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Polk Audio XT15 Review
Polk Audio Monitor XT15

Main Features

  • 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:9.00 lbs / 4.09 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 10-5/8"x6-9/16"x7-3/16" / 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm
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Polk XT15 Review
Polk XT15 Polk XT15
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Polk Audio Monitor XT15 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Polk XT15 has an MSRP of 199$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk XT15 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Polk Audio's Monitor XT Series of Loudspeakers

XT15 is a member of Polk Audio's Monitor XT series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Polk Audio Monitor XT Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk XT15
48-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk XT60
Compare
38-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT20
Compare
38-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT70
Compare
35-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Polk XT15 Speaker

Polk XT15 has a Frequency response range of 48-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, XT15 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk XT15, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how XT15's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk XT15
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk XT15
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk XT15's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk XT15
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Monitor XT15 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Polk Audio Monitor XT15 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk XT15:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

XT15 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Polk XT15 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk XT15 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 10-5/8 x 6-9/16 x 7-3/16inch (270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk XT15 is approximately 305.6cm2 / 47.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk XT15, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk XT15 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk XT15 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk XT15 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Polk XT15 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Polk XT15 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Polk XT15 weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how XT15's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Polk XT15
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Polk XT15
Min
Average
Max

How does the Polk XT15 compare to the Polk Audio Monitor XT20?

One of the natural alternative to the Polk XT15 is the XT20 which is located one step higher in Polk Audio's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Polk XT15 vs Polk XT20 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk XT15 and Polk XT20 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Polk XT15 vs XT20 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk XT15 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF, Vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Polk XT15 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

Polk XT15 is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

XT15 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Polk XT15 come with a Grille?

XT15 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

What's in the Box of Polk XT15?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT15:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (attached)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Monitor XT15.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Polk Audio Monitor XT15 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk XT20
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
    Polk ES15
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
    Polk ES10
    Compare
    2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 78-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-41M
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
    Sony SS-CS5
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 53-50k Hz
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    Polk S15
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-40k Hz
    JBL A120
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 60-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Monitor XT15
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Monitor XT15
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Monitor XT15
    is the Polk Audio Monitor XT15 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk XT15 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Monitor XT15
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-150 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response48-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionBi-laminate paper
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height270.0mm ( 10-5/8-inch)
    Width167.0mm ( 6-9/16-inch)
    Depth183.0mm ( 7-3/16-inch)
    Height270.0mm ( 10-5/8-inch)
    Weight4.09kg ( 9.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height28-32
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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