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Polk Audio Monitor XT90 vs Polk XT60 Comparison

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Speaker to replace
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Polk Audio Monitor XT90

Passive Surround | 94-22k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT90
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Polk XT60

Passive Floor-standing | 38-40k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT60
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Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Polk Audio Monitor X...
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Polk  XT60 Polk XT60
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Polk Audio Monitor X...
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Polk XT60
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Polk Audio Monitor XT90 vs Polk XT60 Speaker Comparison

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 XT60 is a Floor-standing speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk Audio Monitor XT90 and Polk XT60 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 XT60 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
  • 38-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-200watts
  • Weight:9.09kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 36-9/16" x 9-1/16" x 9-15/16" ( 929.0 x 231.0 x 253.0mm )

Monitor XT90 and XT60 are members of Polk Audio's Monitor XT series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Polk Audio Monitor XT Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk XT15
  
Bookshelf 48-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk XT60
Floor-standing 38-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT20
  
Bookshelf 38-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT70
  
Floor-standing 35-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk XT35
  
Center Channel 57-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 4 x 3"
Polk XT30
  
Center Channel 55-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Surround 94-22k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 4"

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 and Polk XT60 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 XT90 is a 1-way design whereas the XT60 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 XT60
Driver Setup 1-way 2-way
Tweeter -inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 4-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

Monitor XT90 features a " Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer . On the other hand, the XT60 features a 1" Terylene dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .

Frequency Response

Monitor XT90 has a frequency range of 94-22k Hz whereas XT60 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT60 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

Monitor XT90
XT60
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Surround Speakers

Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Polk XT60
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 XT90 and XT60 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 XT60's is at 86 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT60, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Surround Speakers

Monitor XT90
XT60
Min
Average
Max

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

Monitor XT90 features 5-Way post type posts and XT60 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 XT60's external dimensions. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has external dimensions of ( ) whereas Polk XT60 has external dimensions of 929.0 x 231.0 x 253.0mm ( 36-9/16 x 9-1/16 x 9-15/16inch) .

Polk XT60 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 231mm wider, 929mm taller and 253mm deeper than Polk Audio Monitor XT90.

What's in the Box of Polk XT60?

Here are the items that come with the XT60:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration


Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT90 over Polk Audio Monitor XT60
Sensitivity 89 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
High Frequency Response 22000k Hz vs 40k Hz Generates higher frequency
Height 0mm vs 929mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area 0cm2 vs 584cm2 Takes less floor space
Price per pair* 119USD vs 498USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT60 over Polk Audio Monitor XT90

Driver Setup 2-way vs 1-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response 38 Hz vs 94 Hz Generates deeper bass
Passive Radiator two 6-1/2-inch vs None Increases the bass performance
Dolby Atmos Drivers Optional vs No Dolby Atmos Compatibility
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 vs Polk XT60 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Polk Audio Monitor XT60
Brand Polk Audio Polk Audio
Speaker Type Surround speaker Floor-standing speaker
Sensitivity 89 dB 86 dB
Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
Frequency Response 94-22k Hz 38-40k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 1 1
Woofer Size 4" 6.5"
Woofer Composition Bi-laminate paper
Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
Tweeter Size - 1"
Tweeter Type n/a dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Physical Specs
Height mm (0") 929.0mm (36.6")
Width mm (0") 231.0mm (9.1")
Depth mm (0") 253.0mm (10")
Weight n/a 9.09kg (20lbs)
Enclosure Passive Radiator
Finish MDF, Vinyl MDF, Vinyl
Available Colors Black Black
Grille n/a Yes
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Biamp Inputs n/a No
Other
Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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