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Polk XT35 vs Polk ES35 Comparison

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Polk XT35

Passive Center Channel | 57-40k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT35
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Polk ES35

Passive Center Channel | 66-40k Hz

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35
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Polk XT35 Polk XT35
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Polk ES35 Polk ES35
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Polk XT35
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Polk ES35
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Polk XT35 vs Polk ES35 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and ES35, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Polk Audio

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk XT35 and Polk ES35 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 ES35 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" High-res dome Tweeter
  • 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer
  • 66-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-150watts
  • Weight:6.36kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 6-1/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm )

What size room are the Polk XT35 and Polk ES35 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 ES35
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 ES35 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 ES35 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Polk XT35 Polk ES35
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 4 x 3-inch 6 x 3-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 ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .

Frequency Response

Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k 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 ES35's min frequency of 66Hz.

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
ES35
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Polk XT35
Polk ES35
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 ES35 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 ES35's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk ES35 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT35, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Monitor XT35
ES35
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 ES35 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 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 5-Way post type posts and ES35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

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

Polk ES355-Way post Terminals
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both Monitor XT35 and ES35 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.

Polk ES35  Port
Polk ES35 Port

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 ES35'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 ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) .

Polk XT35 has the same height and width with Polk ES35. On the other hand, with a thickness of 142.0mm, it is 12mm less deeper.

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 ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 8% less surface area than the ES35 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 ES35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs.

Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and ES35's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Polk ES35
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 Polk ES35?

    Here are the items that come with the ES35:
  • LCR loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Wall-mount template
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration

  • Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT35 over Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35
    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 150 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 57 Hz vs 66 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Base Surface Area 881cm2 vs 956cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 299USD vs 399USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 over Polk Audio Monitor XT35

    Sensitivity 89 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Number of Woofers 6 vs 4 More woofers
    Polk XT35 vs Polk ES35 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Audio Monitor XT35 Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35
    Brand Polk Audio Polk Audio
    Speaker Type Low-profile center channel speaker Low-profile center channel speaker
    Power Range 25-200 watts 20-150 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 89 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 57-40k Hz 66-40k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 4 6
    Woofer Size 3" 3"
    Woofer Composition bi-laminate paper cone mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance
    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") 107.0mm (4.2")
    Width 621.0mm (24.4") 621.0mm (24.4")
    Depth 142.0mm (5.6") 154.0mm (6.1")
    Weight 6.36kg (14lbs) 6.36kg (14lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF, Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black, Walnut, White
    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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