In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and Monitor XT30, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Polk Audio
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT35 and Polk XT30 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 )
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 )
What size room are the Polk XT35 and Polk XT30 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 |
Polk XT30 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| 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 XT35 and Polk XT30 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 Monitor XT30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT35 |
Polk XT30 |
|
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 Monitor XT30 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas Monitor XT30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Monitor XT30 can go slightly deeper then the Monitor XT35's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 Monitor XT30 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 Monitor XT30's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk XT30 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.
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 5-Way post type posts and Monitor XT30 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
Polk XT30's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Monitor XT35 and Monitor XT30 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 XT35's and Polk XT30'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 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) .
Polk XT35 is 59mm shorter and 66mm less deeper than Polk XT30 but it is also 136mm 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 Polk XT30 is approximately 1008.8cm2 / 156.4inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 13% less surface area than the Monitor XT30 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 Polk XT30 weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Monitor XT35 8% heavier than the Monitor XT30.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and Monitor XT30'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 Polk XT30?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT30:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
107mm
vs
166mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
881cm2
vs
1008cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio Monitor XT35 |
Polk Audio Monitor XT30 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-200 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-40k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
bi-laminate paper cone |
bi-laminate paper cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
107.0mm (4.2") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
142.0mm (5.6") |
208.0mm (8.2") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| 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 |