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Polk XT70 vs Paradigm SE 3000F Comparison

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Polk XT70

Passive Floor-standing | 35-40k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT70
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Paradigm SE 3000F

Passive Floor-standing | 55-21k Hz

Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F
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Polk XT70 Polk XT70
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Paradigm SE 3000F Paradigm SE 3000F
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Polk XT70
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Paradigm SE 3000F
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Polk XT70 vs Paradigm SE 3000F Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing XT70 and SE 3000F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Polk Audio and Paradigm.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk XT70 and Paradigm SE 3000F first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Polk XT70 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
  • 35-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-200watts
  • Weight:15.91kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1031.0" x 10-13/16" x 13-3/8"( 1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm )

Paradigm SE 3000F Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Tweeter
  • 5.5" Midrange
  • 2 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
  • 5.5" Midrange
  • 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-100watts
  • Weight:15.91kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1007.0" x 8-15/16" x 10-15/16"( 1007.0 x 228.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the Polk XT70 and Paradigm SE 3000F 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 XT70 Paradigm SE 3000F
Near-field Bad Poor
Small Room Poor Average
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Good Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 XT70 and Paradigm SE 3000F 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 XT70 is a 2-way design whereas the SE 3000F is a 3-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 XT70 Paradigm SE 3000F
Driver Setup 2-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - 1 x 5.5-inch
Woofer 2 x 6.5-inch 2 x 5.5-inch

XT70 features a 1" Terylene dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the SE 3000F features a 1" Tweeter , a 5.5" Midrange and 2 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .

Frequency Response

XT70 has a frequency range of 35-40k Hz whereas SE 3000F has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the XT70 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SE 3000F's min frequency of 55Hz.

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 Floor-standing class in our database.

Low Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

XT70
SE 3000F
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

Polk XT70
Paradigm SE 3000F
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

XT70 and SE 3000F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT70 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the SE 3000F's is at 91 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE 3000F a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT70, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Floor-standing Speakers

XT70
SE 3000F
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.

XT70 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SE 3000F has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the XT70.

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

XT70 features Post type posts and SE 3000F has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Paradigm SE 3000FPost Terminals
Paradigm SE 3000F's 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 XT70's and Paradigm SE 3000F's external dimensions. Polk XT70 has external dimensions of 1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm ( 40-9/16 x 10-13/16 x 13-3/8inch) whereas Paradigm SE 3000F has external dimensions of 1007.0 x 228.0 x 278.0mm ( 39-5/8 x 8-15/16 x 10-15/16inch) .

Polk XT70 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 24mm taller and 62mm deeper than Paradigm SE 3000F.

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 XT70 is approximately 935.0cm2 / 144.9inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 3000F is approximately 633.8cm2 / 98.2inch2. The XT70 requires 48% more surface area than the SE 3000F which gives it a small disadvantage 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 XT70 weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs and the Paradigm SE 3000F weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs.

Here is a comparison of how XT70 and SE 3000F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Polk XT70
Paradigm SE 3000F
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Polk XT70?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT70:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 3000F?

    Here are the items that come with the SE 3000F:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker 4 Rubber feet 4 Spike feet Owner's Manual Online Registration Card Unboxing Instructions

  • Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT70 over Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F
    Max Input Power 200 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 35 Hz vs 55 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Passive Radiator two 8-inch vs None Increases the bass performance
    Dolby Atmos Drivers Optional vs No Dolby Atmos Compatibility
    Price per pair* 698USD vs 700USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F over Polk Audio Monitor XT70

    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Sensitivity 91 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Height 1007mm vs 1031mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 633cm2 vs 935cm2 Takes less floor space
    Polk XT70 vs Paradigm SE 3000F Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Audio Monitor XT70 Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F
    Brand Polk Audio Paradigm
    Speaker Type Floor-standing speaker Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range 25-200 watts 15-100 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 91 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 35-40k Hz 55-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.5"
    Woofer Composition Bi-laminate paper Mineral-filled polypropylene
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type dome n/a
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No 5.5"
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 1031.0mm (40.6") 1007.0mm (39.6")
    Width 275.0mm (10.8") 228.0mm (9")
    Depth 340.0mm (13.4") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 15.91kg (35lbs) 15.91kg (35lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF, Vinyl MDF/Vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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