In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and R-52C, 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-52C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT35 and Klipsch R-52C 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 XT35 and Klipsch R-52C 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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Drivers
Both Monitor XT35 and R-52C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT35 |
Klipsch R-52C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k 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-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
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 XT35 and R-52C 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-52C's is at 95 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, 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 XT35 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-52C 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-52C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch R-52C'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-52C'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-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch) .
Polk XT35 is 73mm shorter and 54mm less deeper than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 143mm 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 XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 6% less surface area than the R-52C 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-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs. This makes the Monitor XT35 100% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and R-52C'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 XT35?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT35:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-52C?
Here are the items that come with the R-52C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
881cm2 (621x142mm)
vs
936cm2 (478x196mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT35 |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
| 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 |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-40k Hz |
89-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5.25" |
| 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") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Depth |
142.0mm (5.6") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
wood grain vinyl |
| 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 |