In this review, we will be comparing Monitor XT35 and Revel Performa3 C205, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT35 and Revel Performa3 C205 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk XT35 and Revel Performa3 C205 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 Revel Performa3 C205 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 Revel Performa3 C205 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT35 |
Revel Performa3 C205 |
|
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 Revel Performa3 C205 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT35 has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C205 has a frequency range of 80Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Monitor XT35 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel Performa3 C205's min frequency of 80Hz.
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 Revel Performa3 C205 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 Revel Performa3 C205's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Revel Performa3 C205 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 Revel Performa3 C205 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 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 Revel Performa3 C205 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk XT35's 5-Way post terminals
Revel Performa3 C205'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 Revel Performa3 C205'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 Revel Performa3 C205 has external dimensions of 207.0 x 535.0 x 294.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 21-1/16 x 11-9/16inch) .
Polk XT35 is 100mm shorter and 152mm less deeper than Revel Performa3 C205 but it is also 86mm 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 Revel Performa3 C205 is approximately 1572.9cm2 / 243.8inch2. The Monitor XT35 requires 44% less surface area than the Revel Performa3 C205 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 Revel Performa3 C205 weighs 11.86kg / 26.1lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C205 86% heavier than the Monitor XT35.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35 and Revel Performa3 C205'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 Revel Performa3 C205?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C205:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feetOwners Manual
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
207mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
881cm2 (621x142mm)
vs
1572cm2 (535x294mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
1100USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
89 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 |
Revel Performa3 C205 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-200 watts |
50-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-40k Hz |
80Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
bi-laminate paper cone |
aluminum cone with cast frames |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
107.0mm (4.2") |
207.0mm (8.1") |
| Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
535.0mm (21.1") |
| Depth |
142.0mm (5.6") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
11.86kg (26.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |