In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is a Surround speaker whereas the XT15 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio Monitor XT90 and Polk XT15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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"
Polk XT15 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 48-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:4.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 10-5/8" x 6-9/16" x 7-3/16" ( 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm )
Monitor XT90 and XT15 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 Audio Monitor XT90 and Polk XT15 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Monitor XT90 is a 1-way design whereas the XT15 is a 2-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 Audio Monitor XT90 |
Polk XT15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
1-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Monitor XT90 features a " Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer . On the other hand, the XT15 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
Monitor XT90 has a frequency range of 94-22k Hz whereas XT15 has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the XT15 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 Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
High Frequency
Surround 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 XT90 and XT15 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor XT90 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the XT15's is at 86 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT15, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Monitor XT90 features 5-Way post type posts and XT15 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Audio Monitor XT90's and Polk XT15's external dimensions. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has external dimensions of ( ) whereas Polk XT15 has external dimensions of 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm ( 10-5/8 x 6-9/16 x 7-3/16inch) .
Polk XT15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 167mm wider, 270mm taller and 183mm deeper than Polk Audio Monitor XT90.
What's in the Box of Polk XT15?
Here are the items that come with the XT15:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (attached)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration