer Composition bi-laminate paper cone copper spun IMG
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type High-res dome Tractrix horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver N/A" N/A"
    Firing Direction rear n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 107.0mm (4.2") 126.0mm (5")
    Width 621.0mm (24.4") 662.0mm (26.1")
    Depth 142.0mm (5.6") 159.0mm (6.3")
    Weight 6.36kg (14lbs) 5.91kg (13lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a textured wood grain viny
    Available Colors Black Black
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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