Polk Audio Monitor XT20 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Polk XT20 has an MSRP of 299$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk XT20 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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
(* 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
XT20 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
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Frequency Response of the Polk XT20 Speaker
Polk XT20 has a Frequency response range of 38-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 38 Hz, XT20 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk XT20, 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 XT20'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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
Polk XT20's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Monitor XT20 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Polk Audio Monitor XT20 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 XT20:
Input Type
XT20 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk XT20 External Dimensions and Weight
Polk XT20 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 11-1/16inch (332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm ).
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 XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk XT20, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Polk XT20 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Polk XT20 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
Polk XT20 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how XT20's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Cabinet type and Materials
Polk XT20 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 XT20 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed)4 Spikes (pre-installed)4 Isolation pucks 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 XT20 is available in Black.
Wall Mounting
XT20 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Polk XT20 come with a Grille?
XT20 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 XT20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Monitor XT20.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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.