In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Monitor XT35 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Monitor XT90 is a Surround speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT35 and Polk Audio Monitor XT90 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): 4-3/16" x 24-7/16" x 5-9/16" ( 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm )
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Key Specs
- 1-way Design
- " Tweeter
- 4" Woofer
- 94-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Weight:kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 5-11/16" x 7-9/16" x 8-1/2"
Monitor XT35 and Monitor XT90 are members of Polk Audio's Monitor XT series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk XT35 and Polk Audio Monitor XT90 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Monitor XT35 is a 2-way design whereas the Monitor XT90 is a 1-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Polk XT35 |
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
1-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3-inch
|
1 x 4-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 XT90 features a " Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas Monitor XT90 has a frequency range of 94-22k 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 Monitor XT90's min frequency of 94Hz.
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 XT90 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 XT90's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Monitor XT35 features 5-Way post type posts and Monitor XT90 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT35'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 XT35's and Polk Audio Monitor XT90'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 Audio Monitor XT90 has external dimensions of ( ) .
Polk XT35 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 621mm wider, 107mm taller and 142mm deeper than Polk Audio Monitor XT90.
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